I have 13 things you could do right now while we are all nestled in at home. If you are like me achieving things gives me energy and boosts my mood. Do one small thing a day, especially if you have kids at home and you are trying to be a teacher too (praise to all the teachers!!!). Don’t get overwhelmed but I think we could all benefit if we do something. We have rain in our forecast and rather than cry (which I might do too) I am going to have the kids help us get the house ready, so when the sun shines we can head out and enjoy it. Focus on what we CAN do not what we can’t do!
13 Nestle Down Ideas-
+Organize a closet or junk drawer- This is free and will make you feel lighter! Take out anything you don’t love or didn’t wear over the winter. For more tips on going through your closet and clothing, read this post! Tackle one cupboard at time. Take it all out. Only keep what you absolutely need. Or take on that basket of papers- not sure what papers to keep? Check out this blog post on the only papers you need. I organized all our kitchen cupboards, thanks to the remodel everything was already out! I will show inside all our kitchen drawers and cupboards soon. Below is our cup drawer- I kept it low so everyone can reach it. I like everyone to use one cup all day, so we aren’t washing a billion (yes, it feels like a billion) cups all day.
+Cut some blooming branches and bring inside- put on your island or kitchen table. This is one of my favorite things to do this time of year! When your outdoor plants come back to life after their winter dormancy, the fresh blooms and spring green will brighten your day when placed inside!
(Our old kitchen around this time of year)
+Clean under the cushions and behind the sofa- clean under the cushions and behind the sofa- while you are at it stuff those flat cushions with some extra pillows. PS- I noticed our sofa kept being pushed back against the curtains and smashing up against them. I put some boxes behind the sofa so that doesn’t happen! Find a solution to a problem area in your home- write it down and ask family members or friends if they have a solution! (Find our new rug on THIS post)
+Re-decorate! Start fresh!– take everything out of an area and only put back what you absolutely love. It is ok to have some empty space until you can get the right thing. I took off the winter art that was above our fireplace and swapped it for THIS beach scene.
+Paint your front or back door- have any extra paint? What about painting your front or back door? (check out my door painting tips HERE) PS- I just added THIS new hanging basket and I LOVE it!!! (find my door knocker HERE you could spray paint it too if you want!) **Amazon has a similar basket HERE
+Play with your furniture! It isn’t glued there 🙂– Rearrange a room or swap a chair from one place to another. You may be surprised how much you love it! Or you may just decide that you had it right all along.
+Ditch expired and toxic personal care products- Go through your personal care products, medications, and makeup. Check expiration dates and run the products through the EWG.org wensite or the “think dirty” app. Read more about ditching toxins from your home here and here.
+Wash all of your throw pillows- This one may not feel like an update, but sure makes a room feel fresh! When you stuff the insert back into the clean pillow cover, make sure it is fluffed and full! Throw pillows can also be swapped all around your home. Move your bedroom pillows to your sofa, try the sofa pillow on a kid’s bed, etc. For a post with more pillow tips, check this out. Love THESE affordable pillow covers.
+Ditch toxic cleaning prodcuts- make one bin to carry around- I keep all our cleaning products under our sink in one bin. They are all non-toxic so I have no fear of a kid getting into them. You could put up high if you are worried. The trick is to realize that you only need what will fit in that one container! Saves you from overbuying or not buying the one right thing. (I use Thieves to clean everything info HERE and the bins I use HERE and Label Maker HERE)
+Order new photos for your frames (try waterlogue app)- do you have Christmas photos still out? Or not updated family photos? I think candid photos are just as great or better! Try using the waterlogue app to change a photo into a watercolor. I like to order my prints from Walgreens. I like that I can choose a matte finish. But when you choose the matte finish you have to have them mailed to you, which is awesome, but it does take a little longer. (Make sure to google for a coupon code to use).
+Switch out your bedding for the season- put that heavy throw away under your bed or in storage, change out the flannel sheets to cotton or linen. Or just simplify your bedding with less pillows.
+Declutter bookcase! Take books to friends door steps- is your bookcase overflowing right now? It might look extra cluttered too. Take out any books that your kids have outgrown or that you don’t think you will read again and share them! Drop off a stack to a friend on their door with a note. (Below are bookcases we built for my sister-in-laws nursery HERE).
+Create an at-home work station- we personally find ourselves working in two spots. In the kitchen and in our upstairs desk area. I don’t like when we end up in the living room working, it feels messy and crazy! So if we designate a “work/school zone” we are more productive! We actually have an extra spot in the cupboards in our kitchen I am going to use for a craft/work supplies!
Print out your own list or share on social media as you accomplish each task! Print HERE
Kim Lippard says
Hey Brooke! Love these ideas!!! And LOVE your new kitchen. I was thinking.. don’t those floors have to be sanded and sealed? And the living room too? Just a FYI… you have no idea how MUCH of that sawdust will get everywhere!!! I worry about you already putting stuff in your kitchen drawers. It will seep in behind cabinet doors… no matter HOW careful your floor guys are! Just be aware. But it’s BEAUTIFUL!
[email protected] says
thanks! We will seal off all the cupboards for sure!
Betty White says
I love the blue rug in your living room. Can I ask where you got it? I am looking for a new one for mine.
[email protected] says
Thanks!! I linked it here- https://nestingwithgrace.com/friday-favorites-new-appliances-kitchen-hardware-and-new-rug/
Susu says
I am so excited to see more of your kitchen!!! Do you happen to know the source for the rug in the kitchen with the picture of all your drinking cups?