With spring on the way, you might have started thinking about tidying up and taking on some home upgrade projects as we start to head into the new season. There are few things smarter or more impactful than investing in yourself and your home, and as long as you set a reasonable budget and stick to it, you can make it happen without breaking the bank. Your environment and the way you dress both a lot to do with how you feel, as well as with helping you stay productive, so don’t be afraid to take the plunge and start doing some home and closet improvement. If you’re not sure where to start, read on for four tips to help you upgrade your home and your wardrobe.
1. Give your kitchen a mini-makeover.
Most of us wish we spent more time in the kitchen. How many times does your January start with hoping to cook more? Well, you can upgrade your kitchen without shelling out a ton of money for a full remodel, and it might inspire you to cook more. Complete kitchen overhauls are typically needlessly expensive, and they can turn into money pits that never add real value to the equity in your home, while smaller upgrades, like changing out the faucet, can make a big difference without breaking the bank. Stove or refrigerator upgrades are always useful, especially if they’re smart appliances. If you don’t have basics like a blender, it might be time to invest.
Once you’ve started using your kitchen more, don’t be shy about sharing your hobby with your friends. For enthusiastic cooks who are also homeowners, you can even try to turn your hobby into more than that. You could start a cooking show in your kitchen without going into debt to get things set up. You may not have your own season of a show on Food Network by the end of the year, but indulging in new hobbies and finding ways to make them a bigger part of your life is always a good idea.
2. Refresh your lingerie.
You might not realize how much your bras and underwear affect you, but it’s important to have high-quality lingerie. Having the right lingerie is essential for feeling comfortable in any garment, and having it properly sized is the best way to ensure you look good and feel good. Find out what style of bra you prefer, whether that be a racerback, strapless, or something more supportive with an underwire, and head to the store to compare options and look for more information. If you’re unsure about your size, ask a shop assistant for help getting measured. You can also shop online and buy a few different sizes, try them on, and return whatever doesn’t fit.
3. Keep up with home maintenance.
Keeping your appliances well-maintained often has just as much of an impact as upgrading them entirely. Common household repairs can be easy to overlook but they’re essential to keeping your house safe and cozy. Whether it’s your washer, dryer, HVAC system, or your gutters, they all serve and important function and can wind up costing you money and making you less safe if they aren’t cared for. Your doors and windows need regular maintenance too, as any cracks or crevices can end up letting in drafts that make it more difficult to regulate temperature and drive up your energy costs. Preventive maintenance can also help you avoid expensive repairs later.
4. Consider eco-friendly upgrades.
While upgrades shouldn’t be made only with return on investment in mind, it is important to think about how your projects will affect the value of your home. Environmentally friendly and energy efficient appliances and technology have the benefit of being both appealing to buyers and a positive investment in your quality of life. Technology like a smart HVAC system that uses a timer and automated shutoff will keep you from running your heating or cooling system when you don’t need it, which can save you a significant amount on your energy bill.
Improving your quality of life can take many forms, but improving the way you take care of yourself and the environment you live in have a massive effect on your day-to-day life and general well being. Finding more time for the things you love and making them a bigger part of your life, is just one way you can make a positive change. Whether it’s revamping your wardrobe, doing some home improvement, or going green, you have plenty of options as a homeowner when it comes to making upgrades that make you feel good. Why not take some time and invest in your home and your happiness? There’s nothing more worthwhile.
