For
those with kids at home, time is about to feel more structured with busy weeks
and calendar squares full of jotted notes about each day’s to-dos. But as we transition into the fall, a hectic
schedule won’t keep you from wanting
to work on projects around the home just as carefree as you could during the
long summer days. The key is knowing how
to pull it off, and that can be accomplished if you spread them over a few
weekends.
Make
a want-to-do list with a whole season to finish them all in mind. This will take the pressure off to hurry up
and allow you to enjoy little home upgrades.
Consider what you would like to have done before the holidays versus
what could wait for after. Spread your
list out over the weekends to come, making notes in your planner for shopping
for supplies and blocking off some DIY time.
What
are some good weekend home projects?
Here’s a list to look over:
1) Upgrade
the front door. Enhance the backdrop
for your future display of pumpkins with a new coat of paint in a look-at-me
color on the door, spruce up the door jam with a fresh coat, add a pretty
welcome mat, install new house numbers in a visible spot, and add some seasonal
potted plants to soften the entry.
2) Rework
your entryway. Make sure where you
enter is not a dumping ground for backpacks, shoes, sports equipment, and
jackets (one can hope). Consider
installing a wall unit with cubbies or locker-style openings to organize those
items always going in and out. Boot
trays, hooks, an umbrella bin (again, one can hope), and a place to sit for
shoes all come in handy when added to your system.
3) Paint
a room. If you can stand to have all
the furniture pushed to the center of a room for a day or so, you can change
the whole look of a room with a couple of gallons of paint and a roller.
4) Organize
the bathroom cabinets. When speedy,
overlapping morning routines are showing your bathroom organization’s
weaknesses, change that by taking the time to organize the cabinets, drawers,
and shelves. Throw out old and unused
products, streamline each person’s products in separate drawers or bins, and
make sure your stored towels are easy access, right along with cleaning
products and extra essentials.
5) Mark
something you skipped off the spring cleaning list. Didn’t get it all scratched off on your lofty
spring cleaning list? No problem. But you don’t have to wait for March to roll
around again. Take your pick – clean all
the ceiling fans, wash all the household blankets, shampoo the rugs, vacuum the
drapes with the cleaning attachments, or so forth. Dirt, be gone.
6) Detail
the car. You can do it – pull out
the bucket, sponge, and hose, and roll that vacuum cleaner right to the nearest
outlet. Give the family vehicle a good
washing outside, a good vacuum and wipe down inside, and add a new scent. You’re likely spending a lot of time in that
car. Do it cleanly.
7) Makeover
an item. A pint of paint, some
contact paper, a can of spray paint, a few yards of fabric, and other crafty
accessories can totally makeover a bookcase, end table, bench, cabinet, or
chair. Give an existing piece a new look
in the next season.
Your
own list could entail home projects all your own for a few months that can make
a big difference, one little weekend project at a time.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star August 18th.
