In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, I think we can all agree that being locked down in our homes and unable to leave sucked! We were all completely caught off guard and few of our homes were prepared to comfortably accommodate such a long period of time stuck indoors – particularly if you live in a condo.
So, the question now is, how can you make your condo more suitable for a potential lockdown? Yes, COVID-19 is largely under control and life is returning to some semblance of normality, however, it can’t hurt to be prepared, right?
Prepping your condo for another potential lockdown
Source: vistaresidences.com.ph
Here’s how to successfully prep your condo for another potential lockdown (just in case):
1. De-clutter
There’s never a better time to de-clutter your home than right now. Take the time to go through your belongings and think carefully about how much you actually need.
You’ll be surprised by how much space you can clear in your home by simply getting rid of the things you don’t need and never use. You can either donate to charity or flip some bits on eBay for profit.
The fact is a de-cluttered space = a de-cluttered mind, which would be critical when you are stuck indoors.
2. Set up a designated workspace
If you work from home as it is, you should have a decent workspace sorted already. However, it’s always worth organizing a workspace in advance so that–if, in the unlikely event that you get stuck and have to work from home–you’ll have a logical setup established.
3. Have a ‘cozy’ corner
One of the most frustrating things about being locked down—particularly when living with others—is being unable to enjoy your own personal space. This is why setting up a cozy corner is essential, to give you some room to breathe and enjoy a good book in peace, under a blanket.
4. Create an exercise space
Source: nytimes.com
Make sure that you have all of the space and equipment you need to exercise regularly if locked in at home. Some yoga mats and dumbbells will be sufficient to get some full-body exercises in.
Getting your exercise in is an essentiality and something that many people didn’t realize they needed until they found themselves stuck at home.
For example, you may walk to work every day, or spend hours on your feet, all of which keep the heart going and the blood pumping. But, when that suddenly stops, it can be very detrimental to your mental health – not to mention the lack of sunshine.
5. Optimise your storage
Be clever about your storage and take advantage of the space you have available. For example, consider adding more shelves if floor space is limited, including investing in multi-functional furniture (ottomans are perfect as they double as comfy footrests and storage containers).
6. Add plenty of green
There are so many benefits to having houseplants! In fact, they’re so good for you—mind, body, and soul—that you should have them in your home no matter what. Having decent air quality should be reason enough, but our green friends have much more to offer.
Not only that but having the added responsibility of caring for them and keeping them healthy is a great way to keep yourself sane and entertained with a routine when in lockdown.
7. Consider relocating
If the last lockdown in your current home was a nightmare, it might be worth considering relocating altogether. Need more room to breathe? There are some beautiful condos for sale at SkyWalk Phrakanong for you to explore.
Think carefully about everything that you missed during the lockdown and then look for these features and facilities when searching for an upgrade.
For example, a condominium with a fitness center and swimming pool would make lockdown that little bit easier!
8. Re-decorate / renovate
Source: justatinabit.com
Of course, relocating might not be an option for you, but that’s not to say that a fresh lick of paint can’t have a huge impact on your living space.
What was it that you struggled with the most when you were in lockdown last time? Perhaps your condo feels a little dark and cramped? If so, opting for lighter colors and some choice, well-placed mirrors can go a long way toward making your home feel more spacious.
The same applies to renovations. If you love your home and location and don’t want to move, you can always level up with some tasteful upgrades.
For example, do you have a bathtub in your condo? If not, it might be worth having one installed. Not only are there a number of health benefits to having a hot bath at least once a week, but in a lockdown setting, it’s a great excuse to escape and enjoy some privacy.
As for the kitchen, if you are likely to spend more time cooking at home, why not invest in a new kitchen? Better storage, fresh appliances, and new pots and pans; are all things that will make a potential lockdown that little bit more bearable.
9. Invest in some “offline” activities
If ever you find yourself stuck in lockdown again, the last thing you want is to be glued to your devices. In fact, you should treat this article as if you are preparing to be stuck in your condo without any electricity whatsoever. What are you going to do to entertain yourself?
- Buy some board games
- Get some craft supplies
- Work on your book collection
- Pick up that instrument you always wanted to learn.
It’s good practice to have plenty of distractions, especially when they are stimulating and healthy.
10. Stock up on non-perishables
Source: organicallyblissful.com
Another great way to prepare for any eventuality is to stock up your pantry with some non-perishables. Set aside a little budget so that every time you do your weekly grocery shop, you add some ‘backup’ items for a rainy day.
Little things like having a stash of loo rolls, some canned foods, dry noodles, dry pasta and sauces, bottled water, multivitamins, etc.
You can also think about other handy items that you could stash away such as spare batteries, candles, and certain medicines.
Final thoughts
Remember, this is all speculative. In an ideal world, we’ll never have to worry about going into lockdown ever again, however, it can never hurt to be prepared.
Simply take the time to reflect on the things that you struggled most with and then prepare your condo accordingly. Your future self will thank you should we ever end up with another pandemic on our hands!
