Although vaccines are available, the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over yet. Many companies are still allowing employees to work from home, for example, and international travel remains widely restricted. Odds are that you’re likely still spending more time at home than you did before the pandemic began. Taking a moment to refresh your space will ensure you can continue to live there comfortably and safely as the world slowly enters a “new normal.”
Consider whether your current home fits your needs
Before you start revamping your current abode, consider whether it still fits your family’s needs. With everyone spending more time at home, you might want to consider upgrading by buying a bigger house. If you’re looking for a place in Canada, use a trusted real estate agent from the PrimoAgents referral network to help you find your new place. These are experienced, well-rated realtors who you can rely on.
Renovate to expand your usable space at home
If you aren’t ready to move to a brand new home, consider expanding your usable space in the house you own now. Basement renovations are one option. Smart Reno provides a database of contractors who can help you turn your basement into a usable space like a home office, gym, or playroom. If you want to add carpet to the space, ask your contractor to install a subfloor to help avoid damp and mold growth.
Take care of any repairs
In addition to remodeling to create more usable space, you might also hire professionals to take care of repairs. The Canadian Home Builders’ Association provides tips for knowing when you can DIY a project versus when you should enlist an expert’s assistance. You should only do projects yourself that you have the time, skill, and tools to handle. In general, avoid doing work that requires technical credentials, like plumbing, gas, and roofing.
Clean your house from top to bottom
With the essentials like repairs and remodeling taken care of, you can go on to address the smaller details. Start by giving your home a thorough clean from top to bottom. Experts recommend going room by room for maximum efficiency. First, get rid of clutter. Then, go ahead with a dry clean, using a vacuum and duster to remove dust and debris. Finally, finish with a damp surface clean.
Add more lights and greenery throughout the home
A bright space can help improve your mood and enhance productivity. This is especially important in Canada, where long, dark winters can increase the odds of seasonal affective disorder, SAD. Add more lights throughout the home and install SAD lights to help create a serene space. Research shows that you can also help combat anxiety and depression by putting more plants throughout the house.
Improve home air quality with a purifier
Poor indoor air quality can create an uncomfortable living situation, exacerbating allergy and asthma symptoms. Even people who don’t have these illnesses may experience issues like red eyes, scratchy throat, or a runny nose if the air quality is bad. For Canadians who spend a lot of time indoors in the cold winter, this is a big deal. You can improve your home’s air quality with an air purifier.
Create an area that’s just for relaxation
Your home should be a place where you can retreat from the world and feel at ease. This is even more true in light of COVID-19. To help ramp up the relaxation factor, create a separate space in your house that’s just for meditating. Meditation is shown to help alleviate anxiety, so having a dedicated spot for this at home is a great idea. Ampli has tips for establishing a calming meditation space—for instance, by adding mood lighting.
As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, it’s more important than ever before to have a comfortable place to call your own. Follow these tips to reinvigorate your space, enhancing both comfort and safety.
For more content on creating your dream home, visit the PrimoAgents blog.