15 tips to stop procrastinating on home projects
By Jordana Weiss•Last updated Apr 5, 2024
Last updated Apr 5, 2024
Table of Contents
- 1. Set a reminder.
- 2. Schedule recurring services.
- 3. Get excited about the results.
- 4. Find an accountability partner.
- 5. Start small.
- 6. Stay calm.
- 7. Remind yourself about the cost of ignoring the project.
- 8. Treat yourself for each milestone you hit.
- 9. Give yourself dedicated time to get the work done.
- 10. Stock up on the necessary tools and supplies.
- 11. Track your progress.
- 12. Seek inspiration.
- 13. Make it a family affair.
- 14. Focus on learning, not outcomes.
- 15. Hire some pros.
- Download Thumbtack to finally complete your home projects
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Whether you've been living in your home for a while or recently moved in, it's easy to get overwhelmed when you think about tackling your home projects. From routine maintenance and neglected repairs to ambitious renovation goals, working on your home can feel daunting.
However, delaying or avoiding your projects can lead to costly repairs and decreased property value. Additionally, living in a home that's not right for you can be draining and impact your happiness.
Let's explore some practical strategies to overcome procrastination and finally tackle those lingering home improvement tasks.
1. Set a reminder.
So many of us lead busy lives, and things that aren't essential often get forgotten. To make sure your home projects don't get swept under the rug or delayed until the damage is severe, set a reminder.
Place sticky notes on your fridge or mirror, write reminders in your planner, or use your mobile device to send automatic updates. Even better: You can download the Thumbtack app to set regular reminders and stay accountable for your home projects.
2. Schedule recurring services.
If you struggle to schedule regular lawn mowing, gutter cleaning, fireplace maintenance, or snow removal, make life easier by hiring a recurring service. Ask your trusted pros if they can schedule weekly, monthly, or quarterly recurring appointments rather than one-offs.
3. Get excited about the results.
To help beat procrastination, visualize how completing the project will improve your daily life. Whether it's a newly organized garage providing extra space or a renovated kitchen enhancing family gatherings, focusing on the positive outcomes can reignite your motivation to get started.
4. Find an accountability partner.
Enlist the support of a friend, family member, or neighbor who can hold you accountable for making progress on your home projects. Sharing your goals with someone else creates a sense of responsibility and provides encouragement along the way.
5. Start small.
When planning your project, break it into manageable tasks and begin with one small step. Starting with achievable goals can build momentum and confidence, making it easier to tackle larger tasks as you progress.
For example, if your goal is to renovate your bedroom, start with decluttering. Sort through items you don't need, pack them up, and hire a junk removal company to get rid of them. Give yourself a few weeks to complete this task before you continue with your project.
6. Stay calm.
It's natural to feel overwhelmed by the scope of a home project, particularly large ones like spring cleaning, a kitchen reno, or front-yard landscaping makeover. Remember that every small step counts. Take it one task at a time, and focus on steady progress rather than trying to do everything at once. Try not to stress yourself out.
If your project does become overwhelming — especially if you're DIY-ing it — consider hiring a professional instead. This may give you the peace of mind you've been searching for.
7. Remind yourself about the cost of ignoring the project.
Consider the potential consequences of further delaying or ignoring the project, such as increased repair costs or decreased property value. Remembering the long-term implications can motivate you to take action now.
8. Treat yourself for each milestone you hit.
Establishing rewards for reaching critical milestones within the project can help incentivize your progress. Whether it's treating yourself to a movie night or indulging in your favorite dessert, celebrating small victories can help you stay determined throughout the project.
9. Give yourself dedicated time to get the work done.
Schedule dedicated blocks of time on your calendar specifically for working on your home improvement project. Treating these appointments with the same importance as other commitments helps to prioritize the project.
10. Stock up on the necessary tools and supplies.
Having everything on hand allows you to work efficiently and minimizes interruptions during the project. Make sure you have all the tools and materials you need before you get started.
Not sure if you're fully stocked up? Check out our lists of plumbing tools and house cleaning supplies every homeowner should have.
11. Track your progress.
Document completed tasks and milestones to keep track of your progress. Whether you use a checklist, progress chart, or Thumbtack, monitoring your progress provides a clear sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep moving forward.
12. Seek inspiration.
Look for home project inspiration online, in magazines, or on social media platforms to find exciting and beautiful ideas for your home's interior or exterior. Finding examples of successful projects can spark creativity and enthusiasm to help you tackle your own.
13. Make it a family affair.
Get the whole family involved in home projects to make them more fun. If it's safe to do so, enlist your kids to help out. This will teach them meaningful skills they can take into adulthood and provide valuable time together.
14. Focus on learning, not outcomes.
Focusing on the outcome of your home project can be frustrating. Instead, focus on learning new skills and adding new tools to your arsenal. By thinking more about the process, you'll see how much you've learned and how far you've come.
15. Hire some pros.
If you've been dragging your feet on a project, it may be too big of a reach right now. Don't hesitate to enlist the help of professionals for tasks that are beyond your expertise or require specialized equipment. Hiring professionals can save you time and ensure high-quality results, allowing you to focus your energy on other aspects of the project.
Download Thumbtack to finally complete your home projects
Whether you're tackling a home renovation or maintenance project yourself or enlisting the help of professionals, Thumbtack can help. We offer homeowners guidance and inspiration before their project begins. We can help you make a plan, research costs, and book professionals. We can also help you set reminders to tackle your to-do list.
Download the Thumbtack app today to get help with all regular and preventative home projects.
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