StayHome: How to Create Functional Spaces In Your Home During Social Distancing

Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), most of us are spending a lot more time at home. Everyone is being called upon to avoid public spaces and practice social distancing to slow the spread of this infectious disease. Since this can be challenging, worrisome, or deeply frustrating, I want to share some ways you can modify your home and your lifetstyle to make the best of this difficult situation.

Here are a few tips for creating comfortable and functional spaces within your home for work, homeschooling, and fitness. I'm also sharing some of my favorite ways to stay connected as a community, because we're all in this together..and no one should face these trying times alone.

Begin With the Basics

A basic home emergency prepredness kit is a great addition to any home, even under normal circumstances. It should include items like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, first aid kit, and other essentials you would need should you temporarily lose access to food, water, or electricity.

Fortunately, authorities don't anticipate any serious interruptions to utilities or the food supply during the outbreak. However, it may be a good time to start gathering your emergency basics in a designated location, so you'll be prepared now - and in the future - should your family ever need them.

Ready to start building an emergency kit for your home?

Download a copy of my Home Emergency Preparedness Checklist!

Working From Home

Many people, like me, are being asked to work remotely. If you're transitioning to a home office for the first time, it's important to create a designated space for work...so it doesn't creep into your home life, and vice versa. If you live in a small condo or apartment, this may feel impossible, but try to find a quiet corner where you can set up a desk and comfortable chair. The simple act of separating your work and home spaces can help you focus during work hours and "turn off" at the end of the day.

Of course, if you have children who are home with you all day, separating your home and work life will be more difficult! Unless you have someone else who can serve as the primary caregiver, you'll need to manage the needs of your children while juggling work and virtual meetings.

If both parents are working from home, try alternating shifts, so you each have a designated time to work and to parent.. if that's not an option, experts recommend creating a schedule for your children, so they know when you're available to play, and when you need to work. (1) A red stop sign on the door (or taped to the front of your desk if your "office" area is in an open space) can help remind them when you shouldn't be disturbed. And for younger children, blocking off a specific time each day for them to nap or have independent screen time can give you an opportunity to schedule conference calls or work uninterrupted.

Homeschooling Your Children

Many parents with school-aged children will be taking on a new challenge: homeschooling. Similar to a home office, designating a space for learning activities can help your child transition between play and school. If you're working from home, the homeschooling area would ideally be located near your workspace, so you can offer assistance and answer questions more conveniently.

If possible, dedicate a desk or table where your child's work can be spread out, and left out, when they break for meals or snacks. Position supplies and materials nearby so they are independently accessible, and place a trash can within reach for easy cleanup. A plastic tablecloth is a great way to transition your academic space into an art and crafts area.

If the weather is nice, try studying outside! A porch swing is the perfect spot for reading, and gardening in the backyard is a great addition to your science curriculum.

In additioin to creating an academic learning environment, find age-appropriate opportunities for your children to help with household chores and meal preparation. There's tremendous value in developing life skills alongside academic ones. (2) And with more meals and activities taking place at home, there will be ample opportunity for every family member to pitch in and help.

If your'e struggling with homeschooling, don't feel bad. Reach out to me any time for encouragement or a sanity break! I've got lots of ideas and resources I'd be happy to share with you.

Staying Fit

With gyms closed and team sports cancelled, it can be tempting to sit on the sofa and binge Netflix. However, maintaining the physical health and mental wellness of you and your family is crucial right now! Implementing a regular exercise routine at home can help with both.

If you live in an area where you can safely exercise outdoors while maintaining the recommended distance between you and the neighbors, try to get out as much as possible. If the weather is nice, go for family walks, jogs, or bike rides.

Can't get outside? Fortunately, you don't need a home gym or fancy exercise equipment to stay fit. Look for a suitable space in your home, garage, or basement where you can comfortably move - you'll probably need at least a 6' x 6' area for each person. Many cardio and strength training exercises require little or no equipment, including jumping jacks, lunges, and pushups. 

To keep things interesting, search for free exercise videos on YouTube - there are even options specifically geared toward kids - or try one of the many fitness apps available.

Socializing From a Distance

Even though we're all being called upon to practice "social distancing" right now, there are still ways to stay safely connected to our communities and extended families. Picking up the phone is a great place to start. Make an effort to reach out to neighbors and loved ones who live alone and may be feeling particularlly isolated right now.

And while parties and playdates may be prohibited, modern technology offers countless ways to organize networked gatherings with family and friends. Try using group video conferencing tools like Zoom and Google Hangouts to gather for a virtual happy hour or book club. Host a Netflix Party to watch and chat about movies with friends. Or plan a virtual game night with a round of Yahtzee or Psych.

There are safe ways to connect offline, too. Rediscover the lost art of letter writing. Drop off groceries on an elderly neighbor's porch. Or organize a neighborhood chalk walk, where families decorate their driveways with sidewalk chalk and then go out for a stroll to view their friends' artwork.

Of course, there's one group of people you can still socialize with freely: the people who live in your home! Family dinners are back, board games and movies never go out of style, and many of us have been given the gift of time, with commutes, activities and obligations eliminated. In fact, some families are finding that this crisis has brought them closer than ever. Cherish the time!

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Even with all of the tools and technology available to keep us connected, many of us are still feeling stressed, scared, and isolated. But you are not alone. Your friends and neighbors are there. And I'm not only here to help you buy and sell real estate - I'm here as a resource to my clients and community through good times and bad. If you and your family are in need of assistance, please reach out.

(1) CNBC https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/16/how-to-work-from-home-with-your-kids-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak.html

(2) TheHomeSchoolMom.com https://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/benefits-of-homeschooling-2/