Holiday Projects That Are Perfect for Winter Vacation
Cold weather is here, and now that you are spending more time inside, you're noticing your home could use a little sprucing up. Your winter vacation is a great time for projects in your home to get ready for brighter days ahead. These holiday projects are good choices to increase the value of your home and possibly reduce your heating expenses. Read on for a few great ideas.
Declutter Your House
Forget spring cleaning. Who wants to spend time inside dusting and decluttering when the weather is so beautiful outside? Winter is the perfect time to declutter your home and clear out some items you no longer use. Before you get overwhelmed, break down the project into smaller parts. If you want to work on your attic, for example, break it down by wall or even smaller sections, such as corners. Tackle one area at a time before moving onto the next one so you can see visible progress and stay focused on the goal.
Insulate Your Attic
Speaking of your attic, while you're up there, take a look at your insulation. You want to have enough insulation in your attic to cover your floor joists, so if you see them, you need to add more. Once you've finished the attic, move onto crawlspaces and your basement, if you have one, to reduce heat loss. Insulation isn't an exciting project by any means, but you will be thrilled when your efforts lead to saving money on your heating bill each month.
Switch Out Your Light Bulbs
If you haven't made the switch already, take the time this winter to change all of the light bulbs in your home to energy-efficient ones. Energy-efficient bulbs use 25 to 80 percent less energy than incandescents and can last 3 to 25 times longer, saving you money each month and in the long run.
Change Your Window Treatments
There are many different window treatments available to match any dacor. Window treatments provide both aesthetic and practical appeal, so changing them throughout your home is a quick way to spruce things up. There are window treatments made to add insulation to your windows to reduce the cold air drafts and keep your heat inside, so choosing energy-efficient options may help save money on your heating bill.
Update Your Bathroom
The bathroom is often overlooked because many people don't consider its value. Your bathroom is not only essential to your home and your family, but it can also increase or decrease your home's value. By spending a little money and using a lot of elbow grease, you can update your bathroom to transform it into a gorgeous addition to your home. You don't have to spend thousands and thousands of dollars to get a nice bathroom. You can spend a little time repainting the walls, upgrading faucets and fixtures, and freshening up the tile by re-grouting it. You'd be surprised what a little paint and hardware can do to that outdated bathroom vanity you hate. If you take on anything your skills aren't quite ready for, such as installing a new toilet, just be sure to call the professionals in for help.
Customize Your Kitchen
You don't have to take on a full kitchen remodeling project that includes tearing out cabinets and getting all new appliances. You can make simple changes that are easy on your wallet and don't require professional help or any demolishing. The backsplash is a great place to start in your kitchen because it's a space that can make a big impact. Choose a backsplash that reflects your personality and your décor style so you know you'll love it for years to come. You can choose from a variety of materials, patterns and colors, so don't limit yourself to something plain and boring. Once you have purchased your backsplash materials, be sure to take the time to do the proper prep work and lay yourself out a template to help you keep the lines straight and the spaces even. Installing a backsplash isn't overly complicated, but it does require time and effort to do it right.
Remodel Your Closet
Most homeowners dream of custom closets that have plenty of room for all of their clothing while looking organized and beautiful. While you may not be able to transform your closet into something that stepped out of a magazine, you can update it with your own custom systems. By installing a custom closet system in your closet, you are setting yourself up for a new year full of organization. It doesn't have to be a complex project, either. It can be something as simple as using the proper hangers so your clothing doesn't fall off and into the floor. To increase your space and make your closet more organized, add in some inexpensive bins and hanging shelves so everything has a proper place. These simple projects are great to take on this winter to improve your home and save you money. Plus, you won't be out of your mind bored as you watch the days pass. Schedule your time and pick a few projects you can do during your downtime. Megan Wild is a home improvement blogger who likes organizing and finding easy ways to make her home look better. Follow her on twitter @Megan_Wild.