As you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re inside. Whether it’s from a state-mandated “stay at home” order or you’re social distancing by choice, you know you’re doing your part to slow the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus. And even though being stuck inside isn’t much fun, it’s a great time for spring cleaning and home improvement.
Despite doing everything you can to continue living life as “normal” – working remotely, helping the kids with their schoolwork, cooking dinner – you may still have additional free time that you didn’t have before. And while it’s important to take time to relax during the chaos, cleaning up and working on projects around your home could be an excellent way to spend some of that free time.
If you’re going to be in your home for a long period of time, you may as well be as comfortable as possible. As you consider ways to spend your time self-isolating, keep these ideas in mind.
Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning may not be a tradition in your household, but this is an especially good year to take part. A clean home can boost your mood and make you feel happier. Again… if you’re going to be inside, you want to be happy.
What does spring cleaning consist of? The answer may be different for everyone, but oftentimes we think of decluttering: getting rid of the things we don’t need or use and organizing the things that we do use. According to organization experts, this can boost overall productivity. In the future, you’ll spend less time searching for things if you know exactly where they are.
Cleaning can also provide a burst of energy and relieve stress at the same time. A study by Dr. David Tolin, founder of the Anxiety Disorder Center, found that the act of decluttering physical items in your home can also help declutter your brain. You can clear your mind of thoughts about things that need to be done around the house and focus on more important things.
The other part of spring cleaning that often comes to mind is the idea of deep cleaning. You might go room by room – dusting, wiping down, vacuuming, scrubbing, spraying, sweeping, mopping. You can find the perfect spring-cleaning checklist with a quick search online and start small. But there’s another good reason why spring cleaning is especially important this year.
Serious Disinfecting During Coronavirus
You might already know how coronavirus spreads. Generally, the virus is airborne, but studies have shown that it can survive for several days on some surfaces such as plastic and metal. Even if you’re taking every precaution to protect yourself and your family, leaving the house only for essential purposes, there’s still a chance that the virus may be in your home in some capacity. And someone who has been infected may not show symptoms for up to 14 days – or at all.
On top of being extra-vigilant about personal hygiene and washing your hands frequently, it’s important to disinfect high-touch items and surfaces throughout your home. Think about your doorknobs, light switches, countertops, cabinet handles, remotes, keys and anything else that is frequently touched by you and the members of your household. Keeping these clean and disinfected can prevent the spread of germs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website offers recommendations on the types of cleaning products you should use for ensuring the utmost cleanliness of your home. Remember: When disinfecting any surface, you should first clean it with soap and hot water or an all-purpose cleaner. This ensures that the disinfectant can work efficiently.
Consult the EPA’s list of disinfectants that are proven to be effective against coronavirus.
Home Improvement Projects
Besides cleaning, you can probably think of at least one or two home improvement projects you’d like to work on around the house. Whether it’s a smaller task, like painting your kitchen cabinets, or a larger task, like renovating the guest room, these types of projects may provide extra value during a time of social distancing.
Working on home improvement projects can even make you happier, according to Forbes. After completing a remodeling project, 74% of homeowners have a greater desire to be in their home. 65% say they experience increased enjoyment, and 77% feel a major sense of accomplishment.
Just be sure that whatever project you decide to undertake doesn’t interfere too much with your daily life at home. You may have always dreamed of remodeling your bathroom. But having a bathroom that’s out of commission for a period of time might cause additional inconvenience for a family of four who’s stuck at home.
As you plan your next home improvement project, consider applying for a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) with Academy Bank. With our home equity lines of credit, you can get the cash you need when you need it. You can access as little or as much of your credit line as you like and use the funds for whatever you need – a kitchen remodel, a basement renovation, or more.
Finding Happiness at Home
These are unprecedented times. The coronavirus pandemic is something we’ve never experienced before. It’s affected our daily lives in a big way. Focusing on finding ways to brighten up our living spaces may help provide comfort and happiness during an uncertain time.
Know that Academy Bank is by your side through it all. We’re working hard to be your go-to bank for all your financial needs. And we’re here when you need us.