Give your home a refresh without buying anything new

If you’re looking to boost productivity, mood, and the overall cleanliness and appeal of your home while self-isolating, take a look at this compiled list of projects that are cost-free!

Rearranging

• New furniture layout: try swapping around your furniture pieces for a new look. Try to maximize floor space and general feng-shui. Feel free to experiment!

• Break out the nice dinnerware: quality silverware or a nice set of wine glasses can be a lovely accent to your kitchen or dining room.

• Restyle your bookshelves: try a new arrangement of your literature and any other knick-knacks you have on your shelves. Try arranging in alphabetical order or by author or genre.

Cleaning

• Vents and baseboards: an often overlooked aspect by homeowners, make sure to give these spots a good once-over to reduce the allergens and dirt in your home.

• Under the bed: another often overlooked piece of the home- make sure to dust or sweep and clean out anything under the bed you don’t need (especially on hardwood or tile floors where dust is particularly noticeable).

• Bathroom drawers: Out of sight doesn’t mean this should be out of your mind- clean out any old products, hair, or dust to freshen up your bathroom space.

Organizing

• Closets: get in there and clean out any old clothing or odds & ends. A helpful tip: when organizing clothes, make three piles for what you want to keep, trash, and donate/sell.

• Entryway: first impressions are everything! Tidy up any stray shoes, bags, etc. and then shake out or vacuum your entry rug.

• Label supplies: whether to make your life easier when cooking or just to satisfy your organizational urges, labeling your supplies and ingredients is a simple but helpful task.

The Walls

• Straighten: straighten or redo your wall hangings to bring the room together.

• Paint: re-touching paint is an essential part of refreshing your home and increasing appeal.

• Empty frames: go through your collection of old frames and add some photos to add a lovely accent to your home.

Lighting

• Bulbs: know that one light-bulb in your bathroom that flickers constantly? Go ahead and replace that one as well as any others throughout your home.

• Lamps: lamps can accumulate dust and grime, which is not only unsightly but can be a fire hazard. Use a cloth or duster and give them some attention.

• Curtains: clean curtains can be a simple way to brighten up a room. Make sure to read the curtain tags for proper cleaning instructions.

Kitchen

• Cutting boards: oil your cutting boards about once a month to prevent warping or cracking.

• Take stock: go through your fridge and/or pantry and take stock of what essentials you have and what you may need to pick up next time you make it to the store.

• Small appliances: small appliances often are overlooked in lieu of cleaning the larger ones. Give them a nice deep clean if necessary.

The Yard

• General cleaning: now is a great time to rake leaves, prune your bushes, and pull weeds.

• Planters: clean your planters out to prepare for any new additions, and double check your old ones for cracks or drainage.

• Furniture: outdoor furniture can become dirty or faded with time. Give them some TLC and perhaps consider replacing any that is overly worn to increase curb appeal.

Whatever project(s) you choose to undertake during this time, refreshing your home is certain to make you feel more at peace with your surroundings and increase your confidence in your home if you are looking to sell anytime soon.