With the holiday season in full swing, many homeowners are looking around their homes and noticing small home improvement projects that need to be tackled before the guests arrive.
Below are 10 easy home improvement projects that will help you get your home clean, organized and refreshed in time for those holiday visitors.
#1: Just add paint: Whether it is a room that needs refreshing or a front door that is peeling, adding a fresh coat of paint will brighten any surface.
#2: Finish those half-done jobs: Everyone has projects that they have started but are still not complete. Finishing these projects will not only give you a sense of accomplishment, it will also make your home seem more put together.
#3: De-clutter Your Home: Sort the clutter based on 3 categories- Keep, Donate & Trash. For the items you keep, you must organize and/or file them away (and not into that “messy drawer” in your kitchen). If you have things to donate, gather them all up and make a trip to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army right away. Don&;t just let them sit in a bag in the basement.
#4: Tackle the smaller projects: Have a flat screen you want to mount on the wall or some pictures you want to frame and hang? There is no better time than the present. You will be amazed at what a difference these little projects can make.
#5: Deep Clean your House: In addition to the typical house cleaning, try steam cleaning the carpets, running a self-cleaning cycle on the stove and polishing the wood furniture. Try making your own green cleaning products.
#6: Perform Basic Home Maintenance: Go around the house and ensure all appliances are in working order- dishwasher, washer, dryer, heating system, etc. There is nothing worse than a house full of guests and a broken appliance. If you have a fireplace, get your chimney looked at and swept before you have that first fire.
#7: Tune up the snow blower: New England weather is unpredictable so be sure your snow blower is in good working order before you need to use it. Also, locate your shovels and ice melt so they are in a location that is easily accessible.
#8: Switch up the décor: Need a change? Updating items like curtains, rugs and throw pills can really give the room a different look. Plus, you can do these updates for very little money.
#9: Seal Gaps: Feel a chilly draft? You could be losing value heat out of your windows and doors. Adding some caulking around drafty windows and doors can help keep the heat inside your home. However, if the windows and doors in your home are old and in need of replacing, adding caulking will not solve the problem.
#10: Secure your home: Adding timers to the lighting on your home can give the impression that you&;re home, deterring any unwanted visitors. Be sure to check out our previous blog on holiday home security for tips if you plan on traveling this holiday season.
What projects are you tackling before your holiday guests arrive?