Like it or not, the majority of us are spending more time at home yet again. In the midst of binging the home improvement channel, you may find yourself looking to make some changes. At first glance, renovating your space can seem incredibly expensive. However, there are ways to spruce up your space without spending a bundle. Here are some of my favorite home improvement money saving ideas for loving the home you’re in but switching things up.
Reduce Clutter
One of the biggest improvements you can make doesn’t involve adding anything new to your home, but subtracting. Spend some time eliminating the clutter in your home. If the task seems overwhelming to you, consider breaking up the task. During the month of January, I’ve done one simple decluttering project per day. Whether it’s a task for each day of the week or an entire month, make a list and tackle things one at a time. Keep it simple – one drawer, one shelf, one cabinet – the easier the better. You’re more likely to do things in small bits than cleaning out your entire home.
Clear the Space
I have a difficult time reimagining my physical space. Once furniture and home decor are in their place, I can’t really “see” anything differently. Before ordering new items, clear out your space. If at all possible, move furniture into another room and take things down from the wall. We practiced this principle this summer with our deck. Before diving into a renovation project, we simply first removed the railing from the deck to see if we’d like a more open space. Clearing your space provides the opportunity to take a visual inventory before you begin your work.
Hit the Clearance
Once you clear the clutter and formulate your next steps for your blank space, you may want to head to your local home improvement store. In particular, Lowe’s Home Improvement stores have had great clearance recently. You can see some of it online. But most of the best deals will be in store.
Use YouTube
I love using YouTube to better inform both my purchasing decisions but also installation and DIY hacks. From repairing the dryer to installing a new TV, if it needs repaired or updated someone else has already done it and shot a video, too. Be sure when you’re searching to have exact model name and even serial numbers handy for appliances. Both will help you find exactly what’s in your home.
Think Functionally
Minor changes in our homes can make a big difference in our daily lives. From buying new shower curtain rings to simply rearranging your kitchen cabinets, you can improve your space by making your life at home a bit easier. Think through your daily routines and ask what small, simple improvements could be made.
Start a Priority Punch List
Take some time to go room to room in your home (with your partner, roommate, or spouse if you share the space). Evaluate what fixes need to be made and what improvements you’d like to make. Jot each down on an individual sticky note. When you’re finished, organize the notes on a larger piece of paper or cardboard in order of importance and preference. That way when you’re financially ready to tackle a project, you already have a plan. You’ll also see which fixes could be made affordably.
Get Inspiration
Whether it’s TikTok, Pinterest, or the Indianapolis Home Show, see what others have done in their homes for ideas! I’ll be speaking at the Home Show on Sunday January 23 at 12 PM and 3 PM and on Sunday January 30 at 1 PM and 3:30 PM on the Precision Outdoors Living Stage in the West Pavillion. I’d love to see you as I share even more budget hacks and shopping tips for your home improvements. Don’t forget you can get your tickets for $11 when you use the code QUEEN. They’re $15 at the door!
While home improvement can be costly, there are plenty of changes you can make if you’re short on cash. Prioritizing what needs done will help you clarify your spending when extra funds become available. And gaining inspiration for others is one of the best ways to “see” your space with new eyes.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
