Want something more productive to do with your time while you wait out the COVID-19 lockdowns? Well, if your home could use a little sprucing up, why not spend some of that time on a few DIY projects? With hardware stores still open, you should be able to safely pick up the supplies you need to make repairs or upgrades in and around your home, and you can use these tips to decide which DIY projects you should tackle first.

Are You Planning on Selling Your Home Post-Lockdown?

If you are thinking about selling your home in the near future, you may want to focus your efforts on repairs and remodeling projects that will provide maximum ROI. For instance, with a few basic tools and some cans of paint, you can freshen up your walls and trim to increase both the appeal and value of your home. This can be a relatively simple home improvement project, but it can do wonders when it comes time to sell your home.

You can also think about making changes to your bathrooms or kitchens since potential home buyers tend to focus on these rooms the most. Depending on your skill level and the tools available, you could very well pull off a DIY bathroom upgrade while you are self-isolating. Of course, you’ll want to weigh the costs and benefits of DIY vs. hiring a professional, but one of the drawbacks for DIY upgrades is typically finding the time to complete them — and you may have plenty of that right now. For more ideas about upgrades that may help you sell your home, you can check out other available homes in the Princeton real estate market.

Are You Concerned About Your Family’s Health and Safety?

With so much uncertainty in the world right now, it’s only natural to be concerned about creating a comfortable and safe environment at home. Fortunately, there are some simple DIY projects that can help you do so. For example, if you are worried about the potential for break-ins during the unrest created by the coronavirus outbreak, you can give yourself some peace of mind by installing a security system. There are several complete security systems available online, and once you pick the one that is right for your home, you can set it up in a matter of minutes.

While you’re thinking about home security, it can also be a good idea to take other precautions around your home, like updating your landscaping to include protective shrubs and plants or even getting a dog for your family. Adopting a new pet can be a wonderful way to increase security around your home and help out your community. In addition to home security, you should also complete projects that will keep your family healthy, including a deep cleaning.

Are You or Your Family Feeling More Stressed Than Usual?

If you are feeling overwhelmed during this crisis, know that you can always focus your lockdown DIY projects on improvements that will help you all feel less stressed in your home. One such project could be to set up some workout space. You can create a pretty effective home gym with minimal space and equipment, and helping your family get exercise can help them produce endorphins that can minimize feelings of stress. If you or your family members are having trouble sleeping at night, you can also focus your energy and efforts on turning your bedrooms into sleep havens. Break out those paint supplies and repaint your bedrooms in soothing colors or splurge on some soothing bedding. Of course, if you really want to reduce stress levels in your home, you could also work on some DIY decluttering tasks.

If you are looking for something to do during the lockdown, start looking around your home. Chances are, you can find some things that need to be repaired, replaced or remodeled, and you should be able to take care of many home maintenance and repair projects on your own. Then, you will feel more productive now and less stressed about those projects later.