Here’s how to make the most of the mid-year break without having to leave the comfort of your own home.
The mid-year break is upon us and, whether you’ve planned for it or not, your children are going to be at home for the next three weeks. Why not take a few days leave and enjoy a mini staycation with them? Those without children can call it a well-deserved mid-year pitstop.
“With extended work hours, part-time jobs and active social lives, homeowners are spending so little time at home these days that a short ‘staycation’ might be a great way to revel in the reasons why you love your home,” says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
Below are his suggestions for how to make the most of the mid-year break without having to leave the comfort of your own home:
Day 1: All-day Movie Marathon
The first day of your staycation is your refuelling day. “After all the days of deadlines, school runs, late nights and early mornings, you need to give your body a break and just allow yourself the luxury of doing nothing,” says Goslett. Go old school and rent some DVDs or stay true to the modern age and binge watch a series on Netflix. However you choose to do this, there are three absolutely essential components: a comfortable couch, quality TV, and – most importantly – your most favourite pair of sweatpants.
Day 2: Winter Clean Out
After your day of rest of recuperation, it’s time to get through that long list of to-do’s that have been building up since January. Unpack that cupboard and donate to a local charity, fix that broken door hinge, repack the garage, and put up those frames that have been collecting dust on the top shelf since last Christmas. If you’ve got children, rope them into helping you with these tasks – it’s a great way to keep them out of mischief and, as they say, two hands are better than one. “This is also the perfect opportunity to tackle quick DIY projects around the house. Update the look of your home simply by replacing outdated handles on your cupboard doors, or replace old fittings with more modern ones,” Goslett suggests.
Day 3: Games Day
As the old proverb goes: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Goslett suggests that the way to avoid a dull staycation is to dust off the board games and pull an all-day game-a-thon. To keep things interesting, swap the actual for the virtual mid-afternoon and challenge your children on their home turf: the PlayStation / Wii / Xbox or whatever other gaming station your household owns.
“The key to a successful staycation is making the most out of every room in your house, thereby reminding yourself of the everyday luxuries we so often take for granted. Get hold of a good book and get cosy in your bedroom, cook up a storm in your kitchen and enjoy a meal together in your dining room, gather the family and play games in the sitting room, or light a fire and watch a movie in the lounge. If staying at home isn’t a luxury for you, then it might be time to get in touch with an agent who can find you a home that allows you to enjoy all these simple pleasures,” Goslett concludes.
