Buying your first home or moving into a new space can be an incredibly exciting time. But you want it to be a happy and healthy home, right?
However, in your excitement, it’s easy to look over some of the red flags that indicate a less-than-ideal environment for your health. A lack of curtains or convenient running route probably isn’t on your shopping list when you’re touring through homes or apartments, after all. If you’ve settled into your new living situation only to find it could be improved upon, here are a few tips and tricks you can use to make your home as healthy as possible.
And this goes for those of us who have lived in our houses for decades. It’s never too late to spruce things up and make our space healthy for us to live in!
Also – it’s not just about literally cleaning. It’s also about creating a space to function that motivates you to create, focus, relax – all of that!
4 Tips for a Healthy and Happy Home!
Find Ways To Stay Active
Less than 5% of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day, and only one in three adults receive the recommended amount of physical activity each week, reports the US. Department of Health and Human Services. If you’re one of the people that struggles to get moving during the week, give yourself the best possible chance of success by adding some exercise equipment to your home. Even a set of resistance bands or a yoga mat can be the extra bit it takes to get you to commit to a more active lifestyle.
Keep It Dry, Keep It Clean
If you live in a more damp area with heavier rainfall, make sure you’ve got a plan in place to tackle extra moisture in your home. Damp environments are usually perfect breeding grounds for all sorts of bacteria and mold, and that’s the last thing you want in the air circulating throughout your home. Consider adding a sump pump if you don’t have one already. Sump pumps are usually installed for two reasons: the basement is located in an area where frequent flooding may be a problem, or the water table is equal or above the foundation of the home. They can be incredibly effective at keeping your home dry and free of moisture-loving germs.
There’s another tool you have on your side when it comes to improving your home’s air quality: your HVAC system. Your HVAC filter is at least partially responsible for filtering out dust and allergens that can be unhealthy. Change out your filter as needed, and at the very least, HVAC systems need to be inspected twice yearly for maximum efficiency.
Hot Or Cold
Ever notice that your home gets a bit too warm in the summer but too cold in the winter? Rising and falling temperatures are generally just annoying, but they could also leave you more susceptible to common colds and illnesses. If you can’t afford to upgrade your HVAC system, don’t worry – there’s a much more affordable solution. The right window treatment, like black-out curtains or heavy drapes, could be able to help. In the winter, draperies can reduce heat loss from a room up to 10%, and in the summer they can prevent excessive light entering your home that heats up your rooms.
Control Over Your Cleaning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMsXSTB3Dcw
If you’re doing a full clean of your home, you probably are looking to stock up on as many cleaning supplies as possible. However, check the ingredients label before you purchase a new cleaner. Certain chemicals in your favorite cleaners might be more toxic than you think. Many cleaning agents include VOCs, or volatile organic compounds. According to a report by CBC Marketplace, VOC levels over 500 ppb could lead to problems for people with chemical sensitivities. Whenever possible, stick to all-natural options that still get the job done; your lungs will thank you later on. Additionally, natural cleaners are less likely to be too harsh on your gentlest items, so you won’t need to worry about damaging things instead of getting them cleaned like you want.
Getting your home as healthy as possible doesn’t have to be a challenge with these tips and tricks. How would you recommend creating a healthier living environment? What tricks do you use to make your home as healthy as possible?
I hope these ideas put you on track for a happy and healthy home!
