In the whirlwind of daily life, we tend to put off our projects to renovate or optimize our homes. Yet, sometimes you only need one or two days to accomplish a few tasks that have the potential to greatly improve your home.
If you’re having a staycation, we’ve thought of a few inexpensive projects that you can do without tiring yourself out.
1. Tidy and optimize the garage or shed
Over the years, we tend to accumulate a phenomenal number of items in the garage and shed – sometimes filling them to the brim. It’s time to fix the situation with a good clean-up. What can you do?
- Sort and throw out anything broken, rusty or useless. If you haven’t used something in over two years, it’s time to get rid of it. The Ça va où application from Recyc-Québec will certainly help you to decide what you can recover. Items that still work can be sold on an online marketplace.
- Install hooks, shelves or wall panels to optimize storage. These will free up a lot of floor space.
- Label bins and boxes to make items easier to find.
- Scan the manuals for your electric tools and your equipment warranties in Edwix so you’ll always be able to find them.
- Sand the floor covering and apply a coat of sealant appropriate to the surface.
2. Sort through all your papers (and scan them once and for all)
No longer do we pile up tons of paperwork in file cabinets! It’s time to free up space in your office.
- Sort your files by category (tax, house, health, insurance, vehicles, etc.). Discard what’s outdated, such as expired warranties or insurance policies, invoices for items you no longer own and tax documents more than seven years old.
- Scan important documents in Edwix and file your papers in digital files.
- Shred old, useless documents.
- Set renewal or payment reminders in Edwix (for example, home insurance, water heater rental, etc.).
3. Set up an outdoor haven for relaxation
Whether you’re a voracious reader, a BBQ champ, a plant lover or a swimming fan, it’s important to have a yard that reflects your passions. Why not use your vacation to create a space that is all you?
- Sketch your yard on paper or in an app. Find inspiration in magazines, blogs or social networks like Pinterest.
- Get the material you need for your project: furniture, solar lamps, awning, hammock, barbecue, pavers, plants, etc. Use applications such as Reebee to find deals or shop on second-hand goods apps to save money.
- Keep invoices, warranties and seasonal maintenance instructions scanned in Edwix.
4. Refresh the bathroom or laundry room
People often neglect to improve the bathroom or laundry room, even though they use them every day. Sometimes you only need to do a few things to improve both appearance and function.
- Repair defective or worn-out elements: leaky tap, cracked mirror, cabinet that doesn’t shut properly, blocked pipe, etc.
- Recaulk shower joints, first eliminating any trace of mould.
- Clean the ceiling fan.
- Apply a fresh coat of paint to the walls.
- Save plumbing technical information and invoices in Edwix.
- Schedule an annual reminder in Edwix to check the condition of your appliances.
5. Install smart devices
Are you dreaming of making your home more efficient and connected, worthy of the digital age? Here are a few ideas to make your project a reality.
- Replace your thermostats with smart models.
- Install a security system with an outdoor camera connected to your smart phone.
- Choose a voice-activated device to control your lighting, heating and other devices.
- Scan trouble-shooting guides, warranties and instructions in Edwix.
Here’s to the success of your projects!
