30 Little Fixes That Make a Big Difference to Your Home
Photo by Lisa Anna on Unsplash.
What is your current plan? Are you finally going to redecorate that room? Are you going to repaint that hallway? Are you finally going to organize your kitchen? Great! But before you dive into the project, start with these small home improvements you’ve been meaning to make. They won’t take much effort or money, but you’ll be pleased you did. And maybe your plans to repaint or redecorate won’t seem so pressing. Who knows?
1. Give the keys a place to land
This sounds like an extremely small task to be included in a list of home improvements but it’s true: a small dish in the right place will eliminate a source of clutter. Make sure you place the dish by the door you actually use. We all like to imagine that we’ll dutifully lug our bags to the actual front door and hang up our coats and drop our keys in a dish each day but realistically most of us use whatever entryway is easiest and will continue to do so, no matter how lovely our front door is. Start with the entrance that earns its keep.
2. Replace a worn-out doormat
This is another improvement that falls into the category of being ridiculously simple but can add a lot to your space. As you’re coming into your house, a bright or cheerful doormat will provide a welcome and can add another splash of color to your home. Make sure that your mat won’t impede the opening of your door and choose a mat that lies flat: a bunching or buckling mat will be a tripping hazard.
3. Keep just the everyday shoes by the door
A shallow basket or tray is all you really need to contain the clutter caused by shoes. Again, make sure to choose a location that’s convenient. Limit the number of shoes you store to those you use every day. There’s no need for a shoe rack if your goal is to limit the amount of things on your floor. Keep the tray out of the walking route.
4. Clean the front door before repainting it
Clean the marks around the door handle. Odds are, when you get around to repainting that scuffed up trim around your entryway, you’ll be shocked to learn that all that hard work wasn’t necessary: a good cleaning would’ve fixed the issue. Dirt marks, handprints and general grime can build up around door handles, switches, etc. If you’re planning on repainting soon, try cleaning it first: you may find that you’ve saved yourself a project. Use a cleaner suited to the finish, testing a discreet spot first.
5. Hang the bag that keeps taking a chair
It’s amazing how many chairs there are in a house until you’re looking for an empty place to set down your purse/bag. Invest in a good-looking, or at least sturdy, over-the-door or wall-mounted hook that can be used for bags. Bonus points if the hook is sturdy enough to hold jackets and umbrellas, too. Choose fixings rated for the wall and weight, and check permission before drilling if you rent.
6. Bring a side table within reach
Make sure there’s a side table within reach of your favorite spots on the couch. When you’re relaxing, chances are you’ll have something in your hand: a book, a beverage, a snack. Make sure you have a side table nearby so that when you finally settle in you’ll be able to set those things down and relax.
7. Change the cushion covers
If your pillow inserts are in good shape but the covers are showing wear or have gone out of style, try investing in new cushion covers rather than new cushions. If you’re lucky enough to have cushions that zip closed you can slip them right onto your current inserts for an updated look at a reduced cost. Check measurements and washing instructions before buying.
8. Put away the extra throws
Odds are you’ve collected an impressive pile of throw blankets but realistically, you’re going to use one. Choose the best, comfiest blanket and banish the others to the closet. Bring the others out when you need them.
9. Find a home for the remotes
Odds are you’ve spent precious moments rooting around cushions or peeking behind couch seams in search of the remote. Choose a tray that matches the style of your room and place it somewhere you’re guaranteed to be able to find it.
10. Gather the charging cables
Loose cords can get underfoot and make a room look untidy. Invest in cord holders or try running them along the back of your couch or coffee table. Make sure you leave room for the chargers to breathe; don’t wrap them up or cover them completely. Keep slack at the plugs and follow the charger’s ventilation instructions.
11. Try the artwork a little lower
This is a project you can try before you buy: cut out paper templates the sizes of your art and tape them to the wall at varying heights until you find the right height. Chances are, hanging your art slightly lower will balance it better with furniture. Use hardware suitable for the wall and the picture’s weight.
12. Move a lamp into the dark corner
Re-think lamp placement. Chances are, if you’re reading this article you’re not ready to run out and buy a new floor lamp. Try moving your existing table lamps around the room. If there are dark corners of your room, try filling them with lamps, especially if you use that space to sit and relax. Sit down to check for glare, too.
13. Check the bulbs you see together
A cool-white bulb beside a warm-yellow one can look odd. Check the color temperature and match the bulbs you see together; different rooms can have different needs. Follow fixture ratings and dimmer requirements.
14. Sort out the sliding rug
If your rug slips, choose a suitable pad following the rug and floor manufacturers’ guidance. Check the corners, too. A curled edge can catch a foot even when the rest of the rug stays put. Get that sorted before worrying about the pattern.
15. Bring home some color
Add some color. Maybe you’re thinking of repainting, but it seems like too big of a job. Try adding color where your eye goes when you enter the house: hang a print on a blank wall, put out a bowl of fruit, or bring home flowers from the grocery store. Don’t try to match everything; just adding one or two colorful objects will liven up your room.
16. Clear a stretch of kitchen counter
Clear off counters. Sure, they’re functional places where appliances and supplies are needed; but do you need them all out at once? Put away anything you don’t use every day; you’ll be pleased to have some room to cut up a tomato.
17. Tighten the cupboard pull
Tighten a loose cupboard pull gently with a screwdriver that fits, provided the screw and mounting are sound. If the screw keeps turning without gripping, stop. The attachment needs attention, and forcing it won’t help.
18. Find out why the drawer catches
If a drawer is hard to open, check whether a spoon or an overfilled organizer is in the way. Remove the drawer only as the manufacturer allows. Damaged slides need repair; tugging harder probably won’t fix them.
19. Put the washing-up things on a tray
A small tray by the sink will contain the sponge and dishwashing liquid, making the sink easier to wipe down. Be aware, however, that just as items collect on counters, dirt collects under trays; clean as usual. Choose a washable tray that leaves room to use the sink.
20. Edit the fridge door
Take the old invitations, expired coupons, and out-of-date reminders off the fridge door. Leave the pictures you enjoy. You’ll actually be able to see the artwork when it isn’t hiding under a menu and a receipt.
21. Refresh the dish towels
If they’re dingy and faded, get a couple of clean, brightly-striped towels. They’ll make the kitchen seem fresh both to touch and to view. Keep clean towels handy and wash and dry them regularly.
22. Make room on the nightstand
Remove anything but things you use during the night. A nightstand isn’t the place for shopping bags, receipts, etc.
23. Try fresh pillowcases
You might only need new pillowcases to freshen up the bed. Changing sheets is an easy way to try out a color scheme for a room. Check the size and care label before you buy.
24. Move the laundry basket
Maybe by the door, maybe in the bathroom; where does dirty laundry collect in your house? Put a hamper where you’re dumping your dirty clothes.
25. Remove the useless hangers
You don’t need to empty the closet; just get rid of bent or broken hangers and find somewhere else to put extra hangers, if they’re crowding the clothes. You’ll be surprised how much room you’ve created. Choose hangers that give each garment the support it needs.
26. Open up the bedroom window area
Remove things that are blocking your windows and pull curtains or drapes back. Get some sunshine before you deem the colors of the room too dark. Clean only the glass you can reach safely.
27. Freshen the shower curtain
Check the liner as well as the curtain. Take the curtain down and wash it according to the care label. If you’ve been meaning to revamp your bathroom, maybe it’s just dirty. If it’s always damp or smelly or has mold, however, address the underlying cause.
28. Put out a clean hand towel
Maybe you’ve been using your pretty guest towels for decoration, leaving guests to wonder where they should dry their hands. Make sure there’s a towel they’ll be able to spot.
29. Clear the bathroom sink edge
Put away anything you don’t use daily and wipe down the counter. It’s a chore you’ll thank yourself for. Keep products in their labeled containers and follow storage instructions.
30. Replace the missing cabinet bumper
Replace a missing cabinet bumper with the appropriate type. Check the hinges and alignment first, though: a bumper won’t fix a loose door. Work out what’s rattling before you start sticking things on.
Pick three. From this list, circle three things; one that bothers you, one that will please you, and one you can do for no cost, using items you already own. Now go do those three things. That’s all; now sit back and enjoy your home. See how easy that was? Maybe you’ll want to tackle a few more; or maybe you’ll be so pleased with what you’ve done that you’ll wait another month for your kitchen revamp or hallway makeover. Either way, you’ll be happy with what you accomplished, which is more than you can say for those projects that have been collecting dust (pun intended!) on your To-Do List.
Make it useful
Pick your three little fixes
Choose a room to narrow the list. Tick the jobs you want to tackle, then print your picks. Start with three; leave the rest for another weekend.
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For the bigger picture, see what actually makes a home look expensive and what people notice when they walk in.
