[This is a guest post by Bryce Thompson].

Being stuck within the same set of walls for weeks at a time is enough to give even the most introverted homebody a case of cabin fever. But this particular cloud has a silver lining. When you’re unable to go out, staying in can be a lot more bearable with a good project or two. If you’re stuck at home, there are plenty of easy improvements you can tackle.

Where There’s a Wall, There’s a Way

Interior painting is the ultimate do-it-yourself project. It doesn’t require a lot of specialized equipment. You can do it in pieces, so you can move at your own pace. And the materials you’ll need are inexpensive — especially when compared to lumber and other DIY project staples. Two tips from the pros:

• Use the highest quality paint you can afford. You’ll need fewer coats, and the color will stay truer longer.
• Ten extra minutes spent prepping and taping can save you hours of touch-up work.

Show Your Lawn Some Love

If you have a lawn, there’s no better time than now to get outdoors and give it some attention. Raking, seeding, mowing, and fertilizing are all great excuses to get yourself some fresh air. Spring lawn care is especially important. The work you do before the temperatures rise will pay off in a greener, healthier yard and a calmer, more relaxed mood.

Dishwashers, Dryers and Ovens—Oh, My!

Kitchens and laundry rooms look better with clean appliances. In some cases, an appliance will even perform better after a good cleaning. Start by clearing lint from your dryer’s exhaust vent. Defrost and deep clean your freezer and fridge. Send some lemon peels down your garbage disposal. Remove built-up gunk from your dishwasher’s filter. If you’ve still got time, you can always tackle the crumbs on the bottom of the toaster. 

Tackle Tough-to-Organize Areas

Closets, garages, pantries, and many other areas of our homes are particularly susceptible to clutter. When you’ve got extra time and energy to spend on your interiors, these areas are excellent places to start. Pulling everything out and reorganizing takes time. But when you’re done, you’ll have less clutter and easier access to stored items when you need them.

Handyman Specials

Almost every homeowner has at least a few little “handyman” projects worth tackling. If you’re stuck at home, now's the perfect time to fix leaky faucets and sticking doors. And remember: today’s homeowners have the internet to fill in their knowledge gaps. Many folks who’ve never replaced an outdated electrical outlet or installed a new doorbell are surprised at how easy these projects are., especially with the help of a short video. Before you say a project is too involved to do on your own, take a few minutes and watch the video. 

Think Like a Real Estate Agent

People who sell homes for a living are extra aware of which DIY projects offer the best return on your investment. Real estate agents are experts at making quick, inexpensive tweaks that can have a big impact on the form and function of your property. Removing clutter and rearranging furniture are both impactful. But there’s no need to stop there. Staging tips from local agents offer excellent advice on what areas of the house pack the most punch. They’ll also give you a good idea of where to focus your efforts if you ever decide to sell.

Bryce Thompson is a home stager and freelance writer who specializes in inexpensive ways to improve curb appeal.