7 Ways You Can Seek Solace in Your Own Backyard

Now more than ever, it’s essential that we make time for ourselves to unwind, drop our worries at the door, and do what makes us feel happy and whole. You don’t have to go very far to experience it – serenity can be found right in your own backyard. Try these 7 tips to help make your backyard a welcoming oasis:

Invest in Comfortable Seating

It’s a fact: if you have a cozy spot to lounge, you’ll be more likely to spend more time there. Give careful thought to your outdoor seating situation. Perhaps a deep-seated sofa, hanging chair, or a padded swing will help you feel more relaxed and closer to nature. When in doubt, set up the epitome of relaxation: a hammock!

Gather ‘Round the Fire

There’s just something comforting in sitting in front of a fire with your closest friends by your side. Find peace in front of a fire pit or even an outdoor fireplace. They make the perfect place for making s’mores, stargazing, and talking with the ones you love the most!

Steal Away to a Secret Garden

Have a green thumb (or want to work on cultivating one)? Gardening may be the perfect answer for you! In fact, this healthy hobby not only brings you peace of mind, but it also touts several other health benefits. Make plans to begin landscaping a swoon-worthy garden, or strategically add your favorite plants and flowers to what you already have in your yard. Aromatic flowers like lavender and peppermint can also promote relaxing vibes!

Go On, Feed the Birds

Did you know that 40% of Americans regularly feed birds in their backyards? It’s no wonder why – it’s a peaceful hobby that benefits both you and your feathered friends! Set up a bird-feeding station somewhere in your yard. Read up on your favorite birds and set out the type of seed that will attract them (hint: sunflower seed is a big hit with many birds!).

Add a Water Feature

Water can have such a calming effect, which is why you should consider installing some sort of feature in your backyard. Start small with a running water feature in your lounge area or a gorgeous koi pond filled with colorful fish. If you have the space and budget, you can add a hot tub or a swimming pool to soak up all your troubles at the end of the day!

Amp Up the Privacy

You can’t quite relax when you can see neighbors or passers-by from your backyard. Create some much-needed privacy by installing some screens, walls, or even a fence to give you a sense of security. Turn it into an even more inviting oasis by providing plenty of shade and some soft lighting around the area!

Create an Area Just for You

No matter how much or how little space you have in your backyard, you should design a spot for you to do the things you love the most. Turn your patio into a place that you can easily enjoy the latest page-turner or practice yoga. That slab of concrete you have no idea what to do with? Add a few chairs, a table, and some potted plants to create your own hangout spot for you and your friends. The possibilities are endless!

Your backyard should be your own private sanctuary and a source of happiness in your daily life. Looking for a bigger or more inviting backyard? Enlist the help of The Massey Team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Elite Properties! We can help you find the home (and backyard) you’ve been dreaming of all this time. Call us today at (618) 791-5024 or (618) 791-9298 to get started!

Unpacking: How to Maximize Home Storage

Congratulations on moving into a new home – what an exciting time to be alive! There are many possibilities ahead of you and one of those is where to put everything. Before you move any of those boxes off the truck, consider developing a strategy. You don’t want to get caught up with clutter right away. Here are 6 unpacking tips to maximize home storage.

Identify the Obvious Storage Spaces

Start by going room to room in order to make a mental or written note of the places that are clearly storage spaces. The obvious ones will include closets, shelves, counters, and drawers. There are so many benefits to each, but especially with closets. Closets can be customized for almost any use like storing clothes, linens, and food.

Start with the Kitchen

Speaking of food, people spend more time in the kitchen than most other rooms. That means it should take priority when you’re unpacking. Break out all of your dishes, utensils, gadgets, and appliances to find the best location for them. If you had a difficult time finding items before the move, take advantage of this opportunity to organize ahead of time. Fill the cabinets, drawers, and utilize counterspace accordingly.

Move to the Bedrooms

The bedrooms are up next! Unpack your wardrobe, jewelry, and other personal belongings. In the master, the placement of the bed is important as it could give you extra floor space for dressers and shelving units. Once those systems are packed, along with the closets, consider purchasing rolling storage boxes for underneath the bed. Guest bedrooms are perfect for miscellaneous articles and spare beds/furniture.

Continue with the Bathroom

It takes skill to perfectly arrange a bathroom. If there’s a closet, store your towels on the middle shelf with the cleaning supplies above and the toilet paper/tissues below. Plungers or scrub brushes can sit in their holders on the floor. For those without closet space in the bathroom, invest in shelving units that can withstand moisture. You can also purchase smaller shelves for the shower itself to hold soap, shampoo, and conditioner.

Don’t Forget the Living Room

With most of the essentials now unpacked, it’s time to revisit the living room. A lot of reading and TV watching will occur here so determine where the furniture will go first. Then decide on the placement of bookshelves and an entertainment center. Entertainment centers come with shelves and cabinets where you can hold your TV, movies, gaming station, and much more. A bookshelf’s purpose is obvious, but you can also use one to hold picture frames, knickknacks, and overflow from your DVD or video game collection, too.

Locate Other Storage Areas

Your house is filling up quickly but the truck still has a few pieces of property left inside. It’s a good thing that basements are known for storing anything and everything. Garages and sheds are incredibly useful as well. These spaces can easily hold workout equipment, recreational games like pool, lawncare equipment, tools, and other items you don’t mind not seeing every day.

For Those Considering a Move

Still thinking about making a move? If you’re not quite ready to pack up all your things because you have to find your dream home, let The Massey Team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Elite Properties assist you. View our listings online and call us today at (618) 791-5024 or (618) 791-9298.