Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day! And that doesn’t just mean the love you feel for your special someone. Your love can also extend to your home. There are many ways that we can love and care for our homes so that they are a place of comfort and refuge for years to come. These are some of our favorites.

Donate unused items to charity

Nobody likes clutter. When you let things pile up, it can make your living space feel cramped and unloved. So there’s no better way to show your home how much you care about it than thinning out your possessions. Spend an afternoon going through a closet, drawer, or even a whole room. Find the items you no longer need or want and donate them to your favorite local charity.

Add plants or flowers

Adding plants or flowers to your home can make it feel cozier and more alive. If you don’t want to spend money on fresh flowers regularly, then add a plant or two to your living space. Just be sure to choose plants that are non-toxic if you have dogs or cats at home.

Deep clean a room or area

Another great way to love your home is to devote an afternoon to deep cleaning a room or area that you use frequently. Get in all the nooks and crannies – dust, mop, vacuum, and clean from top to bottom.

Make dinner at home

Going out to eat is certainly one of life’s small pleasures. But one way that you can love your home is to prepare meals in your own kitchen. It can make your house feel more like a home. Don’t be afraid to bust out the good china and light some candles while you’re at it.

Display your favorite possessions

Do you have a collection that you keep tucked away in a box or drawer? Why not display that collection instead? Whether you love buying vintage silk scarves or coffee mugs from your travels, devote some shelf or wall space to it so that you can admire it every day.

Make it smell good

We don’t always notice what our home smells like from day to day. But adding a pleasant aroma to it can make it feel special. Treat yourself to a scented candle, diffuse your favorite essential oils, or mix up a batch of stovetop potpourri.

Rearrange

Is everything you own in the same place as when you first moved in? When we look at the same things in the same places day after day it’s easy to tune them out. Show your home some love by switching things up a bit. You can go big by rearranging furniture or do it on a smaller scale by moving around some knick-knacks. It’s almost like shopping, but you’re using things you already own and not spending a single penny.

Invite people to your home

We’ve spent so much time in isolation over the last two years. If you feel safe doing so, then invite a friend or two over! Nothing makes a house feel more like a home than filling it with the people you love.