It is February, the month of Valentine’s Day. Some people think Valentine’s Day is a day created by the card companies to ramp up business during the doldrums of Winter, but to others it is another excuse to shower the world with uplifting, soul inspiring love. Land among the others and rain down a love fest on the world.
Typically, people show themselves and others love through pampering. They may:
Buy {myself} flowers
Write my name in the sand Talk to myself for hours
Say things you don’t understand
I can take myself dancing
And I can hold my own hand
-Mylie Cyrus
They may also make time for themselves, do something they love, splurge on a spa day, or cozy up with a good book or movie.
I say this month, why not shower your house with love! It shows up for you every day. It keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It is a haven from the storm of life. It is there for you in good times and bad. Take time this February and make it rain! Shower your home with love.
Spruce up your space by:
1. Decluttering
I love clutter but, when the clutter of things no longer serves me, it is time to let them go. Look around your space and evaluate what truly adds to your life.
- Look in the kitchen, do you have appliances you never touch? Do you have more plates, cups, mugs, and water bottles then you can every hope to use? If you do, then it is time to get rid of it. Someone else could probably use that item you are hoarding. Donate it to Goodwill so it can have a new life.
- Look in your drawers. I have a junk drawer. Doesn’t everyone? But sometimes my junk drawer becomes drawers. There is no chance I need all of these “precious” junk items and, likely, neither do you.
- Look in your closets. Look at your linens. Do you have linens that smell like 1980? I do. I just can’t seem to part with that sesame street pillowcase from my youth. Until now: it is time to let it go. Honestly, what good is a linen that isn’t used? Many pet shelters can make good use of these old linens.
- Look at your winter clothes and gear. We are in the deep of Winter now. If you haven’t used your…. Fill in the blank by now, chances are you won’t. Get rid of it. Give it to a neighbor, a friend, a stranger. Just get it out of your house. You will feel lighter without it.
- Look in your pantry. Are you guilty of storing half eaten bags of chips and nuts for months? Food expires. Get rid of them. Look at your canned goods. Are you really going to eat that lentil soup you have had since 2019? Throw it out; it’s probably expired. Stop hanging on to what you don’t want.
2. Deep Cleaning
We all sweep here and there, vacuum, wipe a counter, but we don’t always clean everything. Here is your chance. Take time to clean the parts of the house you usually skip.
The fridge
The oven
The return vents
The baseboards
The windows
The gutters
The grout
The walls
Channel Cinderella and spend the day really cleaning it all. Cleaning is one of those activities, like pulling weeds, where the difference you make is immediate. Cleaning is so satisfying and it really can elevate your mood to see your house shine, “like the Empire State building” (Annie).
If you don’t have access to an inner Cinderella , then hire out. Most cleaning companies will do a deep clean for a little extra.
3. Rearranging
Reimagine your space. Shop the other rooms of your house for pillows, art, furniture and flip flop the accessories from room to room. Make the living room the dining room. Exchange your sitting room for your office. Move your bed. Trade curtains with another room. The shift will create a new perspective and add some fresh energy to the space.
4. Checking in
Check in on the safety and efficiency of your dwelling. Make sure that your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy covers your home and belongings. Or if you don’t have renter’s insurance, then think about getting some.
Schedule a maintenance call of your heating and air conditioning to make sure the equipment is running at peak efficiency. You visit a doctor once a year for a physical so why not your house?
Taking these 4 steps will show your home some much deserved love. Even if Valentine’s Day was created to profit the card industry, spreading love around your home this month is worth it. Not only will it have an impact on the vibe of your space but also on your mood. By making the space new, you can find new appreciation for it. Your home deserves this shower of attention, because, after all, “There’s no place like home” (Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz).
References:
Lerner, Micheal, 6 Ways to Show Your Home Some love, Accessed: 9 February 2015
Mortgages.com, 29 Ways to Show your House Some Love on valentine’s Day, Accessed: 9 February 2023
https://www.mortgages.com/buying-house-and-owning-home/29-ways-show-your-house-some-love-valentines-day
The Little House of Four, 10 Simple Ways to Love Your Home,27 April 2020 https://www.littlehouseoffour.com/2020/04/10-simple-ways-to-love-your-home.html
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