To think we had all this time, and until now we’ve decided to remodel the house…
If being locked indoors has given you the urge to renovate your house, you’re not alone. In the last year, millions of Americans decided quarantine was the opportune time to remodel their homes. From building a new kitchen to calling a 24 Hour AC Service, many houses have transformed into construction zones.
Before, one could easily rent a stay while their home was under construction. However, with the current pandemic– and the fact homeowners are already bleeding out of their wallets– staying at home has become the only option.
So how does one survive a renovation, when our homes have already become our children’s school or our work office? Do not fret, here are the 4 top tips to surviving a pandemic renovation.
Box up your stuff
During home renovations, many underestimate the importance of packing their belongings. One may cling to their favorite products or utensils thinking they’d be beneficial during renovation. However, in reality, these kinds of items end up taking space, creating discomfort rather than comfort.
Instead, store as many belongings inside boxes, reducing your possessions to a bare minimum. Keep your toothbrush and one set of kitchen utensils, but not your Xbox or that old family heirloom. Doing this will make navigating your home a lot easier, while also help protect any prized belongings from potential damage.
Do not underestimate the dust
You’d think it would only end in a little dust cloud, but home renovations are the epitome of dust storms.
Construction dust is not just a nuisance, but a genuine threat to one’s health. Breathing dust on a regular basis and for a long period of time can lead to life-threatening illnesses like silicosis, lung cancer, and/ or asthma. Ergo, do not underestimate the power of dust.
To protect both your loved ones and your home, make sure to put air purifiers in every room and use plastic sheeting to wall off the construction zone.
Treat it like a camping experience
So home renovations are uncomfortable, we can see that. However, knowing a pandemic renovation may be uncomfortable does not excuse anyone to be pessimistic.
Instead, think of it as a camping experience. Camping can be messy and uncomfortable; however, that’s what gives it its charm. Visualizing construction from this perspective can reorient one’s mindset and alleviate their expectations.
Have a distraction
Finally, finding a distraction from the chaos that is a home renovation is a great outlet for managing stress and finding entertainment.
While you may be locked indoors with the mess that is your dilapidated home, having a distraction can offer an escape from some of the aspects that are out of your control. Distractions like playing an instrument, reading, writing, or drawing help shift people’s attention away from their discomforts and instead into more positive emotions.
Of course, distractions can only do so much, but having something other than worrying about construction can help make the experience a little more manageable.
