Guest Post: Simple Tidiness Habits That Make Home Life Feel More Organized and Relaxing

A tidy home isn’t about perfection. It’s about lowering the volume on chaos so your space can breathe — and you can think. You don’t need a massive overhaul or endless storage bins to feel better at home. What you need are a few clear, repeatable habits that chip away at disorder without draining your time. The goal here isn’t aesthetics — it’s ease. It’s about making movement through your space smoother, decision fatigue lighter, and visual noise quieter. Below are seven sharply defined habits that make home life feel calmer, more livable, and way less annoying.

Night-Prep Surfaces
Pick one high-traffic surface and reset it every night — just one. Kitchen island? Dining table? Pick your zone. Clear it, wipe it, and leave it empty on purpose. This habit isn’t about cleaning your whole house before bed; it’s about giving your future self one visual sigh of relief in the morning. That single pocket of order gives you a sense of control before the day throws anything at you. When the coffee's brewing and you're half-awake, a cleared surface says: you're not behind today. You’re ready.

Tidy-as-You-Go Rule
Here’s the rule: never leave a room empty-handed. Heading to the kitchen? Grab that cup on the side table. Walking to the bedroom? Take the folded laundry with you. It’s not about cleaning — it’s about redirecting your motion. Every trip becomes a mini-reset. No planning. No list. No timer. Just reflex. Over time, this habit keeps clutter from building into overwhelm. Movement becomes maintenance.

Weekly Declutter Slot
Block off 30 minutes, once a week. Not to “organize your whole life,” but to go after one drawer, one shelf, one zone. Purge what’s expired, duplicate, or never-used. And here’s the kicker: before you bring something new into the house, know exactly where it’s going. No dumping. No pile-building. If you can’t name the space, don’t bring it home. That’s not minimalism — that’s just sanity.

Storage Visibility First
If you can’t see it, you won’t use it. And if you can’t reach it, you’ll leave it out. Use clear bins, open baskets, and shallow drawers that show what’s inside at a glance. It turns storage into a support system, not a graveyard. When every item has a visible, frictionless home, putting things away stops being annoying. The question isn’t “do I have storage?” — it’s “does my storage make sense when I’m in a rush?”

Vertical Space
Your floor isn’t storage. Mount hooks by the door for bags, hang baskets in the bathroom for hair stuff, and use over-door racks for overflow in tight rooms. Every time something gets lifted off the floor, your space feels bigger. Vertical space isn't just functional — it's psychological. A cleared floor gives your eyes more room to rest. Even a small room breathes better when things go up, not out.

Micro-Zone Cleaning
Stop thinking in rooms, start thinking in zones. Monday: bathroom counter. Tuesday: kitchen sink. Wednesday: entryway drop zone. Ten minutes max. This rhythm keeps areas from spiraling into messes that require hours later. No burnout. No resentment. Just small bites, chewed daily. It’s maintenance disguised as momentum.

Laundry System Lock-in
Do the laundry. Dry the laundry. Put away the laundry — same day. This is the graveyard of good intentions, and you know it. Clean clothes in baskets are limbo, not progress. Build a system where folding and putting away is part of the cycle, not an optional epilogue. Whether that’s music, a call, or folding in front of your favorite show, link it to something pleasant. If laundry ends in a basket, you’re just moving the mess.

Hiring a Professional Organizer
Sometimes the real block isn’t time — it’s decision fatigue. That’s where a professional organizer from Tucked & Folded can help reset the space and the thinking that goes with it. They bring fresh eyes to what feels like an impossible mess, turning chaos into a system that actually sticks. No emotional attachment to the clutter, no guessing at what goes where — just clear next steps. If you’ve hit a wall with DIY strategies, it might be time to bring in someone who’s trained to untangle it.

Tidiness isn’t one big act — it’s a rhythm. You don’t need to spend hours cleaning or overhauling your home. You need smart friction removals, repeated enough to feel like reflex. Clear one surface. Take something with you. Make storage work the way your brain works. Use the wall. Keep only what fits. Divide the mess into micro-zones. And finish the laundry loop. These aren’t rules — they’re pressure release valves. Choose the ones that work, repeat them until they stick, and watch the noise turn down.

Discover innovative storage solutions and stylish organization tips by visiting Tucked & Folded today, and transform your living space into a clutter-free haven!

Guest Post: Get A New Look For Your Home with Minimal Effort Using These Tips

Revitalizing your living space doesn't require a complete overhaul; a few clever adjustments can significantly enhance the ambiance of your home. By implementing simple modifications, you can transform your environment into a refreshing and welcoming haven. These straightforward tactics ensure that rejuvenating your house is both easy and enjoyable. In this article, courtesy of Tucked & Folded, we’ll go over several simple things you can do to refresh your living space in the coming months.

Reinvent Your Space with Furniture Arrangement

A simple yet effective way to give your home a makeover is by changing the layout of your furniture. Rearranging your pieces can provide a fresh perspective and improve the flow of your living spaces. Try moving your sofa to a different wall or repositioning your coffee table. Even small changes, like shifting a chair or adding a side table, can make a significant difference. This new arrangement can help you discover untapped potential in your room, making it feel like a brand-new space without spending a dime.

Create Harmony with a Unified Theme or Color Palette

Introducing a theme or color scheme is a great way to bring cohesion to your home. Start by selecting a palette that resonates with you and complements your existing decor. You can choose a monochromatic scheme for a serene, cohesive look or opt for contrasting colors to create a vibrant, dynamic space. Integrating these colors throughout your home, from the living room to the bedroom, will unify disparate areas and create a harmonious environment. Use accent pieces like pillows, rugs, and artwork to tie everything together seamlessly.

Simplify Home Maintenance with Smart App Integration

When tackling home repairs, it's helpful to consider downloading a home maintenance and repair app. These innovative tools empower you to effortlessly arrange service appointments and monitor your repair progress in real time. With all your home system and appliance details at your fingertips, these apps simplify getting estimates from skilled service professionals. This technology ensures your home care is efficient and well-coordinated.

Modernize Your Home with Chic Updates

Updating old or worn-out fixtures is an easy way to give your home an instant refresh. Replace outdated faucets, showerheads, and light fixtures with modern alternatives. New fixtures can dramatically enhance the appearance of your kitchen and bathrooms, making them look more contemporary and stylish. Consider energy-efficient changes that not only improve the look of your home but also reduce your utility bills. This small investment can have a big impact, making your spaces feel renewed and more functional.

Optimize Your Space with Clever Storage Solutions

Make the most of underutilized spaces by adding functional furniture pieces. Consider incorporating ottomans with storage, wall-mounted shelves, or multi-functional furniture that offers both style and practicality. These additions can help you declutter and organize your home, creating a more efficient and visually appealing environment. For instance, a storage ottoman in the living room can provide extra seating while keeping your space tidy. Wall-mounted shelves can display your favorite decor items while freeing up floor space.

Style Your Shelves for a Personalized Touch

Reorganize your bookshelves, entertainment centers, and display cabinets for a curated appearance. Start by decluttering and removing items you no longer need or use. Arrange your books and decorative objects in a way that showcases your style and personality. Group similar items together and vary the heights and sizes to create visual interest. This careful arrangement can transform a cluttered shelf into a focal point, adding character and charm to your room.

Revitalize the Rooms with Fresh Linens

Upgrading your bedding, towels, and table linens is an easy way to refresh your bedrooms and dining areas. Choose high-quality fabrics and colors that coordinate with your overall decor. New linens can instantly uplift the look and feel of a room, making it feel more luxurious and comfortable. Consider seasonal changes, such as lighter fabrics for summer and heavier ones for winter, to keep your home feeling fresh and updated throughout the year.

Implementing these practical yet impactful strategies can profoundly influence the comfort and aesthetic of your home. With thoughtful enhancements and creative touches, your living space can evolve into an inviting and stylish sanctuary. Embrace these simple steps to enjoy a refreshed and revitalized home environment.

Tucked & Folded offers organizational tips and services to help individuals and families get their homes in order. Have a question? Get in touch today to learn more!

Guest Post: Cozy, Comfortable, and Chic

For some people, decorating a small space may seem like an impossible task. However, with the right tips and tricks, it is possible to find a way to make decorating these spaces enjoyable, chic, and totally stylish.       

Mahta is an organizer and engineer specializing in small spaces. Visit Tucked and Folded and learn how she can help you make the most of your small space.

Making the Most of Your Space

First, don’t throw away that upholstered furniture that has fit you so well. Not when you can reupholster it to make it look like new.

Use zig-zag shelves. They are a quick, easy, and efficient way of organizing your books and other objects in a small space.

Use cabinets with hidden doors: This type of cabinet will help hide the clutter inside while giving the room the appearance of having open space.

 Use a light color palette for the interior walls of your home and paint the larger walls with dark colors. Purples, blues, blacks, and grays can create a sense of drama that makes rooms feel more spacious.

Create discreet zones within your living space by using beautiful pieces of art or shelves to divide rooms. This helps make the space feel less overwhelming and gives you more room to breathe while maintaining eye contact with guests in each room.

Believe it or not, pulling furniture, like sofas, away from the wall actually adds to the feeling of there being more space. It’s called floating furniture, and it really works.

You can use a home redecorating app to move your furnishing around to see how it all fits before actually placing them in your home.

Manage Clutter

Home organization is a challenge for many people. There are so many ways to store and organize your things that it can sometimes be overwhelming. The key is finding a system that works for you and making it work for you.

Organize your clutter first. Then sort by category so that you can find what you need faster. Create a home inventory list with all the items in your home and where they are located. Create an organization schedule for the week or month.

Set up your office with places to store papers and supplies to avoid getting bogged down in paper. Your desk should have at least one file drawer and additional drawers to hold supplies. A file cabinet can work wonders to keep you on track and enable you to access what you need when you need it. Then update as much of your work to electronics as possible to keep everything stored in the cloud instead of in your office.

Make It Your Own

Ideas for decorating a smaller home are as varied as the colors of the rainbow. You can add personality with a fun and eclectic mix of furniture, accessories, and art pieces.

You can make your smaller space cozier and inviting with hand-knitted blankets, pillows, throws, and scarves. Adding color with colorful throw pillows creates an eye-catching focal point in your living room or bedroom. Cover  an entire wall with art and shop around for a great rug that will bring style and texture to hardwood or vinyl floors

Hang a couple of stylish pieces of copper cookware on a wall in your kitchen and let mirrors double as wall art by putting them in beautiful frames.

Plants can make your space feel fresh and alive. There are gorgeous plants that will thrive indoors with modest amounts of light. 

Use bookshelves to show off your collection and add a sense of drama by using unique and eye catches shelves that bring any room to life. You can place items that are sentimental on the shelves to break up the space. And there are lots of choices when it comes to bookends that can suit every style and design.

Embrace your space. Instead of small, think cozy. Make your small space the envy of your large house friends who wish they were as clever at decorating as you.

Author: Sarah Velasquez https://ourperfectabode.com/

Guest Post: Top Tips to Ensure Your Home Looks Its Best at All Times

Our homes are indeed our sanctuaries. As such, we should ensure that we tend to them well and look after them to the best of our abilities to ensure they stay in optimal condition for years to come. Here's how to maintain and improve the condition of your home if it's looking somewhat shabby and needs a boost in the right direction. Here are some tips from Tucked & Folded on keeping your home in top shape.

Why DIY can sometimes be the best route to go

Admittedly, there are plenty of DIY projects that one can choose to take on rather than outsourcing elsewhere. Sure, these tasks are often the simpler home renovation tasks, but that doesn't mean they can't still be fun or rewarding. These simpler tasks can include things like painting, which is fairly simple and doesn't require a lot of expertise to do. Other tasks that a novice DIYer can attempt to do include minor hardware projects such as upgrading the cabinetry and tackling the landscaping on the exterior of your home.

Of course, other more complex tasks should rather be left in the capable hands of professionals to avoid undue damage to your home. These tasks include things like servicing the plumbing, inspecting and maintaining the roofing of your property, tiling, and other major structural amendments to your home that require the services of licensed professionals.

Renovations that will leave the best impression on your home

Certainly, some renovations may be more noticeable than others. However, what you'll ideally want to aim for, especially when it comes to selling your home, are those that will leave the best impression for visitors and potential buyers alike. Most notably, it is the kitchen and then the bathrooms that grab the attention of the guest. But again, it's all about individual preference, as one visitor may prefer a well-kept garden over an indoor space. Then again, someone else may prefer a spacious living room or bedroom over a functional kitchen or bathroom, for that matter. All in all, you'll want to pay special attention to those areas that may require that extra bit of attention to really stand out.

Hiring a professional organizer

When preparing for remodeling projects, it can be helpful to organize your home and declutter it of things you no longer need or want. Using a service like Tucked & Folded can make it easier on you so you can focus on your projects.

You may also want to invest in home products that make keeping your home organized easier. Having tools to organize your home makes things easier, and you can find home product reviews here to help you decide what will work best for your home. Always be sure to read reviews before making a purchase.

Choosing between DIY and the professional route

You might feel that there is not that much work to be done, bar a few touch-ups here and there. In this case, there is no need to go the expensive route. In fact, when it comes to minor amendments, the simpler (and more inexpensive) the better. Again these could be things like a fresh splash of paint to brighten up a tired-looking space or minor updates to your kitchen such as changing up the cupboard handles, putting some interesting art decor up to decorate the walls, or simply just changing the color of the curtains to make the space more appealing.

Then there may be those repairs that may be a bit more labor-intensive like redoing the flooring or replacing the windows, window panes, and installing shutters that can enhance the value of your home quite significantly. So for these changes, you'll most likely want to consider enlisting the help of professionals to handle these tricky tasks for you.

Paying for more expensive repairs can be costly, and you may wonder what does streamline mean when it comes to refinancing your mortgage. This can be a quicker, easier way to get better mortgage terms without a long qualification process. Saving money on your monthly mortgage payment will make it easier on your finances when paying for remodeling projects.

In conclusion, updating the look of your home can come at a price. However, you can set the price of these upgrades by choosing what to do yourself and choosing what to outsource instead. At the end of the day, what matters is being proactive about your hopes and dreams for your home for the future and seeing to it that these positive changes happen sooner rather than later.

Author Alice Robertson from http://tidyhome.info/

Guest Post: Essential Checklist for Settling in After a Move to San Francisco

You’ve sold your home and are preparing for your relocation to San Francisco. Whew—you’ve already been through a lot. The last thing you need is for the rest of your move to be stressful and time-consuming.

Fortunately, if you make a plan and resist the temptation to procrastinate on essential tasks, you can set yourself for a smooth transition. Tucked & Folded has provided some simple tips to help you get started!

Moving From Another State

If you’re moving to San Francisco from out of town, be sure to knock out these tasks early in the process:

●      Research the cost of living and tax rates in your new location to prepare your budget.

●      Find a DMV office near your new home so you can update your registration and license.

●      Make sure you have all your utilities set up before moving into your new home.

●      Organize your belongings and label each moving box to make the unpacking process as stress-free as possible.

Learning About Your New Community

Connecting with the community is a sure way to help your new city feel like home!

●      Take a walk around your community to meet the neighbors.

●      Use social media and other online resources to connect with old friends and classmates that may live in San Francisco, and see if they’ll show you around town so you can discover all the fun outings and great places to dine.

●      Explore the local businesses in your neighborhood and surrounding areas.

●      See if there are any hobby groups or other types of clubs that could allow you to meet new people.

●      Go to the visitor’s center to learn about local museums, events, and other attractions.

Making Home Improvements

Even if you love your new home, making a few upgrades can maximize the comfort and joy you feel when spending time there.

●      Make sure your home looks good from the road. Compare lawn care companies in your area to find a professional who can mow your grass and trim any overgrown trees and shrubs.

●      If you want to give your house a complete makeover, consider having a professional paint the siding or brick a new color.

●      Evaluate your home’s interior to see any DIY repairs and improvements you can tackle.

●      Start out with organization in mind. Call on Tucked & Folded to do the job right!

●      And find a local handyperson you can call when something breaks!

San Francisco is a beautiful place to live, but that doesn’t change that relocating can be overwhelming. Check off the tasks above as you transition to your new home, and you might realize your experience was less stressful than you expected it to be!

Eva Benoit

https://evabenoit.com

Guest Post: Tips for Stress-Free Downsizing in Your Senior Years

Looking to pare down your possessions and simplify your home? Moving into a space that requires less maintenance and upkeep is a great way to get more out of your retirement years. However, navigating the downsizing process can be a bit of an emotional experience. If you’re considering downsizing, the following resources from Tucked and Foldedcan keep the process as stress-free as possible.

Prepare to Find a Home

Before purchasing or building a new home, you’ll need to carefully consider what you can afford, how much space you’ll need, and features that will help you age in place. 

●      How Much Home Can You Afford? Mortgage Rule of Thumb

●      Buying a House Has Hidden Costs. Here Are 11 Big Ones

●      Consider These Highly Rated Nursing Homes in San Francisco

Start Decluttering Early

Deciding what to keep and what to give to family, donate, or throw away is an essential part of downsizing. 

●      How to Begin Decluttering Your Home (Without Feeling Overwhelmed)

●      8 Rules for Ditching Sentimental Clutter

Work with a Great Real Estate Agent

When you partner with a dedicated and experienced realtor, you can simplify the process of selling your home and buying a new one. 

●      3 Benefits of a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES)

●      Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent

Prepare for a Smoother Move

Plan ahead and find dependable movers to make sure you relocate safely and without a lot of stress. 

●      Use Online Resources to Find the Best Moving Companies

●      Moving? 5 Ways To Keep Your Stuff Safe

●      How to Pack Smart So You Can Unpack Easy

There’s a reason why downsizing is such a popular post-retirement move. Without all of that stuff cluttering your surroundings, you can finally focus on what matters. To ensure that your  downsizing experience is a positive one, take the time to set a realistic home-buying budget, declutter your possessions slowly, and work with a reliable real estate agent to find your perfect new home!

Tucked and Folded can help you get organized when space is in short supply. Book an appointment today to get started!

Eva Benoit

https://evabenoit.com

Guest Post: Make Your House a Home With These Projects

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Image via Pexels

When you’re a homeowner, you’re likely always looking for ways to make the house you live in feel like home. Never fear, there are plenty of ways to do so, and some don’t even require a major investment. Below, you will find a few tips on how to personalize your space while improving your quality of life and, potentially, increasing your home’s value.

Zero Investment Ideas

 

Budget bare? No worries! You don’t have to bust out the credit card for these projects:

Organize the kitchen cabinets. Do you really need three colanders, seven bags of stale potato chips, and the last of your set of broken coffee mugs? Probably not. Clean out your kitchen cabinets, removing things that you have not used in at least six months. 

Next, organize items, making sure your most-used pieces/pantry staples are most visible. Tucked & Folded recommends using contact paper, which can make your boring cabinets a work of art.

Paint an accent wall. A quick trip to your garage will likely reveal at least a few cans of half-used paint. Use these to paint an accent wall or, if you have old wooden furniture lying around, give it a new look with a thorough cleaning and a paintbrush.

Clean up the landscaping. Curb appeal is crucial if you plan to sell your home, and having a beautiful space to look at when you’re outdoors will improve your spring, summer, and fall experience. Spend an afternoon pruning the shrubbery and clearing out excess weeds. You’ll also want to know how to identify poisonous plants, such as poison sumac, poison ivy, and stinging nettle.

Go Big

If you have money to spare, a few larger home improvements may increase the value of your property

Fencing. When you have kids or pets, a fence is a must. There are many different types of material and installation methods. A specialty fences company or general contractor can help you decide which is right for you. Before you outsource this major project, do your research so that you know who has the best deals and is rated and reviewed favorably by members of your community.

Pool. If you live in a warmer climate, having a pool installed is another smart move that can help you enjoy your outdoor spaces. While you can typically do this yourself with an inexpensive option from Walmart or Amazon, having an in-ground or above ground pool professionally installed takes away a lot of the guesswork. LawnStarter estimates that you’ll spend around $2693 for an above-ground pool and up to $45,583 for an inground one, so choose your water recreation based on your budget.

New appliances. A new stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave will go a long way toward improving your kitchen. And, thanks to free delivery by most retailers, there will be very little installation involved here. Now is also a great time to decide if you need a larger refrigerator or a convection oven so that you can store more food and cook meals faster, respectively.

This is certainly not a comprehensive list of projects that will make your house a home. But any of these is a good place to start. Even if you have a budget of zero dollars, you can have a positive impact on the place you call home. For those of you with cash or home equity to spare, a pool, new appliances, or fenced backyard will completely change how you use your space.

Home organization not your forte? Book a 50-minute consultation with Tucked & Folded today and bring joy to your home tomorrow.

Author Aimee Lyons from http://diydarlin.com

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Guest Post: Tips to Plan a Home Wedding

While the average cost of a wedding in the US tipped the scales at over $31,000 this year, location and style certainly have a lot to do with the final price tag. Many couples, however, have chosen to go with a smaller, more intimate affair. 

There are plenty of reasons to think smaller and lower-cost: the money you save can be spent on purchasing or furnishing a new home. The intimacy of celebrating with a few special friends and family members is lost when the guest list climbs into the hundreds. Logistically, planning and coordinating a smaller wedding brings fewer headaches. This guide from Tucked and Folded offers tips on how to pull it off.

Benefits to backyard weddings

Backyard weddings have grown in popularity, especially within the last three or four years. There’s no cost for the venue, and you can have your pick of any date you want. Since you’re in control, you’ve got the option of adding fun features, such as lawn games, places for kids to play and more casual seating than at a formal wedding venue. You decide whether to create a fancy or laid-back celebration. There’s complete decoration freedom—and the freedom to work with whichever vendors you prefer.

Prepping your yard

You need about eight weeks to prepare your yard. With careful planning, you should let Mother Nature take care of most of the decorating. Plan your plantings carefully in the spring to create a brilliant burst of color that complements your wedding colors. Reseed bare or patchy lawns. Train your dog to use a different part of the yard for toileting, too. 

Worried about weather? Rent a tent to protect your guests from surprise storms or the sun’s rays. Bugs can ruin fun, too, so spray your yard a few days before the event, or try one of these other repellents to keep mosquitoes and other pests away.

Think about the type of lighting you need for that perfect romantic twinkle. Here are a few ideas. Will you have dancing? Recycle wood pallets to build the perfect dance floor. 

Preparing your home for the wedding day

Get organized: If your home is cluttered, disheveled, and in general, a bit of a mess, now is the time to bring in an expert to tidy things up. The work that Mahta, founder of Tucked and Folded, has done speaks for itself, and she has dozens of happy clients whose homes are now more harmonious living spaces. If you want to get organized once and for all just in time for your big day, set up your consultation with Mahta!

A squeaky clean, decorated home: Unless you have the time to DIY, hire a professional service to deep clean your home. Create a festive atmosphere with battery-operated tea or fairy lights throughout the house. Decorate early to reduce stress on the big day. 

Out-of-towners: If you’ve got guests coming from out of town, where will they stay? You could book a block of rooms at a nearby hotel, include a list of local bed and breakfasts with the wedding invitation, or offer space in your home to close friends and family members. Be sure your guest room has any necessary updates made, including a mattress upgrade if it’s needed so your guests are comfortable.

If you’re not so impressed with your walls, then your guest won’t be either. So, take a look at different options to turn things around. Although you could paint the walls, that would take quite a bit of time—which you don’t have! Instead, consider self-adhesive (or peel-and-stick) wallpaper to liven up the guest room. The best part of this wallpaper: it’s removable, so you don’t have to worry about making a serious mistake when applying it. And don’t worry about matching your current decor; modern wallpaper comes in many exciting and colorful designs, which means you can find something that fits alongside everything nicely.

Home base for the caterers: Create staging areas for the caterers and bar staff. Is your kitchen large enough to accommodate everyone? Some caterers prefer to prepare the food off-site and bring everything ready to go. Clean out your freezer and fridge to make more room. Store whatever’s on your countertops to maximize efficiency. Consider using your garage as a staging area, too.

Bathroom breaks: Experts recommend one bathroom for every 20 to 30 people. You can rent a portable toilet that’s a single unit or a nicer-looking trailer with multiple stalls. 

Guest parking: Create a parking plan. If you have 50 people on your guest list, expect between 25 and 35 cars. Does your block have room to accommodate a crowd, or would it make more logistical sense to shuttle guests from a central location?

Wedding liability insurance: No one wants to think about potential issues on your big day. But what if a parent falls ill and you have to postpone, the wedding cake topples, or you’re serving alcohol? Here are 2021’s best—and most reasonably priced—plans.

I do

Getting married at home is personal, sentimental and the best way to begin a new life in a place that means the world to you. There really is no place like home.

Guest author: Sarah Velasquez

Photo Credit: pexels.com

Guest Post: 4 Ideas for DIY Projects to Make Self-Isolation Less Mundane

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Photo Credit: Rawpixel

Being in lockdown can get real boring, real fast. Even with states opening back up, we’re still going to be spending more time in our homes than in the outside world. So instead of numbing your mind with another puzzle, why not try taking on a DIY home improvement project that will...

Make Your Home More Appealing 

Before you begin your DIY projects, take some time to research the local housing market. Doing this can give you a sense of which improvements projects will make your home more appealing to potential buyers. So if you are planning on selling your home in the next couple of years, you should check out comparable properties to see what your competition may look like. Remember, San Francisco is still a competitive market, and homes typically sell for 7% over listing price. This could easily work in your favor, but being prepared sets you up for success later. 

If you are serious about selling your home, you can also research top home improvements for attracting faster and better offers. While most people immediately think of bathrooms and kitchens, shoppers these days are looking for other home features, including statement ceilings, custom-painted cabinets and home security systems, all of which you can easily DIY during lockdown. 

Make Your Sleep More Refreshing 

Restful sleep can feel unattainable during times of increased stress. Which is why you may want to dedicate some of your time at home to turning your bedroom into a relaxing retreat from the outside world. Begin by clearing out any clutter, which can cause residual anxiety, and then start sprucing up your walls. If you don’t want to commit a lot of time to this project, you can simply use a sponge or Magic Eraser to remove scuffs and stains. 

If you want to give your bedroom an even bigger makeover, you can also paint your walls in more soothing shades, like bold blue or relaxing greys. The trick to pulling off a DIY paint job like a professional is to follow along with a proven prep and painting sequence. Remove any hardware from walls and tape off sections. Then start by cutting into corners and detailed areas followed by rolling paint onto your walls. 

Make Your Body & Mind Healthier 

Stress and anxiety can take a toll on your overall health. So this can be a good time for other projects that will make your home feel less stressful. One simple project that can be good for your body and mind is to organize your home. While maintaining an organized home can be aesthetically pleasing, it turns out that keeping your home free from clutter can also be a major stress reliever. 

So go room-by-room and begin tidying things up to create a little more joy and order in your lockdown life. This is such a great project because you can work at your own pace and you can honestly stop with one room or move onto the rest of your home. Now if you want to keep your home organized, the trick may be to keep your entryway neat. Hang hooks on the walls for your keys and place trays on your table to corral other items. 

Make Your Daily Life Less Stressful 

Tidying up your home and keeping it that way is an effective DIY project for reducing stress; however, you may need a little extra tension relief right now. So if you have a spare room or even a corner in your home, think about turning it into a meditation haven. All you really need is a little bit of space that is free of clutter, and then you can add a few cushions and candles if you would like. This little spot can be your respite from stresses in your daily life but you can also use it to begin your days better. Morning meditation has been shown to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety throughout the day, and to help you become more focused, productive and content. 

Look, we get it. There are only so many puzzles you can do and movies you can watch before you begin to feel like a zombie. So break up your lockdown routine with a few of the DIY projects above. They’re so simple you could do them all!

Natalie Jones

Natalie_Jones@homeownerbliss.info

HomeownerBliss.info 

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DIY Ikea Rast dresser Hack - Parisian Tropical

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This Ikea hack took less than a day and I couldn't be more pleased with the results!

Recommended tools: Electric screwdriver/drill, wood plank for legs, exact-o knife, wallpaper smoother, paint roller and pan

1. Dresser

I started with an Ikea Rast dresser. I bought two thinking I would make end tables but ended up placing them next to each other. I chose this dresser because it is unfinished wood so I didn’t need to prep the wood.

Ikea Rast dresser

2. Contact Paper

I chose this Parsian blue palm leaf paper for the drawer fronts. 1 roll was plenty for both dressers.

RoomMates Blue Tropical Leaf Peel and Stick Paper

3. Chalk paint

I chose this Rust-Oleum Blush Pink Chalk paint because it goes on thick but dries fast. It has a matte finish and really good coverage. No primer needed. This can is small but was plenty for this project.

Rust-Oleum Blush Pink Chalked Paint

4. Gold furniture legs

I used an electric drill/screwdriver to install the legs. Since the wood is unfinished you can hand screw them in, but get ready to work up a sweat if you do! You will need to order 2 sets.

Gold tapered legs

5. Crystal drawer pulls

These drawer pulls add a touch of glam to these dressers. I changed out my kitchen hardware with these too! For this project you will need 2 sets.

Crystal knobs

Here is the finished look!

Now go DIY your sanctuary!

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7 liquids to decant for an elevated home aesthetic

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I like to buy bulk products to reduce packaging waste and save a little on cost. Decanting bulk liquids into reusable glass containers creates an elevated and uniformed look. It's amazing how less cluttered the house looks when all of the containers are have the same label story. Here's a look into what I use in my home.

1. Cleaning products

These gorgeousglass apothecary bottles with my brand labels hold all of my cleaning supplies. They are out in the open because they are beautiful so they are super accessible (free downloadable label templates when you sign up for my newsletter).

2. Shower products

Glass clear bottles FTW!

3. Whiskey decanters

I love these whiskey decanters! They add a touch of old world class to my home bar. Pro tip: Use a label maker to label the bottom of the decanter with the spirit that it’s holding.

4. Water bottles

Filter water from the tap and store in these clean and functional water carafes.

5. Pantry goods

Mason jars are so perfect for storing food in the pantry! *photo source: http://ediblyeducated.com/tag/whole-foods/

6. Lotion and beauty 

These gorgeous glass apothecary bottles with my brand labels hold all of my personal care toiletries (free downloadable label templates when you sign up for my newsletter).

7. Kitchen items

I buy olive oil from Costco so I decant it in this pretty bottle for easy use.

Now go decant everything!

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The 1 thing I do everyday to maintain an organized life

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Everyday when I get home, I put everything I have with me in it’s own home. That’s it!

Empty pockets and bags

I empty my pockets and my purse and put my lipgloss, tissues, keys, mirror, etc in their predetermined places. Everything has a home so this takes no thought at all. I don’t believe in junk drawers or catch all trays since it takes about the same amount of effort to put my items aways as it does to put them in a jumbled bin.

This cool magnetic key hook is the perfect home for your keys when you walk in the door.

Put jewelry away

I take off all of my jewelry and put it away in jewelry trays.

These stackable jewelry trays are so functional

They come in many configurations

Put shoes away

My shoes come off of my feet and go straight onto the storage shelves right by the door.

I made these shelves out of Rubbermaid tracks, brackets and shelves

Put jackets and coats away

I take off my coat (after emptying the pockets of course!) and hang it up in the closet.

If you don’t have a hall closet for coats, a wardrobe works perfectly.

Put coffee cups and utensils into the dishwasher

My used coffee thermos goes straight into the dishwasher.

This may sound simplistic but that’s because it really is. Once organized, it’s very easy to create new habits and to stay organized by making sure that everything has a home and the moment you come into your home, your items find theirs.

Now go empty those pockets!

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11 effortless ways to eliminate paper

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1. Cancel catalogs and junk mail

Every time a catalog is mailed to you, visit the website or call the retailer to get off the mailing list. This goes for the RetailMeNot flyer that comes weekly with local coupons. Be honest with yourself. If you use the coupons, then it makes sense to hang onto them. If you are like most people, you are likely holding on to the pages "just in case". It's not worth the clutter. 

2. Cancel magazine subscriptions

Most magazines have a paperless presence now. You can view websites or follow them on social media. Magazines pages look gorgeous on an iPad!

3. Place a recycle bin by the door

Throw out any junk mail that won't allow opting out as soon as you walk in the door into a recycle bin. Don't even bring it past the threshold of your home. 

4. Get a shredder

Bills that must come paper should be shredded after you pay them. Taxes only need to be on hand for seven years. Don't keep excess paper! There's something hypnotic and fun about shredding paper in front of the TV with a glass of wine. 

5. Sign up for ebills

Almost all utilities and credit card companies have the option to go paperless on their websites. You don't need to keep statements. If there is some anxiety about letting go, you can download the estatements as pdf files and save them in a folder on your computer.

6. Start an electronic note or take a picture 

If you need to reference information keep a running note on your phone instead of writing down things on paper. 

7. Invest in files that are aesthetically appealing

Pretty files folders are available on Amazon and make filing enjoyable. 

8. Enter contact information in your phone

Business cards take up space and aren't necessary. Enter phone numbers and addresses in your phone's contact app and throw out the card.

9. Get an eReader

Books aren't exactly piles of paper but they are tangentially related. There's no need to have space taking books when you can have thousands in an ultra portable reader. 

10. Take pictures of recipe cards instead of storing them

Recipe cards get gunky and dirty. Get an iPad stand for your kitchen and have your entire library of recipes at your fingertips. 

11. Use reusable shopping totes 

We all have a ton of reusable shopping bags. They are a great way to prevent new paper from coming into the house. Keep them on a hook by the door or get a foldably nylon one to keep in your bag so you always have one handy. 

Now go get rid of that paper!

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Kitchen cabinet DIY spruce up!

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Apartment dwellers know the struggle of not being able to modify their space as much as they would like. I used contact paper to update the cabinets and shuffled where things were being stored to have better flow. Contact paper can be pulled off and thrown away if you move so you can get your security deposit back while keeping the cabinet shelves and doors clean. I am blown away with the results!!

Supplies used:

Scissors, Contact Paper, Measuring tape

Pro tip: measure the contact paper and cut the size needed before trying to apply. Cutting afterwards is messy and frustrating! Pull apart the backing and the contact paper from the top down about 3 inches and then stop. Apply the contact paper to the top edges of the cabinet and press to seal. Now just pull the backing down and off the contact paper and press down as go.

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Now go beautify your space!

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The secret to a beautiful space

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Have you ever wondered why Pinterest homes look so amazing? The reason is because all spaces are all color organized!

Start on the left with darkest items and place lighter items to the right. Here are some examples to illustrate this technique.

Books

Shoes

Drawers

Closet

Now go beautify your space!

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10 super easy lifestyle changes for a clean and airy home

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1. If you don’t wear an item because it’s just not right, get rid of it right after taking it off.

How many times have you suffered all day in a pair of painful shoes, pants that don’t fit right or just simply trying on the same thing in your closet with the tags on to never wear it? Try donating or selling it. Clear up that space in your closet for things that you LOVE.

2. Don’t store anything “just in case” that can be replaced under $20 

It’s just not worth the space to store items we rarely use in case we may need them in the future.

3. Every single thing needs a permanent home

There is nothing more frustrating for digging in boxes and drawers for a can opener! Items that have a clearly marked place can be found in seconds.

4. Things should live where they are most likely to be used

Pots, pans and cooking utensils should all be near the stove for quick and easy use. If you have lovely pans like these, you will want to keep them out!

5. Toss out cosmetics that have been open for 6 months

Cosmetics have a six month shelf life after being opened. Bacteria starts to form in the tubs and jars. The LAST thing you want to do is apply old mascara! Do yourself a favor and toss those old samples out.

6. Get a robot vacuum 

Y’all…this is a life changing device. Whether you have pets or not, it is mind blowing how much dust is sucked up into the trash chamber every day. If you do nothing else, get one of these!

7. Clean as you cook

I absolutely LOVE Mrs. Meyers Peppermint products. They make cleaning feel like I’m in a spa. When cooking use a handled sponge to quickly clean out hot pans right after using and wipe down the counters and stove top with spray and a tea towel after preparing every meal. When you are done eating, put the dishes right in the dishwasher. There’s nothing like having no cleanup after dinner!

8. Use an air filter that detects unhealthy air quality

After the wildfires in Sonoma I started paying closer attention to air quality. This air cleaner detects unhealthy levels and automatically turns itself on until the air is clear. My smoke detector never goes off anymore when I cook!

9. Spray the toilet bowl with Clorox bleach cleaner

A few quick sprays in the toilet bowl keep it sparkling white and odor free. I spray under the rim and let it set for an hour. Then I just flush the toilet. No need to scrub!

The spray and set technique works great on stained grout and white porcelain tubs and sinks too!

10. Fold items to stand up like files in drawers

Folding items to stand on up in the drawer let you see every item. No more digging through looking for your favorite sport bra or t-shirt.

Now go clean your space!

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5 must have furniture pieces for small spaces

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1. Just because space is at a premium doesn’t mean you can’t host sit down dinners for your friends. Drop leaf tables have a tiny footprint and can be tucked away when not in use.

2. The perfect companion to a drop leaf table is a stackable chair. I love these.

3. Having a dedicated work space in a one bedroom apartment seems impossible, but this genius wall mounted cabinet desk makes working from home easy peasy!

4. So many Sephora samples and no where to store them! This door jam connected cabinet is perfect for tiny bathrooms with limited cabinet space.

5. I love jewelry! But man oh man it’s so easy to forget what you have when all of your baubles are thrown in a box. This over the door jewelry armoire holds all of my jewelry and makes finding what I want to wear so easy.

Now go update your space!

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