Social distancing is a perfect time to organize and get your home in better shape. (Photo: Shutterstock).
These are unprecedented, anxiety-inducing weird times. How are we to deal with coronavirus stress and our social-distancing new normal?
Most of us have already have done our “apoco-shop” (apocalypse shop) trying to prepare for whatever lies ahead. We have stashes of toilet paper, canned goods and liquor crammed into our cupboards. Now we’re ready to hunker down in our homes, especially those who are over 60 and/or with pre-existing conditions.
I live with one such individual in holy matrimony; therefore we are on high alert at our place. He has had swine flu and cholera, thus we would prefer he not earn another stamp on his Infectious Disease Punch Card.
Now my work-traveling partner who previously was gone 65 percent of the time will be around 24/7. As I see it, we have two challenges during this time besides the big ones of not getting sick and spreading this virus: 1. How to keep ourselves entertained and occupied while both working and staying at home. 2. How to not get seriously on each other’s nerves. I’m hoping a good amount of number one (mixed with lots of walks, runs and hikes) will ward off number two, but I’m sure there will be scads of eye rolling in the next couple of months.
Luckily, my husband and I both love house projects. If it’s going to be a Hotel California situation here (You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave), at least we can get some things done. The fact we can still get almost anything delivered to us within two days is certainly a Godsend. The world feels like it’s falling apart but you can get new hipster shoe storage boxed delivered in the blink of an eye. Amen!
In terms of projects, deep cleaning and painting are hard work and a really good use of time, which means they’ll be last on my list.
Instead I like the easy and fun projects, like organizing and beautify cupboards, drawers and closets, making them look like no one actually uses them. I’m currently working on my clothes closet, going through every item, something I highly recommend for the entertainment factor alone. It’s like going on an archeological dig into your past. You may find yourself asking: “In what universe or frame of mind did I think purchasing said item was a good idea?” For inspiration, or just to feel more depressed about your closet size and your wardrobe, look at Pinterest.
Also rewarding are the quick and easy little fix-it projects. You know, the ones that have been on your to do list for as long as you can remember, seemingly before the dawn of time. Why is it we so stubbornly refuse to do these? Probably because we would rather be out doing any fun activity at all before wasting our precious time on earth dealing with them. Still, it’s nice to get these piddly things done. I just glued a big plastic part that fell off of a drawer in our refrigerator six years ago. It took 30 seconds to fix. So there is a small silver lining to being in quarantine: Your mind may start falling apart with worry, but at least you can get your home in better shape.
By Mary Lynn Bruny, For At Home Colorado. Mary Lynn Bruny is a Boulder freelance writer who has written about home-related topics for many, many years.
