Making changes at home, decorating, doing a bit of DIY, swapping out furnishings and art, are all part of the pleasure of making a house a home.
Just lately, stuck at home, lots of people have taken a fresh look at their surroundings and decided to do a spot of home improvement.
If you’re planning some small renovations or decorating projects soon, here are some solid tips on easy home improvements to help the job go faster and smoother.
Firm Up Your Ideas
You want to have a good idea what the finished project will look like before you start. Try not to be too stuck on one thing, such as a particular pattern for wallpaper or a specific shade for paint because it can be hard to find exactly what’s in your mind. It’s supposed to be an enjoyable process, not one that’s fraught with frustration.
Instead, get a good idea of the mood or atmosphere you’re aiming for, so you can look at a range of colours or items and go straight for the ones that will create the look you want.
Try making a mood board. Grab a few tester pots of paint and wallpaper samples, scour online sites for decor ideas (maybe set up a Pinterest board?), collect images of shelving styles or furnishings you like. It’s much easier to get a clear idea of what you want if you can create a few visual prompts to keep you on track.
If you’re buying new furniture, draw a rough plan of your room and include measurements. When you’re browsing in shops, having a ready reference really helps you make the right choices about size and style.
Plan Ahead
Figure out your work schedule before you start. Easy home improvements have a nasty habit of taking much longer than you think they will, and life happens too with events that can mess up your arrangements.
Things to think about include storage for furniture if you need to clear a room. Self storage rooms are often available at short notice but it’s best to get your room booked ahead of time. It can save heaps of time by giving you a clear run at the area you’re decorating.
Having furniture out of the way also protects it from accidental damage or paint spatters. A storage room is also a great place to keep tools, ladders or pasting tables instead of trying to store them at home.
In the planning phase, try and organise your time as well as your tools and materials. Maybe pencil in a weekend you can dedicate to your project, or consider booking a few days off work if it’s a longer job.
Make a list of materials to buy and jobs to do, along with the order to do things in. Of course, your plan will probably change as work progresses, but you’ll have a running task list that can help cut out annoyances like running out of masking tape halfway through.
Take Advantage of Bargains and Sales
While you’re getting ideas together is an ideal time to snap up bargains. Good examples include wallpaper styles. It’s surprising how often a range changes, with new ones replacing existing ones all the time. When you see something you like, buy enough for the job straight away rather than waiting till you’re ready to start.
If you plan on using self storage during your project, you can get ahead in the game by renting a storage room a bit early. It’ll help to keep your bargains all in one place and in pristine condition.
Use Your Time Wisely
When the time comes to start, make sure you’re working as efficiently as possible:
- Move furnishings and ornaments or books into self storage to clear the decks.
- Get all your materials together.
- Cover your carpets or other fixtures to protect them.
- Sand and/or clean the surfaces you’ll be working on.
Work methodically so you’re not creating extra jobs as you go. For instance, it’s better to paint the ceiling before you tackle the skirtings and door frames, then do the walls last.
Enjoy your home improvement project. Creating a lovely place to live by making easy home improvements is one of the most satisfying and rewarding things you can do!
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