When Your Home Renovation Plans Get to be Too Much
Most of us love the idea of getting our homes looking exactly how we want them. We dream of what we might do if we had the time and the money – a magic bookcase leading to a secret room anyone? Some of us charge ahead without the money, doing the work ourselves and upcycling.
(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)
But what about when it gets too much? Being productive is great, and having loads of ideas can be energising. But sometimes you need to take a step back from a big project and take some time to regroup.
How To Spot the Signs of Overwhelm
One of the simplest signs is that you no longer take pleasure in your projects. Instead of feeling excited to get started, you dread having to tackle the next job on your list. Losing your mojo like this is a sure sign that you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Another way to tell is if you’ve become the classic ‘job starter’. The job starter has no problem starting a new project, but finishing it is another matter. If you find you’ve got a million and one different jobs on the go, chances are you need a reset.
What To Do About It
The solution to renovation overwhelm is simple. You need a plan. Forget the endless articles that tell you to go on holiday or head to a yoga retreat; you need to get serious. Tackle it head on and you’ll feel more in control instantly.
Grab yourself a piece of paper and a pen and make a list of everything that needs doing. Include everything from replacing the roof through to changing that light bulb in the downstairs bathroom. That’s step one. If you need a boost to get you started, pick three jobs that you know will only take ten minutes and do them right now. Great, now you’ve got three jobs ticked off already!
Next, rate the jobs in order of importance. Are there things that are just pipe dreams and others that have safety implications? Giving yourself clear priorities helps you see your clear next steps.
Now take the most important job on the list and break it up into chunks. If it’s redecorating the bedroom, itemise it as clearing the room, prepping the walls, painting and cleaning up. Small jobs are much easier to manage mentally.
When It’s Really Too Much
There’s also something to be said for knowing when to quit. It might be that you’ve taken on a bigger project than you can manage, or perhaps circumstances have changed. In this case, it’s okay to find yourself dreaming of a quick house sale.
If the list has gotten too long and it’s time for a fresh start, selling up is always an option. A cash buying service can help with overwhelm here by simplifying the process. You’ll get a guaranteed cash offer and can even choose your own completion date.
The key to tackling overwhelm is to retake control. Whether that’s by prioritising tasks or making the decision to move, that’s up to you.
(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)