Bored at home? Don’t know what to do? Tired of watching Netflix, browsing on your phone and checking the fridge? What cheap things to do at home are available? You are not alone!
2020 will be a year referenced in the history books. It is the first time that the world faces a global pandemic in a high level of online connectivity and technological advancement. A high number of people worldwide are staying at home as a precautionary measure to avoid the spread of Covid-19, many of them still working. With nowhere to go, boredom is a battle for many.
Here is a list of 10 cheap things you can do at home to take advantage of your downtime:
1. Stay connected
Make a list of people you haven’t talked to in a while. Let them know you are thinking of them and you would like to catch up. Set up a reminder and have fun!
2. Do your taxes
This is a great opportunity to learn how to do them yourself. Most likely, you’ll find free softwares or tutorials online.
3. Clean the fridge and pantry
Go through every jar and check expiration dates. Get rid of the old food. Use soap and water to clean the shelves. Don’t forget to clean the handles, front and top of the dusty fridge!
4. Declutter drawers
Most likely you have more than 1 drawer that needs to be decluttered. Start with one. Take everything out and put it on the table or over the floor. Separate things that can be reused, recycled, donated or disposed of. Let your friends know of the things you don’t need anymore and set them aside for them. They’ll appreciate the gesture.
5. Wash the curtains
It is time. How long has it been since the last time you washed them? Do a special laundry load with all your curtains and add OxiClean for a more powerful cleaning. Let them air dry when you hang them back. There’s no need to use the drier unless the air dry wrinkles bother you.
6. Organize your photos
Make a single stack with all your loose photos and separate them by event, year or category; whatever makes sense for you. Add every bundle to a plastic bag and a tag to the outside with the description of the category. You can order photo books online or could set the bags aside until you are able to buy the photo books yourself.
7. Clean the windows
Yes, inside and outside. Don’t worry if you don’t have a special window cleaner. Use a natural mix of water with a little bit of white vinegar and a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Use an old rag. If it’s too dusty, start with a mix of soap and water with one cloth and then finish the cleaning with the vinegar/water mix. Don’t forget to clean the frames.
8. Declutter your closet
If you haven’t used a piece of clothing for the last 2 years or 2 seasons, most likely you won’t wear it again. Set aside gently used clothing with a high selling value, like nightgowns or Halloween costumes. Also, set aside your donations and drop them off when your local charities are ready to take them. Get rid of pieces with stubborn stains or holes that can’t be fixed.
Check out my Decluttering for Beginners post.
9. Learn a new skill
Major universities around the world are offering free online courses. Review them and choose the one you always wished to learn. Also, consider learning a skill that could really help improve your value at work. Try Coursera.
10. Start a vegetable garden
This is easier than you think. Take some soil from your garden and fill old glasses or mugs 3/4 full. Take seeds from the veggies you have on the fridge; like tomatoes, peppers and zucchini; then add another centimetre of soil. Water occasionally and place your seedlings next to a window. Be patient, experiment and wait for the results. Once you have a well-established 10-centimetre plant; transplant them to a sunny section in your garden. Don’t forget to protect your plants from frost, heavy rain or wild animals.
Thinking of some other cheap things to do at home? Why not! I hope this sparked an idea to put into action. You can do it!
Love,
