Alter Your Home for Peace of Mind During Lockdown

2020 was the year when our house became much more than our home, on so many levels.

Restrictions are still in place around the UK, many of which we could have hardly imagined 12 months ago. Not only have we relaxed and rested in our homes, but they have become the workplace for many of us.

In some instances, our homes have become the only four walls we are permitted to see daily. So much more emphasis is now placed upon being at home, that it’s more important than ever to focus on keeping those four walls safe and secure.

Your home should be a place of solace from the outside world and its harsh realities.

The pandemic continues to disrupt our lives. In 2021 it is believed that 25% of UK workers are now exclusively performing their roles from home. In many areas, workers are currently restricted to one outing per day. This puts pressure on home life, not only in terms of relationships and emotional wellbeing but physical health, too.

The home environment can severely affect your wellbeing on many levels. Here are four handy tips for homeowners to make the physical environment far less imposing on your mental health this spring.

Repairs

Staying on top of basic repairs around the home is incredibly important during the lockdown, to ensure the continuation of your vital services. Inside Housing confirms that a tradesman can carry out essential repairs on your home, which does alleviate some of the concern should you suffer an unscheduled breakdown. However, some of the responsibility does fall on you, especially regarding small jobs that have the potential to escalate.

Make sure you stay on top of jobs such as cleaning gutters. Small tasks like this are easy for you to do and could prevent further problems in the future. Also, pay close attention to minor changes around the home. Does your boiler seem to be making a slightly different sound, or are their odd smells coming from electric sockets? These are signs that a malfunction could be on the way. When you are reliant on your home appliances for both work and leisure, it is important to stay ahead of the game and action repairs quickly.

Insurance

If you are a homeowner, it might be worth taking out additional insurance during these troubling times, for peace of mind. Remember, your home is not just where you eat and sleep, but likely where you work too, as well as where you spend virtually all your leisure time. That places strain on essential services, such as electrics, plumbing and heating.

Home assistance provider HomeServe recommends getting insurance cover that spans a range of your household services, from plumbing to electrics, and offers additional benefits in some areas, such as a free boiler service. You may also be entitled to a 24-hour call-out service in the event of a breakdown, taking the stress out of any unforeseen disasters that may occur.

Declutter

A cluttered house is a cluttered mind, and with so much going on in the world, you should be encouraging a clear mind. With more time at home, it might be a good time to declutter, Marie Kondo style! Maybe you want to improve your living room for your wellbeing and relaxation,

This also relates to the previous two points. Clutter can cause problems, for example, dampness in a spare room, or by choking a boiler and blocking ventilation.

Whilst you have additional time at home, why not use it wisely? Start sorting through those boxes and cupboards that you rarely delve into, and free up some space. This is great for your mental health too! Declutter your home and create a home office that helps your productivity and wellbeing.

Clean

Making sure you stay on top of cleaning is wise on two levels. Firstly, it plays into the reasons behind a declutter: a clean house will help with your mindfulness. Secondly, from a practical level, it also helps prevent the spread of germs, something that is very pertinent in the current situation.

Make sure work surfaces are cleaned regularly and do not forget those door handles as they are places where germs can gather. Also, with parcels coming into the home, you could even quarantine them in a garage or spare room before opening if possible, which could help reduce the risk of contracting the virus. If you need to have any home repairs or maintenance, make sure whoever enters your home wears a mask and practices social distancing.

This is a contributed post. If you found it helpful, make sure to read How To Make Your Home More Eco Friendly In 2021, and 5 things to do while stuck in self-quarantine.