Being stuck at home all winter tends to be no fun. But being stuck at home all winter in a home that doesn’t make you happy or fulfill your needs can be even worse.
Why not spend some time this season working on improvements that make your house feel infinitely more comfortable and livable? The following ideas are easy and quick enough to complete as weekend projects but will provide years of enjoyment in return. So grab your tool kit, and give your home a DIY-style refresh.
Seasonal upgrades
Here are a pair of essential weekend projects to tackle this time of year, regardless of where you live.
Seal drafty windows and doors
Drafty windows and doors can put a serious damper on your home’s comfort level, not to mention your electric bill. Run your hand around them to feel for cool air, and seal any cracks you find with caulk. An even easier fix for doors? Purchase a draft stopper to place under doors to prevent cool air from creeping into other rooms.
Test your detectors
Winter is a great time to check the batteries in your smoke detectors and other alarm systems and replace the batteries if needed. Also, make sure your detectors aren’t out of date—most are good for ten years.
Storage upgrades
What better time than the beginning of the year to prioritize organization? Storage upgrades can help you maximize your space to eliminate clutter and create peace and order throughout your home. When everything is in its place, it’s much easier to focus your attention on other improvements.
Built-ins
Built-ins can be beneficial just about anywhere in your home, but good places to start are your entryways and closets. You can purchase and install built-in shelving yourself, and relatively inexpensively, and it will provide enormous benefit when it comes to keeping your items concealed and tidy. In the entryway, consider installing floor-level cubicles to store things like shoes and umbrellas. Tall, rectangular cubicles can also be great for hanging coats. In your closets, built-ins can help keep similar items together and prevent clutter from accumulating.
Basement and attic organization
If you are currently using your basement or attic for storage purposes, but these spaces feel very disorganized, now is the time to tackle them. In the attic, start by clearing away as much clutter as possible so you can remove dust and grime from the floor. Once the floor is clean, group like items together, and place them in clear storage bins for easy access. Arrange the bins throughout the attic by season, rotating to the front as needed.
In the basement, go through the items you have, and compile them into throw-away, store, and donate piles. Designate one wall for storage purposes, and install sturdy plastic or metal shelving to keep items off the floor. Place anything you’re keeping in clear plastic bins, organized into item type, label the bins, and place them onto the shelves.
Bathroom upgrades
Giving your bathroom a little TLC can go a long way toward improving your quality of life at home. These simple fixes can work wonders to help you create a spa-like atmosphere.
Incorporate greenery
You might not think of the bathroom when decorating with plants and greenery, but you should. Adding potted or hanging plants that thrive in a warm, humid location, such as pothos, aloe vera, and spider plants, can contribute to a fresh and clean feel. For an even more therapeutic effect, hanging eucalyptus in your shower can promote relaxation and help clear sinuses irritated by winter weather.
Swap out towels
If your bath towels are feeling a little worse for wear, consider investing in high-quality, plush replacements. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in the way you care for yourself and your skin. Just be sure to wash any new towels a few times before using them to remove loose fibers that can hinder absorption.
Lighting upgrades
With its shorter daytime hours, winter can be a particularly difficult time for bringing natural light into your home. So why not invest in proper lighting that will illuminate your spaces?
Statement lighting
An eye-catching lighting fixture can immediately transform your entryway, dining room, or kitchen. Choose a piece or pieces that match the rest of your decor and style to ensure a cohesive look, whether it’s modern, rustic, or midcentury. You don’t have to go for the most expensive-looking chandelier, either. Sites like Wayfair and Etsy offer custom pieces to match your personal taste.
Dimmers and timers
Winter is all about mood lighting, and, while candles can provide their own ambience, installing dimmers and timers for your lights can be extra helpful. Remote-controlled dimmers are great for living rooms and other lounge spaces where you might gather to watch movies or enjoy other activities. They can also be installed in the bedroom to promote relaxation at bedtime.
Security upgrades
There are so many options when it comes to home security upgrades, ranging from simple and affordable to complex and costly. However, striking the perfect balance for your home is possible. No matter what security system you choose, you are sure to feel more comfortable and secure both while you’re at home and while you’re away.
Smart home systems
The most popular modern home security systems can be managed from your smartphone. Brands like SimpliSafe and ADT have high ratings from users, their products can be installed by a homeowner or by a professional, and they offer monthly subscriptions for as little as $14.99 for SimpliSafe and $28.95 for ADT, respectively. Both companies offer doorbell cameras and systems to protect against intruders, as well as health hazards such as carbon monoxide leaks, floods, and fires.
Keyless entry
Many homeowners are opting to install keyless entry pads at doorways to help prevent break-ins when a key is lost or stolen. Some electronic keypads can be installed in place of a traditional front door handle. You can then select a specific code that must be entered in order to unlock the door. Other keyless entry systems can be paired with smart home devices to lock and unlock via apps.
Spend some time this season transforming your home into the place you’ve always dreamed of—you’ll be glad you did.
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