One of the easiest ways to lower your energy bills is to improve the efficiency of your home. Many upgrades, like adding insulation or sealing air leaks, are projects you can do yourself. Here are some effective upgrades you can tackle to save energy and money.

Adding weatherstripping around doors and windows is an inexpensive way to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Weatherstripping seals gaps and cracks to reduce drafts and prevent heat loss. You can find weatherstripping kits for around $30 at your local hardware store. Installation only takes a few hours and can lower your heating and cooling costs by up to 20 percent.

Insulating your attic is another useful upgrade. Heat rises, so much of the warmth in your home escapes through the attic. Adding insulation, especially in older homes, can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your space. For around $20, you can get a bag of loose-fill cellulose insulation to add to your attic. Properly insulating your attic can lower heating costs by up to 30 percent.

Replacing incandescent light bulbs with LEDs or CFLs is an easy way to start saving energy. LEDs and CFLs use at least 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. Make the switch to energy-efficient lighting and you’ll notice lower electricity bills right away.

Installing a programmable thermostat allows you to more efficiently control the temperature in your home. A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature for maximum energy savings when you are away or sleeping. Smart thermostats, like the Nest Learning Thermostat, can learn your habits and preferences to optimize energy usage. Installing a programmable thermostat typically costs between $50 to $250 and can lower both heating and cooling costs by up to 10 percent.

Sealing and insulating your ductwork prevents heat loss as warm air circulates through your HVAC system. Sealing leaks and holes in your ducts with mastic sealant or metal tape can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling by up to 20 percent. Insulating ducts that run through unheated areas like the attic or basement keeps heat from escaping. Sealing and insulating ductwork typically costs between $50 to $200, depending on the size of your system.

DIY projects are a great way to bond with your kids and keep them engaged during school breaks or on the weekends. Here are some fun, kid-friendly projects you can do together:

Paper flowers are an easy craft that kids of all ages will enjoy. Provide sheets of colored paper, scissors, and glue. Show your kids how to cut spiral strips to form the petals and secure the petals onto a base to make a flower. Let your kids be creative with different sizes, colors, and shapes.

Making homemade play dough or slime is an entertaining activity for kids. All you need is flour, salt, water, oil, and food coloring. Give your kids measuring cups and let them mix the ingredients. Knead the dough with your hands until it’s the perfect consistency. Kids can shape the dough into animals or roll it flat to make play dough pasta.

Birdhouse building is an educational project for school-age kids. Provide small wooden boards, a saw, hammer, nails, paint or wood stain, and a birdhouse kit. Work together to cut the wood to size, nail the pieces together, and assemble the birdhouse. Let your kids be creative by painting and decorating the house. Place the finished birdhouse in your yard and see if any feathered friends move in!

A backyard movie night is a fun family event. Set up a projector or hang up a white sheet to use as a screen. Provide snacks like popcorn, pizza, candy, and juice boxes. Have your kids make tickets to give to guests. They can also decorate the yard by making signs for the movie title and a concession stand. Curl up on blankets and chairs to enjoy a movie under the stars.

Building model rockets is an engaging project for kids interested in science and space. Buy a rocket kit that includes the body tubes, nose cone, fins, and parachute. Read through the instructions together and assemble the pieces. Decorate the rocket, fill the engine, and launch the rocket. Your kids will be thrilled when the rocket soars up high!

Refresh your home for spring with some simple DIY decor projects. Head to your local craft store and pick up some pastel-colored paper, paints, stencils, and other supplies to make decorative accents that breathe new life into your space. You can make tissue paper flowers, colorful paper streamers, or paint flower pots in bright springtime hues.

Summer calls for light and casual decor. Create beachy accents like shell- or starfish-shaped candles, glass jar luminarias, or wall art using items found on an ocean shore. Use natural fibers like raffia, twine, and woven placemats. Add a touch of the tropics with palm frond fans, bamboo blinds, or tropical leaf garlands. Keep things breezy and open.

In fall, warm up your home with touches of harvest gold, deep orange, and rustic red. Arrange gourds, mini pumpkins, and bundles of wheat or colorful leaves. Make decorative pillows using autumnal fabrics like burlap, plaid, or corduroy. Create a wreath from grapevines, leaves, and berries for your front door. Use cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and dried lavender to make a fragrant potpourri or scented candles.

For winter, incorporate evergreen branches, pine cones, berries, and natural elements. Create a centerpiece with candles nestled in a bed of cranberries, rosemary, and pine. Sew or glue felt, fleece, or flannel into decorative pillows, table runners, or wall hangings. Use a cinnamon-infused essential oil in an oil diffuser to make your home smell cozy. String popcorn, cranberries, and paper snowflakes for festive garlands.

Keeping your home refreshed for each new season will make the change in weather feel more exciting. With some simple DIY projects using natural and recycled materials, you can transition your decor and bring the feeling of the current season into your living space. Your friends and family are sure to appreciate your seasonal hospitality when they visit!

Power tools can be intimidating if you’ve never used them before. However, for any DIYer, having a collection of basic power tools can make a variety of home improvement projects much easier. The key is starting with some essential tools that are versatile and easy to operate. As you get more comfortable, you can add on from there.

Cordless drill/drivers are one of the most useful power tools to have. They can drive screws, drill holes, and are convenient since they don’t require an extension cord. For most basic tasks around the home, an 18-volt cordless drill/driver will work great. Look for a model with multiple speed settings, a keyless chuck that makes bit changes easy, and an LED light to illuminate your work area.

A circular saw is ideal for cutting wood, especially larger sheets. Corded circular saws tend to be less expensive, but cordless models are more convenient. Look for a saw with an adjustable blade for different cut depths, a spindle lock for easy blade changes, and a sturdy base plate for straight cuts. Always use a clamp or guide for the safest, most accurate cuts.

For sanding, a random orbit sander is a great first sander. It’s versatile and easy to control, even for beginners. Look for a sander that accepts standard sandpaper sheets and has multiple speed settings. Start with lower grits like 150 to 220 for rough sanding and work your way to higher grits for fine finishing.

No toolbox is complete without a hammer. Look for a general-purpose hammer, like a 16-ounce curved claw hammer. It’s suitable for most basic pounding and prying tasks. For driving and removing nails, the curved claw end is essential.

A utility knife is useful for cutting and scoring many materials. Look for a knife with retractable blades for safety and easy blade changes. Keep extra blades on hand for the sharpest cutting.

Pliers and wire cutters come in handy for many tasks like twisting wires, crimping connectors, pulling out nails, and cutting wire. Needle nose pliers have a long, tapered nose, while standard pliers have a squared, serrated nose. Wire cutters, also known as diagonal cutters, have short blades to cut wire.

Every DIYer needs a tape measure for taking accurate measurements and marking cuts. Look for one with large, easy-to-read numbers and markings, as well as both imperial and metric measurements. For most needs, a 25-foot retractable tape measure is a good size.

With these basic power tools and hand tools, you’ll be well on your way to completing many home DIY projects. Start with some simple tasks to build your confidence, learn proper techniques, and get comfortable using the tools. You’ll be driving screws and cutting boards in no time!

DIY home security systems are becoming increasingly popular as technology advances and components become more affordable. Many homeowners are opting to install their own security systems instead of paying expensive monthly fees to a professional monitoring company. The good news is that with some basic equipment and a few precautions, you can secure your home without breaking the bank.

One of the simplest ways to boost your home’s security is to install additional locks on doors and windows, especially sliding glass doors and windows. Adding a steel security door over an exterior door is also an affordable option. Make sure all doors and windows lock securely and consider using longer screws to reinforce the locks.

Installing motion-activated lights is an easy way to scare off intruders and make your home less of a target. Place the lights so they illuminate entry points like doors, walkways, and driveways. You can also install fake security cameras to make intruders think the home is monitored.

Use timers to automatically turn on lights, radios, and TVs to make the home appear occupied even when you’re away. Timers are inexpensive and easy to set up. They are a simple deterrent against burglars looking for an empty house.

Reinforce garage doors since they are a common point of entry. Install steel tracks, longer screws, and secure locks or bolts to strengthen the door. An audible alarm on the garage door will also deter intruders.

Let trusted neighbors know when you will be away for an extended period. Ask them to collect mail, mow the lawn, take out trash, and park in the driveway to make the home appear lived in. Provide emergency contact information in case they notice anything suspicious.

Post “Beware of Dog” signs around the yard even if you don’t have a dog. The signs alone may be enough to deter intruders. You can also install an outdoor security camera, real or fake, to monitor the yard.

Take inventory of your valuables and document serial numbers in case of theft. This will aid police in recovering stolen goods. Store the information in a safe or safety deposit box in case documents in the home are stolen.

Following these DIY home security tips can help protect your property without the high costs of professional monitoring. While DIY systems may not provide the same level of security as a professionally installed and monitored system, they can be an effective deterrent against common burglars. With some low-cost additions and vigilant neighbors, you can have peace of mind knowing your home is safe and secure.

A cluttered home can make you feel stressed and overwhelmed. The good news is there are some simple DIY solutions you can implement to get organized and gain control of your space. Start by decluttering room by room. Go through each space and get rid of anything you do not need or use anymore. Have boxes or bags on hand to donate or throw away items. Once you have pared down your belongings, you can start implementing smart storage solutions.

In the kitchen, use matching containers to store dry goods like rice, pasta, and snacks. Label each container so you know exactly what’s inside at a glance. Install drawer dividers to keep utensils, cutlery, and other tools neatly sorted. If cabinet space is limited, add a freestanding pantry unit. It will give you extra storage for appliances, linens, and pantry items.

In the bedroom, use bed risers to lift your bed a few inches off the floor. The extra space underneath is perfect for storing out-of-season clothing, shoes, and other items. Add hooks to the back of your door to hang scarves, belts, handbags, and jewelry. Place matching boxes or baskets on a shelf to keep smaller accessories tidy.

For paperwork and mail, set up a simple filing system with color-coded folders. Have one folder for bills, one for receipts, one for manuals and warranties, and so on. File papers as soon as you’re done with them to avoid piles building up. For magazines and newspapers, recycle them once you’ve read them or file them away in a storage box if you want to keep them.

In a home office, a desk with drawers is ideal for staying organized. Use the drawers to store office supplies, chargers, flash drives, and other small items. A desktop organizer tray is great for keeping pens, pencils, staplers, and paper clips in one place. Place a small trash can under your desk so you can easily dispose of waste paper and sticky notes.

For toys and children’s items, use labeled bins to sort items by type. Have a bin for building toys, one for action figures, one for board books, and so on. Rotating toys in and out of storage will make the bins easier to keep tidy. Add wall shelves at a kid-friendly height for displaying a few favorite toys, books, and knickknacks.

In an entryway, a console table with drawers provides storage for keys, charging stations for mobile devices, baskets for mail and accessories, and a tray for loose change and wallets. Wall hooks give you space to hang coats, scarves, and bags. A bench gives you a place to sit while putting on or removing shoes. Add a mat or tray under the bench to collect dirt and debris from shoes.

For seasonal decorations, buy stackable storage bins and label each one for a holiday or season. As you take down decor from one season, place the items in the corresponding bin and store the bins in a closet, attic, basement or garage until next year. This keeps all your decorations organized and in one spot, ready to be retrieved when needed.

There are many easy DIY wall art ideas that can transform your blank walls into creative masterpieces. One simple idea is to arrange framed photos, art prints, or inspirational quotes on a gallery wall. Start with a large centerpiece, like a scenic panoramic print, then surround it with a collage of smaller frames. Use a level to ensure everything is evenly hung and step back to appreciate your new eye-catching wall display.

If you prefer a more rustic look, consider creating a wooden pallet wall. Pallets are inexpensive and can be found at home improvement stores. Paint or stain the pallets to match your decor, then secure them together in a grid pattern to make a wall-sized board. You now have a beautiful reclaimed wood backdrop for decorating. String lights, potted plants, mirrors, clocks, and wall planters all pop against the woodsy palette wall.

A unique way to fill space is with geometric wall decals. Many designs, like honeycomb hexagons or tessellated triangles, come on removable vinyl sheets that you just stick on and peel off. Start with a small set to see how you like the look, then apply additional decals to create a bolder pattern. The decals are ideal for renters since they cause no damage to walls.

For an interactive wall piece, make an DIY felt board. Cover a large board in felt fabric and adhere it to your wall. Provide felt pieces in various shapes, numbers, letters and colors that can be stuck on and rearranged. Kids will have fun creating pictures and designs on the felt board, and you can join in too by spelling out messages or making simple pixel art.

A creative take on wall art is to paint or stencil an accent wall. A dark, moody wall color can serve as an dramatic backdrop in an entryway or bedroom. Or stencil on a Moroccan-inspired tile design, botanical print, or freeform swirl pattern. Once the stenciling is complete, seal the wall with a clear topcoat. An accent wall is an easy, inexpensive way to transform the look and feel of an entire room.

There are so many wonderful DIY wall art ideas to inspire your creativity and make your home beautiful. Fill those blank walls with photos, wood, decals, felt or paint and enjoy the compliments on your gorgeous new gallery. Your space will go from boring to bold with these simple yet striking wall art projects.

Furniture flipping is an easy way to turn a profit with very little upfront cost. All you need is an eye for spotting pieces with good bones, some elbow grease to clean and repair them, and a place to sell your refreshed finds. Here are some tips to get started with furniture flipping.

Vintage and retro pieces are always a good bet. Look for solid wood items from the mid-century modern era, as well as farmhouse and industrial styles. These hold up well and are very on-trend, so they continue to gain popularity and value over time. Check all drawers and doors to make sure everything is in working order. Minor repairs are OK, but avoid anything that needs major reconstruction.

Thrift stores, yard sales, and estate sales are great hunting grounds for flipping finds. Look for places that price by the item rather than by the pound. Check less obvious spots like church charity shops, as they often have high-quality donations. Negotiate the best price you can—you need to buy low in order to sell high.

Do some research to determine a fair asking price for the item in your local market. Check recent sold listings on sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and eBay. Price on the higher end of the range for a desirable, vintage piece in excellent condition. Clean and polish the item, then take high quality photographs from multiple angles.

Advertise on the same sites where you researched pricing. Offer local pickup and delivery for larger items. Be open to offers for rare, sought-after pieces. Provide measurements and details about condition and any repairs made. Answer questions from interested buyers promptly and honestly.

Meet buyers in a public place if doing a local sale. Have them pay in cash or electronically before loading the item. For delivery, have them pay in full first before bringing the item into their home. Keep records of all sales for your taxes.

With some practice, you’ll get better at spotting diamonds in the rough and turning a tidy profit. The key is buying low, investing some effort to refresh and repair, then knowing the right formula to price and market your finds. Keep hunting and flipping, and soon you’ll have a thriving side business!

Bathroom makeovers don’t have to break the bank. With some strategic DIY projects, you can transform your bathroom for under $500 in a single weekend.

First, paint the walls. A fresh coat of paint in a bright, clean color like light blue or pale gray can make a bathroom feel brand new. For small bathrooms, stick to lighter shades which create an open, airy feel. Buy a high-quality paint and primer in one, which typically costs between $30 to $50 per gallon.

Next, replace the lighting fixtures. New lighting is one of the easiest ways to upgrade a space. Swap out outdated fixtures for more stylish ones with clean lines. Look for waterproof fixtures rated for bathroom use. Simple globe lights, sconces or recessed lighting around $30 to $50 each will make a big impact.

Then, install new cabinet hardware. Replacing knobs and pulls is an inexpensive project that yields major results. Sleek, brushed metal hardware in a satin nickel or matte black finish will give cabinets a modern facelift for $30 or less.

You’ll also want to declutter and reorganize. Remove anything you do not need or use in your bathroom. Put items you want to keep in matching boxes or baskets to keep surfaces clear. Add a few plants, candles or decorative accents to finish the look.

If your budget allows, you may want to replace outdated faucets. A single-handle brushed nickel faucet will make a bathroom look more upscale. Look for a high-quality faucet for around $100 to $200.

Finally, add extras like a bath mat, shower curtain, towel bars or a vanity tray. Little touches like these complete the room and turn it into a relaxing retreat. With some do-it-yourself magic and a few key additions, you can craft a bathroom makeover for under $500 in just one weekend. Your refreshed space will look like a million bucks.

Gardening is a rewarding hobby that doesn’t require a large outdoor space. Whether you have a tiny balcony, a small patio or just a windowsill, you can create an urban oasis filled with greenery. All you need are a few simple DIY projects to get started.

One easy project is building a vertical garden. Attach wooden boards or netting to a wall or fence and fill them with soil-filled pockets or containers so plants can grow up rather than out. This is perfect for climbing plants like peas or cucumbers. You can also create a simple trellis for plants to climb.

Another useful project is making your own self-watering planters. Take two plastic containers and drill drainage holes in the bottom of one. Place it inside the other container and fill the space between them with water. The soil in the top container will soak up water as needed. This is ideal for when you go out of town.

Why not spruce up your outdoor space with string lights or lanterns? Add warmth and ambiance so you can enjoy your garden at night. You can also create pathways using gravel, stones or pavers. Edge the paths with low-growing plants or line them with potted plants.

If you lack outdoor space altogether, bring nature indoors with houseplants. Choose low-light plants for rooms without much sunlight. Group several plants together on a table or shelf to create your own indoor garden scene. Remember to water and fertilize them regularly.

For small yards, focus on vertical gardening, container plants and multi-purpose furniture. Use trellises, hanging baskets, window boxes and planter stands to maximize limited space. Choose patio chairs, tables and benches that also provide extra storage or space for potted plants underneath.

With some DIY projects and the right plant choices, you can create a lush garden anywhere. Turn your balcony, patio or indoor space into a green oasis where you can relax and enjoy nature. A green thumb isn’t required, just a desire to bring more natural beauty into your home.