For most of us, having been home for a few weeks is starting to take a toll. We’ve binge watched every series on Netflix, watered the plants more times than we can count, and maybe even started that novel we always said we were going to write. It’s not easy to look at our current global landscape with great optimism, but when it’s all over, we should all be able to look back and see the opportunity we had to tackle those things that always seem to get placed on the back burner.
How many miles have you racked up pacing the house? Probably enough to have noticed every bit of chipped paint, dust-covered windowsill, or leaf-clogged gutter in need of attention. Your house looked great when you were coming and going regularly, but now that it’s been under your microscope, it could use a little work to get back to its prime. Now you have the time, so let’s get to work! Here are some home maintenance projects you can tackle during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal
While we’ve all been glued to our couches, spring has been sneaking in and we could all use a little fresh air. Spend some time outdoors getting your yard and home in tip-top shape with a little elbow grease.
- Make the grass greener on YOUR side of the fence. Grab a rake and go to work removing leaves, sticks, and other winter debris that’s collected on your yard. This will not only make your lawn look better but will clear off the grass so that it gets more sunlight to grow more evenly. Dead leaf piles can quickly kill grass and leave dead patches around your yard. You may also want to pick up some grass seed to fill in any bare spots.
- Touch up or create a new flower bed. Dig out those gardening gloves from the garage and pull the weeds from your flower bed—you’ll be amazed how quickly it goes from eye sore to eye catching. Add a three-inch layer of mulch for an added touch.
- Paint and pressure wash. Over time, the paint on windowsills, steps, and doors will chip and fade. Adding a new coat of paint is a fun way to breathe new life into your home. Try a new color on your door for a fun accent. Pressure washing your home is another great way to spruce up its appearance. Mold, dirt, and cobwebs build up over time without being noticed, but a quick wash will show just how great your home can look.
- Clean the gutters. Clearing the gutters of leaves, sticks, and other debris is an easy way to prevent future home repairs. Clogged gutters do not properly redirect water away from your home, effectively cancelling out their purpose. Allowing water to move more freely prevents overflowing water from running down your walls and eroding the foundation.
Deep Clean the Inside of Your Home
Give your home a fresh start with a deep spring cleaning. There are many areas of our home that we never think about. Take the time each day to focus on one area, appliance, or system to scrub, declutter, or organize.
Appliances
You know that “Cleaning” setting on your oven? When was the last time you ever used it? Here’s how to use that self-cleaning feature. Do you have monitor heaters, heat pumps, or air conditioners? When’s the last time you cleaned the filters? Typically, the filters in HVAC appliances such as these should be cleaned every three to six months. For most, this may be as simple as removing the filter and rinsing under the faucet, wiping dry, and placing back in the appliance; for others you may need to purchase new filters.
Closets
Closets, the place where stuff goes to be forgotten. Instead of using your closets to hide things when you’re “cleaning” other rooms, give it purpose and organization. Here are some tips from organization consultant Marie Kondo, who took the world by storm last year with her method of decluttering your home and life.
Check Your Home’s Many Systems to Ensure Everything is Working Properly
Our homes have a number of systems in place to keep us safe, healthy, and reduce the need for repairs over time. These systems, however, need their own maintenance to perform at optimal levels.
Fire, Smoke, and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Go around your home and replace and test all of the fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors in each room. Is everything functioning properly? If not, replace those that may need it. Typically, these devices are good for ten years.
Sprinklers and Water Systems
Since you’ve given your lawn the TLC it needed, but have you tested your sprinkler system to make sure it will keep it green and healthy? Make sure there are no leaks or clogs in the connections as these can cause unnecessary damage and cost
s if not addressed.
What home-maintenance projects have you been putting off? Roll up those sleeves and invest time and energy in your home. You’ll be glad you did when you return to a normal work environment.
