How to Refresh Your Home Routine for Spring
March 29, 2021
Lifestyle
We've all heard about New Year's resolutions — but what about springtime resolutions? After all, this season brings warm, sunny weather and longer days back to Chicagoland after the dark, frosty winter. What better time to really invest in refreshing your home and your daily routines?
Spring can present a great opportunity to refresh your mindset and your most-used spaces at the same time. Looking to get out of that winter rut, shake things up, and develop a new routine? Making some little changes can have a big impact. Here are 12 ways to hit "restart" and make the most of the start of springtime in Chicagoland:
Freshen Up the Paint
When spring rolls back around, you can start opening up your window to let in the breeze. And this makes spring a great time to tackle those painting projects you may have been putting off. Repainting your front door can totally transform the entrance to your home. Add a few pops of color by painting wooden furniture or strategic accents around your favorite room, such as trim or built-ins. Or go big and repaint your walls — whatever it takes to help you see your space in a whole new light.Stretch Your Green Thumb
Spring is a time for rebirth and renewal — and that includes helping to revive and refresh your favorite plants, indoors and out. Start cultivating summer blooms in your garden. Bring in some fresh new houseplants, or consider sprucing up and repotting the greenery you already have. Make time to help your home's outdoor lawn and landscaping elements spring back after a harsh winter. Take care of those pesky weeds that love to spring up during April and May, and trim back your trees and bushes to create beautiful spring curb appeal.Change Up Your Bedtime Routine…
Feeling stuck in a rut? It could be because of your sleep hygiene. The things you do in the hours before you go to bed can make a big difference on how rested you feel the next day. This spring, consider carving out time to put down the electronics before going to bed. You could swap out TV time for reading, or replace hours on social media with a podcast or audiobook. And don't forget about the bedroom! Consider bringing in new bedding, blackout curtains, white noise machines, and other soothing elements that can make your bedroom feel brand new. Get rid of clutter, and focus on creating a space that is restful and calming — your oasis from the rest of the day.… And Your Morning Wake-Up
Dreading the sound of that alarm clock? It may be time to change up your morning routine. This could mean making small changes, like waking up to a favorite song instead of a harsh ringtone. Consider using a lamp that slowly illuminates to help wake you up, instead of turning on that harsh light first thing in the morning. And consider how you can best make the most of your A.M time. If you typically just dive into work, consider setting up a journaling station that helps you reflect before the day, or make time to head into your home gym each morning.Do Some Rearranging Around the House
Sometimes, all it takes to make your home feel brand new is a couple of strategic swaps. Rearrange the art on your walls. For instance, if you have a beloved painting in the living room, consider bringing it into the bedroom to see if it makes that space feel cozier. You could rearrange your furniture to maximize floor space, or to help bring in more natural light. Could that hallway rug work upstairs? Do you have a favorite set of towels that you never break out? Have you dreamed about putting your bed in a new spot? While you're decluttering and cleaning for spring, now may be a good time to make those changes you've been picturing.Make Some Seasonal Swaps
In addition to rearranging your furniture, a great way to get into the spring mindset is to lean into seasonal decor. Springtime calls for gorgeous flowers and natural accents that remind you of the outdoors, pastel colors, and light fabrics. Breaking out a few favorite seasonal pieces and retiring your winter wear can be a big help in transitioning your home — and your mindset — for the warmer days to come. *Start a New Hobby
There's nothing like a winter at home to get you stuck in a rut. Spring is the time for trying something new! If you've never journaled or written notes by hand, consider getting into this mindful practice. Look for new crafts you can do with your family. Search for yoga, fitness, or dance classes around Chicagoland.Try Cooking Something New
The world comes back to life in spring — and that includes fresh seasonal ingredients. As farmer's markets return all over Chicagoland, go out and see what local produce and ingredients are calling your name. Spring can be a wonderful time to try out new recipes on the stovetop — or to finally take advantage of that new fire pit or outdoor kitchen.Take Care of Your Roof and Gutters
Piles of snow and dangerous ice dams can take a serious toll on your roof and gutters during the winter months, which makes spring an important time to assess the wear and tear and get things back on track. The early months of spring can be a great time to have a professional inspect your roof and make needed repairs. On the DIY side, make time to clean out your gutters and check your downspouts and drainage to get ready for those heavy spring showers.Take a New Route
Is there another way to drive to the office, or a different CTA route that can get you to your favorite stores? If you've gotten into nature walks, biking, or jogging, is there a new scenic path to try in your neighborhood? Experiencing a change of scenery may be a great way to get inspired and feel motivated for spring.Reach Out to Friends and Family
It's easy to feel disconnected, especially during a long winter. As spring blooms back to life, make time to get in contact with friends and family from around the country. Write and send letters or handmade cards, make time for a video call or party, or just pick up the phone to say hello. Getting in touch with loved ones after some time apart can feel incredibly reinvigorating, and give you the energy to make the most of spring.Start Your Search for a New Home
Does it feel like you've started to outgrow your current space? Are you ready to get to know a new location? Looking for a home that finally gives you room to garden, or a bonus room perfect for music and gaming? All of these are signs that you're ready to start the search for a new home. Spring is the perfect time to start reaching for your biggest real estate goals. Baird & Warner agents are hyperlocal experts who will take the time to understand what you're looking for, focus your search, and seal the deal on your new home — while making the process smarter and more seamless from the day you start envisioning your next home, to the day you're handed the keys.Chicagoland, We're By Your Side
Whether it's now serving as a school, office, playground, or simply a safe space, our home has never been more important. We know this is as well as anyone. At Baird & Warner, Chicagoland has been our home since 1855. Looking for new ideas to make the most of your space in 2021? Ready to start the search for a new place to call home? Whatever your real estate goals may be, we get you — and we're here to help make things easier, at every step of the way.Tags:
