Managing a home and keeping it in working order aren’t as easy as they might seem. There are a lot of ways a house can suffer from inefficiencies and disrepair that can create even larger problems. In many cases, these problems can worsen due to neglect, and when they’re piled on top of one another they can quickly turn a once-functional home into a space that’s tough to live in.
This functionality comes in several forms, from the most basic — having a home that is inhabitable and not in need of serious repairs — to the practical, such as keeping rooms clean, organized and hospitable. While that might sound like basic aspects of owning a home, many people are overworked as it is, and the poor timing of home problems can be tough to schedule into the day. And other homeowners simply may not be aware of how these inefficiencies are hurting their productivity and happiness at home.
Here’s a quick home guide to some common problems that could be making your home a tougher place to live, as well as how to address them.
Getting rid of clutter
For many homeowners, clutter is created when there isn’t enough storage to house your belongings. This can be easily addressed by adding new storage spaces in the home. Consider building shelving in your garage and even in your attic. A backyard shed could be a great way to unclutter your garage and give your property additional storage. Investing in practical organizers and containers can also help you store things efficiently.
Preventing power failures
Weather can be problematic and lead to power failures in your home. In some parts of the country — and during certain weather — these power outages can be dangerous. In all cases, though, the loss of power is inconvenient and frustrating. Prevent downtime by installing a backup generator in your home. With this device, you can turn to an extra power supply when your traditional source fails you.
Overcoming Internet loss
Along the same lines as power loss, an Internet outage can be a major inconvenience. For people who work from home or tend to other important business online, an Internet outage is unacceptable. Come up with a backup solution to overcome this problem. Two great solutions are owning a smartphone that can be used as a wireless hotspot, or investing in a USB device that helps connect to the Internet wirelessly.
Extreme Weather
Every home needs to be prepared for extreme weather. Stock up on the items you will need to respond to common threats to your home. Cold weather regions should see homeowners stocking up on de-icer, snowblowers and shovels to handle snowy weather. In hurricane regions, plywood boarding and other protective goods should be stored away for the next storm.
Investing in a simpler fireplace
A fireplace is an attractive amenity, but wood-burning units require a lot of work that some homeowners can’t commit themselves to. A great alternative is an electric fireplace that offers the same warmth and aesthetic without the added workload. Look around your home for other features that can be simplified to maintain the same quality of living while reducing your routine maintenance.
Backyard
Your backyard can be a productive space in its own right by installing a garden. A modest garden space doesn’t have to take up a ton of your time, and it can quickly become an appealing hobby. Soon , you’ll start reaping the benefits in the form of more fruits and vegetables.
Mold prevention
Mold can be a serious problem in the home, and it’s hard to spot right away. Take steps to prevent mold by improving ventilation and protecting your attic, basement and other likely spaces with a water-resistant seal. If you do find mold, make efforts to clean it out right away, which will stop its spread and the resulting damage.
With a little added attention and preparation, most homeowners can mitigate a number of problems that are sure to develop at some point in the future. It can be hard to put in work before the need is apparent, but preventing is always better than repairing and addressing the fallout. With a little extra effort, you can have your home in much better shape and suffer much less when damage, outages or other inconveniences strike.