Houses are a lot like relationships. You want a sturdy foundation, that warm and cozy feeling, room to grow and of course — you want to feel at home. But just like relationships, houses require regular maintenance and care to keep that initial excitement alive.
Think back to the time when you first fell in love with your new house. You could see it had all the potential in the world. If that new-house feeling has worn off, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time of year to put those rose-colored glasses back on and rediscover why you fell in love in the first place.
How to say “I still love you” to your house
You may be thinking that you don’t have the time or money to work on your home right now. We hear ya. That’s why we put together seven ideas that you could easily accomplish today. Plus, they may even earn you some extra brownie points with your partner — because, you know, who doesn’t love a clean house? Take a look and get excited to see your home in a whole new way.
1) Rearrange your furniture. Moving furniture around can make your space feel completely fresh and new, and there’s a good chance you made some design mistakes when you first moved in. Simple fixes like pulling furniture away from walls will open up our space and create a better sense of balance.
2) Transform your bathroom into a spa-worthy oasis. Adding fresh Eucalyptus to your shower is a great way to indulge in aromatherapy without the expensive price tag. Not only does it look luxurious, but it also has added health benefits like stress reduction. Other updates include buying a new shower curtain and cozy bathmat—or replacing your showerhead. Even if your shower head is only a few years old, there’s a good chance that rust or calcium build-up has drastically decreased the pressure.
3) Ditch the posters, buy some art. Sometimes when we choose something to hang on the wall, we gravitate towards trendy pieces that lose their luster quickly. Instead, shop for something that YOU (and your partner) genuinely love. Once you start investing in the artwork that really speaks to you, your home will become a reflection of who you are as a couple.
4) Declutter. There’s a reason ‘The Home Edit’ was such a popular Netflix show this year. Reorganizing your closet — or the garage or the laundry room or spice rack — may seem like an overwhelming undertaking, but it will honestly make your life a million times better. When everything has a place in your home, it’s easier to stay organized long term. Shop all the items you need to get organized here.
5) Deep clean your house (or hire someone to). Cleaning is always on the to-do list, but not always something we get around to. This printable deep-cleaning checklist will help you tackle every room in the house. Want to go the professional route instead? Interview several candidates and set clear expectations ahead of time to ensure the highest-quality service.
6) Paint a room (or an accent wall). If you’ve been thinking about an easy DIY project, there’s nothing better than a fresh coat of paint. Plus, it’s a fun activity to do with your spouse or partner. We found a great room-painting-playlist on Spotify that’ll motivate you to get to work transforming your space together.
7) Refinance. Ok, so this isn’t the most romantic tip — but rates are still at or near historic lows. If you love your house but hate how high your monthly mortgage payments are, reach out to a Movement Mortgage loan officer to discuss if refinancing is right for you.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
There you have it! Don’t just celebrate the romantic love in your life with chocolates and flowers this Valentine’s Day. Show your house some love too, and maybe along the way, you’ll rediscover that honeymoon feeling you felt when you first became a homeowner.
