It’s an inevitable part of the human condition to avoid the tasks we see as strenuous or difficult. We’ll put off today what can be done tomorrow (or the day after that) and opt instead for something more instantly gratifying.
We’re definitely not suggesting that we’re lazy. If you compare us with the millions of other animals in this world, we’ve absolutely got it the toughest. I mean, you only need to look at your pet, lazing by the window, not a care in the world (or a single bill to pay). It’s no wonder we’re always looking for an easier way to get stuff done – why work hard when you can work smart, right?
Unfortunately, this inherent distaste for hard work or big tasks doesn’t work with our hunger for the bigger, better and more exciting things in life. We often find ourselves craving a bit of change, even if we lack the required motivation.
Not to worry, there are plenty of low-effort and easy ways to make the most of your home and feed that desire for something different. Keep on top of these little things, and those overwhelming jobs will be easily manageable and free up time for fun.
Declutter and Clear Out
The best place to start any project to spruce up your home is the humble declutter, the proper spring clean, and the big clear-out. We always find ourselves saying we’re going to do one, but somehow it never happens. We mean well; we put aside the things we don’t want – full of good intentions – to donate them to the Op shop. Before you know it, your car boot is so full of crap you can’t get the shopping in. But do we drop it off now? Probably not; instead, it’s rehomed in the garage.
Honestly, don’t underestimate the power of a good clear-out. There’s no need to rush it; just work through your home room by room. It’s a great opportunity to organise as you go. Refold the towels that have become a crumpled heap, make sure every container has a lid friend, and get rid of the almost-empty very-expired hygiene products. Throw what you can into the bin and drop the rest at your local Op shop or charity centre. Not only will your home look brand new when you’re finished, but you’ll also have an easier time keeping it clean and tidy; plus, you’ll have cleared your mind.
A Little TLC
We all get so busy sometimes we don’t realise how long it’s been since we gave our home a little tender love and care. When was the last time you cleaned your gutters or got rid of the cobwebs? It’s a fact of life that if we spend long enough in an environment, we adapt and can’t see the little things anymore (or smell them; please air out your home regularly!). If we keep on top of the little booster chores our home is calling out for, it will always look its best.
Have you got a beautiful garden? Try to get out and do some weeding for an hour a fortnight or a month. It won’t take long, and your garden will certainly thank you for it.
Got lots of wood in your home? Get a decent wood stain to apply once in a blue moon. Do you have a deck? Do not let it get run down. Oiling deck wood is extremely important. A regular coat of clear decking oil will go a long way to improve its aesthetic and longevity. These potentially huge tasks are easy and low effort if they’re done frequently enough.
Rearrange Your Furniture
We all did it as kids; surely you can remember the excitement and sense of achievement after a good rearrangement of your bedroom. It is crazy what a difference moving your bed from one side of the room to the other or pushing it up against the wall can make to the vibes of your space. Just because you’re a grown-up now doesn’t mean this won’t work to refresh your home.
Much like your decluttering work, rearranging furniture can be done room by room. You might find there are some pieces of furniture you’d like to completely remove or find a new home for. Perhaps a cabinet that’s always lived in the dining room will go perfectly in the corner of the lounge you’ve just freed up. If you want to take this rearrangement one step further, you could always add a pop of colour. It’s fairly easy and relatively cheap to get your hands on some paint that’s good for furniture. Perhaps you add a little je ne sais quoi by painting the legs of your sofa your favourite colour. For the artsy types, get carried away with some pretty designs on the top of your old coffee table. You’ll have your home looking brand new in no time.
Experiment with a bit of DIY
DIY isn’t a low-effort activity for all of us, and it can be quite a daunting task if you’ve not had much experience or exposure. That being said, if you’re willing to brave it and take on a project in your home, you’ll likely find it’s lots of fun and results in something a little quirky and special. Unless you’re a bit type A, your home isn’t supposed to be perfect – no one wants to actually live in one of the fancy show houses Melbourne is littered with; they want something they can make their own.
Online videos can be your best friend for a DIY project. Anything that can be done DIY, someone, somewhere, has recorded how to do it. Whether you’re going to whitewash floorboards, hang some floating shelves, or build yourself a deck, you’re going to need some tools and materials. When hitting up your favourite hardware shop, don’t be shy to ask the staff for assistance. Generally, they really know their stuff and are happy to give you some hints and tips. DIY is also a great opportunity to get together with friends. Put on a few drinks and nibbles and pretend like you’re professionals drawing up your home design plans.
By the time you’re done, you’ll have had many laughs and plenty of funny stories to share.