The World is a Scary Place Right Now, But Your Home Doesn't Have to Be

Living in the time of a global pandemic is something else. We are quick to check our privilege at the door and that is why we have been somewhat quiet over the past few weeks on all platforms.

So many of us are so fortunate to be safe at home. But does that mean that this is easy? I don’t think so…. at least not from where I’m living safely at home.

With stay-at-home orders in place worldwide, people saw a major shift happen in their day-to-day lives overnight. Most of us are now carving out small work spaces in our homes; many of us are simultaneously carving out small school zones to homeschool our kids; some of us have lost jobs and are dealing with all that goes with that. So no, I don’t think this is easy.

We are fortunate enough to live in a world where most anything can be delivered. We don’t have to leave for much; we can stay safely in our homes. But often times, when we spend so much time in one place, it gives us the opportunity to notice all of the flaws.

My philosophy has always been that your home should be a respite, a reflection of you, and a space that works for you. Now all of that means so much more.

We need spaces in our home that feel restful so we can unwind and have some me time when this all feels like too much. We crave the comforts of a home that truly reflects us, welcomes us and shelters us in so many ways: mentally, emotionally and physically. As for a home that truly works for you, what does that even mean??

Well to us at DBK, having a home that works for you means you have various things in place so there is a solution for anything and everything you find yourself wanting and needing at home. If you are a baker (Have you attempted bread yet? Ours didn’t turn out so good), you should have a place for your mixer, your rolling pin, your cookie cutters, and everything else you need. If you aren’t a baker, but you find yourself baking all the time these days (whether to entertain your kids, or provide some comfort), you might not have a place for all of these things, and that is ultimately okay. But you can try to carve out a temporary home for the things you find yourself reaching for daily during this time, and put the things you aren’t using on that top shelf, or in the back corner cabinet so that they aren’t taking up the space you need right now.

When your home works for you, there is a place for everything (not necessarily concealed-but dedicated); when you need something, you can find it, and when your house is a mess because everyone has been home living and using the space every waking moment for the last 5 weeks, you can give yourself a short block of time to pull it all back together easily and with less stress.

This is something that is so important and valuable, we want to share our top tips to getting started in the right direction:

1. Take some time to identify the things you use the most and the things you haven’t been using at all while you’ve been home.

2. Make a donation pile to give away or sell what you can once this is over, and move it to a box or out of the way corner near the front door (or basement/garage if you’re lucky enough to have that space).

3. With the space that is now available, work in zones-think about where you are using certain things the most and carve out a zone right in that space. You don’t want to move your yoga mat from the bedroom to the living room a few times a week. Just roll it up and give it a home in the living room.

4. Get your family/housemates involved in this process. Kids and roommates can and should help. This way, they know where everything is at and can help keep it there or return it back to it’s place when they are finished with something.

5. Give yourself grace. This will not be an overnight project, or even a weekend project for that matter — especially if you are working from home and/or homeschooling. This process will take time. Start in the room that feels most important or most stressful to you and focus your energy there.

Working through these steps to get your house into better shape will help you on a daily level, not just while we are living out the stay-at-home orders, but far into the future as well. If you are able to start now, go for it. If not, do your best to stay sane and work on it when you’re feeling up for it.

Not sure where to start? We can help! We are still in business, still helping clients design their space, and now that we are virtual, our reach far surpasses that of Jersey City and that area. We can help wherever you are. The process starts the same no matter what, you can call us for a free 30-minute call, and we will help you identify what service is right for you. From there, you can decide which virtual service to book and we will be ready to help you carve out solutions for whatever might be troubling you at home.

Because the world is scary right now, but your home doesn’t have to be.