10 Home DIY And Improvement Projects To Tackle While Working From Home

As we now find ourselves spending more time at home, it has become our new ‘one-stop-shop’ for everything and anything. From home fitness classes and gyms, to remote working and instant coffees, to daycare and binging a crap load of random TV series across Netflix and Stan, things you thought you’d never watch.

What else are we to do with all this spare time? Well now there’s no excuse for not finishing the bathroom renovation, cleaning out the shed or garage, and tidying up the yard.

So why not use this time wisely and tackle all of the odd jobs and chores you’ve been putting off for a few months or years (we hope not) and get the looking house spic and span. After all, you’re going to be on lockdown for at least a few more months, might as well make the most of it.

Here’s a 2-step plan to reinvigorate the living areas, declutter the garage and give your kitchen and bathroom a breath of life.

Living areas and Bedrooms — open up the living space

1. Organize your wardrobe.

In the wise words of Marie Kondo — ‘does it spark joy?’ If you’re spending more than 5 minutes sifting through a pile of clothes to find something to wear it’s time for a cleanse. The easiest way to organize is to create 3 piles: KEEP, DONATE, THROW. Happy sorting!

2. Clean air conditioning vents and air filters

Dirty air filters are a breeding ground for harmful contaminants such as mould and mildew, which is then circulated into the air you breathe every time you turn the AC on. You can start by cleaning your filters but for a total clean-up, call professionals for an air conditioning service. While selecting who you call, make sure the company sends out technicians equipped with appropriate protective gear to lessen the health risk.

3. Try a new furniture layout.

It’s time to embrace your inner interior designer and find out the true meaning of Feng Shui. The best place to start when rearranging furniture is to think about how you can open up the living space.

4. Declutter and tidy up the house.

Stop what you're doing and have a quick glance around the room you’re in. Is it an escape room full of obstacles where you have to play hopscotch just to get to the next room? Are there dust covered knick-knacks on every shelf, bench and cabinet? The time has come to tidy up the house and relieve yourself of all the clutter. On the plus side, it’s going to be far easier to clean the house from here on out.

5. Apply a fresh lick of paint.

Got a few spare tins of paint lying around? Why not give your home a fresh new look. One of the most effective and easiest ways to improve your home’s value is by giving it a fresh coat of paint.

6. Give the curtains a clean

If you’re someone who’s prone to allergies you might want to highly consider giving your curtains a good clean. They are a magnet for dust, pet hair and other allergens which could be the cause of your allergies!

Kitchen and Bathroom — looks better, feels better

1. Wipe down all surfaces.

You’d be surprised just how much dirt, grime, dust and oil builds up on surfaces in your kitchen, especially overhead cupboards above the stove and kitchen splashbacks. Give everything a thorough clean using warm water with a splash of dishwashing liquid.

2. Finish off the bathroom renovation.

Sick and tired of staring at a patchy wall with tiles missing? It’s time to finish off that DIY bathroom renovation you’ve been putting off for so long. Your bathroom is your sanctuary, it’s a place of escape and relaxation, not a demolition derby.

3. Clean small appliances.

Who here is guilty of leaving bread crumbs on the toaster or sandwich press? I know I am. Boil a slice of lemon with water through your kettle, wipe down the microwave inside and out, clean the oven, and wipe down the stove.

4. Clear out the bathroom drawers

When was the last time you had a good look inside your bathroom drawers? From hardened blobs of toothpaste, strands of hair, shaving clippings and a whole heap of random junk, it’s safe to say our bathroom drawers cop a lot of abuse. First, take everything out and give it a good clean. Before putting everything back in, throw out what you no longer need, making sure to only keep the essentials.