The third week of January is said to be the saddest week of the year. Credit card statements from the holidays come in, the weather is cold and dreary, and maybe your favorite, beloved football team just lost a really big game that they shouldn’t have. (we’re still hurting Kansas City, we’re still hurting).
So what can you do to help alleviate the sadness around your home? Our housecleaners and interior designers have a few suggestions for in-home pick-me-ups!
Stop being Blue with a Little Green!
A few houseplants can help brighten any home! They even remove toxins from the air. Need a few plant ideas to get you started?
Pothos
This is an air-purifying quality that can absorb toxins such as formaldehyde from materials in the home like carpet. It works great in a hanging basket.
Jade Plant
With its thick leaves and interesting branches, people love the jade plant. It is a slow-growth plant, meaning it could be around for over a decade if you care for it properly.
Snake Plant
Perhaps the easiest plant to take care of, the snake plant has variegated leaves that grow upright.
The Real JOY in Tidying Up
Everyone is talking about the Netflix series, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo! Kondo’s organization tips and tricks are legendary. Psychologists agree, tidying up can do a lot for our mood. Creating space, letting go of things that no longer bring you joy can be a great exercise in clearing your mind (as well as your closets). Start with one room or just one small area in your home. Go through and decide what you’ll keep, donate or toss.
If you feel stuck or overwhelmed, it might be time to get in touch with one of our professional organizers. They will work with you and your family to create a space that you love and that no longer causes stress!
Hang Some Wall Art or Photos
Bare walls are sad and need some company. Look for some artwork that you love to look at. You can also create a gallery of photos that remind you of places and people you love.
Paint
If you want to brighten a room, paint it! We’re seeing lots of beautiful bright colors this year. You don’t have to fully commit an entire room to “sunshine yellow,” an accent wall can bring in all of the sunshine you need from now through spring.
Add a Throw Rug
As a practical decision, rugs can help retain heat in a room through the winter. Rugs can give some structure to an existing space while softening it up a bit. Even smaller-sized rugs in your bathroom, entryway, and kitchen can help visually change an area and offer some warmth.
Lights
One of the reasons that holiday lights came-to-be was to brighten up an otherwise very dreary month. The trouble is, after the first week of January we take all of those lights down.
When it comes to lights, you have a lot of options. You can have some overhead lighting installed, including some recessed lighting. If you aren’t ready to make that kind of commitment, a few floor and table lamps can brighten up space and add something new visually.
Hire a Housecleaner
“And something magical happened after that first cleaning. I took a look around at the glowing floors, polished furniture and gleaming kitchen counter all previously cloaked by the dust ever-present in these old houses and strewn with the detritus of a busy life. And I could draw an easy breath. I knew living in a house in constant need of cleaning was stressing me out, but I didn’t realize just how badly until the worry was lifted.” — Dana McMahan from How Hiring a House Cleaner Made Me Happier, Healthier and More Productive
Housecleaning is hard work, ask anyone who has ever cleaned a home. Add on to it, kids and schedules and just being exhausted from the daily grind of life and it can sometimes feel impossible. We’ve all been there.
A recent study found in the National Academy of Science says that when people spend money on time-saving services such as house cleaning, lawn care, and handyman work, it can help make them feel happier. Why? Time. We’re all looking for more time to spend doing more of what we love. We’d all love to spend more time playing with our kids or just experiencing a few minutes of rest. Hiring housecleaners is one way to free up some time, and also feel great about your living space.
Who’s on your home-team? We’ve got an entire team of service providers ready to help turn your frown upside down and make your house feel inviting and warm through this entire, gloomy winter! Get in touch with a service provider today!
