Tips for Chaos-Free Home Improvements

Know What You Want

It might sound obvious, but if you launch into a project with just a vague idea of what you want from the finished product, you’re opening the door to all sorts of mistakes and regrets.

So, before you do anything, try and visualise every little detail, from colour choice, to matching curtains, accents and accessories. Also, even when you think you’ve hit on the perfect colour for a room, do a little research into using colour psychology because while a colour might look wonderful, the mood it creates might not suit the way the room is used. Red, for instance, might not be the best choice for a bedroom. Nailing the colour before you start prevents regret or rework later.

Take your time to scout out styles that complement your vision for the end result. Compile a collection of photos on your phone, snapping window and store displays or bookmarking websites.

In short, make sure you have a concrete vision and know you can source the materials you need to bring it to life. When you reach that stage, it’s time to start shopping.

Gathering Materials

Depending on the size of the job, this might be a quick, one-stop exercise, or it might take a few weeks or even months.

Collect as many samples as possible, so you can be sure they’re really what you want. It’s surprising how colours can change in different light levels, so what looks great in a bright room can appear dingy in a shady corner. Collect fabric samples, tester paint pots, wallpaper samples, and measure furnishings to make sure they fit in their allotted spaces.

Once you’re positive, you can start gathering what you need, and this includes the tools to do the job. If space at home is a barrier, consider renting a self storage room. They’re usually on main routes so easy to reach and offer a secure spot for expensive DIY materials and tools, especially larger items like ladders or pasting tables, flat pack furniture or power tools. If you’re planning an extensive job scheduled for the future, it’s lovely being able to collect stuff when you spot it without having to worry about where to stash it at home.

Organising Your Time

Before you get going, make a list of all the jobs and stages you’ll go through to get the job done. Bear in mind that even just repainting the living room will be a major cause of chaos, so you want to work as efficiently as possible.

Doing things in the right order can help, which generally means working from the top down. So do the ceiling first, then the walls, then skirting boards and finally window and door frames. Having a list of the order you’ll complete the stages in gives you the satisfaction of ticking them off once done. If you can, estimate how long each stage should take. Add a bit on, because life happens and things get delayed, especially if trades people or contractors need to change arranged dates.

Estimating your time is helpful because you can then decide whether you need to take time off work or arrange some help looking after children. Even pets can disrupt the process. They seem to be attracted to wet paint!

Taking Care of Logistics

Before you tackle the actual job at hand, pack up all the valuables and protect furnishings from paint spatters. This can be one of the trickiest aspects of home improvements, especially when you’re working in heavy traffic areas, like living rooms or kitchens.

Taking the time beforehand to clear your space is never time wasted as the job will be so much easier if you’re not constantly moving furniture or boxes around.

If you rented a self storage room for your materials, this is the ideal spot for items you want to protect while you work. The more you can move out of your working area, the better, and a storage unit means you’re not clogging up alternative rooms and spreading the chaos deeper into the house.

Planning and getting organised gives you the best chance to minimise chaos and reach completion with your nerves and temper intact. Home improvements are brilliantly satisfying and always worthwhile, so it’s worth taking a bit of time before you plunge in and start the work.