Home Improvements You Can Tackle When You’re Stuck At Home

If you find yourself at home with a little extra free time, put it to good use by giving your place a facelift. There’s never been a better time to transform your home into a sanctuary. Who doesn’t want to dwell inside a cozy oasis where you’re safe from the stressors of the outside world?

Many of these home improvement projects may already be on your to-do list. Thanks to online retailers, the tools you need can be ordered easily and delivered right to your door.

Ready to get started? The following tasks will take your spaces from blah to beautiful and make your time indoors a lot more pleasant.

Paint

Whether you paint an entire room, moldings and trim, or even just the doors, a fresh coat of color brings new energy to your space.

Or, head outside for some fresh air and give your front door a coat or two of a new hue. Switching up the shade of your front door can boost your curb appeal and change your home’s appearance.

And, if you’re thinking of selling your home in the near future, fresh paint can go a long way in helping you get your house sold for the best price. But before you pick up that paint brush, you may want to take a look at Zillow’s guide to paint colors that’ll boost (or hurt) your sale price.

Wallpaper

Not ready to make a long-term commitment? Afraid you won’t be able to put wallpaper up on your own? Consider removable, peel and stick wallpaper (all available online) to add a little fun and flair to your space.

Deep clean

When you’re trapped indoors for a while, you may begin to notice some areas aren’t looking as fresh as they could. We’re not talking about just a surface clean. When you’re cooped up it’s the time to go deeper and focus on those important but often-overlooked spots.

Pull out your fridge and clean those coils, which will make your appliance function more efficiently. Give the inside shelves a good scrubbing with soapy water.

You may also want to take a look at your dryer vent and do a deep cleaning, which can reduce the risk of fire.

Don’t forget everyone’s least favorite—windows. Though they’re a notorious pain to clean, there’s no substitute for sparkling, smudge-free glass.

Declutter

It’s hard to imagine a home that couldn’t benefit from a little decluttering. Even if you’re well-organized, you may have a pile of junk mail. Go through it, and if you find yourself buried in catalogs, stop them before they have a chance to flood your mailbox by visiting Catalog Choice.org, which allows you to unsubscribe from catalogs and other unwanted mail.

As you’re making space in your drawers and closets, you’re bound to find some items you no longer need or want. Consider donating them. You don’t even need to leave the house to do so, thanks to websites like DonationTown.org and PickUpPlease.org. Few things feel as cathartic as giving your items to a good cause. But if you could use an influx of cash, consider selling items through an online marketplace.

Update your hardware

Give your doors and kitchen and bathroom cabinets a makeover simply by switching out the hardware. Don’t underestimate the way door knobs, drawer pulls, and hinges contribute to the overall look and feel of a space. This is a simple project that elevates a room without breaking the bank or requiring too much effort.

Install a new thermostat

Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature as the seasons change isn’t cheap. To cut down on your energy costs and save on your utility bills, consider installing a
programmable thermostat. Or, better yet, a smart thermostat learns your preferences and adjusts accordingly, ensuring you’re cozy without wasting energy.

Landscape

Sick of being inside? Head outside and get some fresh air while working those muscles and sprucing up your property. Depending on the season, you can cut back any dead limbs, weed, rake leaves, or plant a garden. If you don’t have much outdoor space, you can always start with an indoor herb garden. A pop of green enhances your environment whether you’re inside or out.

So, whenever you find yourself with some extra time at home, you have plenty of little improvement projects you can tackle. Just prioritize your tasks and get going. Then, sit back and enjoy your newly-improved space.