As the pandemic continues to loom over the world, leaving your house is as complicated as ever. If you want to visit a different state, you might have to quarantine for two weeks or take a swab test. You have to wear a mask, sanitize your hands, and keep a distance from other people. To pay your doctor a visit, you probably need an appointment.
The virus has made everything different. Staying at home is the easiest and most convenient way to spend your time. The downside is that it can get monotonous and stuffy. To make your house a better place to live in, here are some things you can try:
1. Boost the Air Quality
You can make sure to have your air ducts cleaned once in a while. It’s easy to forget how hard your HVAC system works since it’s so efficient. But you use it for year-round, no matter the season. It should be maintained regularly and properly. The best way to do so is by hiring a professional service. They have extensive experience with various systems, so they already know what to do.
Besides the HVAC system, there’s another way to improve the quality of air indoors. You can invest in an air purifier. According to a 2017 study, a purifier can reduce the particulate matter indoors by 82%. It’s especially useful if you have allergies. Air purifiers can cut down the allergens in a room. Another device that can help improve air quality is a dehumidifier. It can cut down the humidity so mold won’t grow. Evidence from the Institute of Medicine has shown that mold is linked with cough, wheeze, and other respiratory tract conditions.
If you don’t want to spend any money, there’s still something you can do to address the air quality. You can vacuum floors and surfaces regularly. You should also get rid of the dust that clings to things that are always exposed in the open air. For example, if you have picture frames and vases on display in the living room, make sure to wipe them or dust them off.
2. Enhance Your Home Entertainment
No matter how large or small your home is, it can get boring when you stay there for a long time. This is especially true if there’s been a shift in your daily routine because of the pandemic. Before, you may have been traveling to the office five times every week. Now, you may be working remotely and spending most of your time at home. It’s only natural to feel restless and listless.
To combat cabin fever, you can find some other ways to entertain yourself at home. Why not consider transforming your living room into a home theater? If you’re not having people over regularly, you might as well change the living room into something that suits your needs and wants. Replace your pale curtains into blackout ones so that there won’t be any glare when you’re watching the screen. Buy some speakers so that the audio quality to achieve the same effect in the cinema. Make some popcorn and you’re good to go.
If you’re not much of a movie person, consider getting a game console. Nowadays, games allow players to interact with others during play. As you play virtual basketball or fighting games, you can also bond with your friends.
3. Upgrade Your Bathroom
Nothing compares to a long, warm bath. After an exhausting day of work, you can relax and unwind. The problem is that it’s hard to let go of all your stress when your surrounding doesn’t look very pleasant. After years of wear and tear, it’s only natural for a bathroom to look messy and cluttered. A remodeling project can probably transform it for the better. Unfortunately, it comes with a hefty price tag. According to Home Advisor, the average price of a bathroom remodel is around $10,000. More if you want a complete overhaul.
The good news is that there plenty of ways you can level up your bathroom without breaking the bank. The first thing you should do is to declutter. There might products on your counter that have already expired or ones that you don’t use anymore. The next thing you should do is to replace or install light fixtures. You should also add some decorations and artworks, so it won’t look so bare. Consider function and appearance when you’re choosing the design.
As long as you’re staying at home, why not change it up? Upgrade your house with home improvement projects so it won’t only look better but you’ll also enjoy staying in more.