We all spend a lot of time at home, and sometimes it can be a challenge to find new things to do. If you’re looking for productive ways to spend your time, you’ve come to the right place! Here are 26+ simple and productive little things you can do at home that you might not have thought of yet.
If you’ve got a weekend coming up with nothing on the calendar, it’s time to start thinking about what to do with your free time! Use this time to be super productive and get things done. If you need ideas, I’m here to help with a list of productive things to do and good habits to form.
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Instead of aimlessly scrolling social media, try one of these most productive things you could be doing instead! When you have a break in your busy schedule, these are the best things to do.
1. Clean Your Makeup Brushes
Did you know that you are technically supposed to clean your makeup brushed after each use in your daily routine? Yeah, like that is going to happen. At the bare minimum though, you should wash them weekly. I’m pretty guilty of forgetting about this and going weeeeeks without washing my makeup brushes. If this is you, make this a priority today!
Makeup brushes can collect a lot of bacteria. Giving them a good clean is so important. Not only will it help your skin, but your makeup will apply so much better. I have used for years now the Real Techniques Cleansing Gel. I love that it is seriously so cheap but always get the job done great. I also use an insanely inexpensive pad like this one to scrub against.
2. Scrub All Your Shoes
Take some time to clean your shoes. It makes a big difference and helps them last longer. Or, you can throw sneakers in the washing machine. I do this a lot! I will put my tennis shoes in the washer (with some towels to prevent them from bouncing around so much) and then let them air dry.
This is the cleaner to get if you want to take this shoe washing activity up a notch. Or, if your tennis shoes are super dirty this could be a good thing.
3. Do an At Home Workout Video from YouTube
Find a workout video on a YouTube channel and get moving. There are plenty of youtube videos out there. It’s a great way to stay active without leaving the house! You’ll see a lot of personal growth from working out with a good exercise routine.
I will say my FAVORITE channel to watch is Sydney Cummings Houdyshell. The videos are always so good and normally all you need is some dumbbells. However, she also has a lot of bodyweight only videos that are still killer so you can do them without buying a thing to clutter up your living space. It’s the best at home physical activity in my opinion!
4. Source and Make a List of Recipes You Want to Try
Look for new recipes online or in cookbooks and make a list of ones you want to try. Then, when you are in a rut you’ll have a nice list of dinner recipes ready to go! You can source recipes from your family tree for classics or go to Pinterest to find new ideas!
I like using a binder like this to write down favorite recipes. I’ve got some inspiration for you if you’re stumped! Try the best ground beef recipes, Italian pasta dishes, or mexican air fryer recipes!
5. Clean Your Shower
When was the last time you cleaned your shower or tub? Scrub the tiles and clean the shower head. A clean shower makes your bathroom feel fresh! As for me, it takes about 30 minutes to an hour to fully clean the shower. It is definitely something to do on a day you have more time or are bored.
I’ve been using the OxiClean bathroom cleaner and think it works great for the inside of the shower. I’ll normally use some kind of scrubbing pad like this twelve pack.
6. Clean Out the Pantry
Go through your pantry, toss expired items, and organize the shelves. This will probably take you a few hours. You’ll need to trash old products, decide what to save, and then sort everything back out.
These clear organizer bins are great for things like protein bars, nut butter, etc. I’m also a big fan of these lazy susans for pasta sauce, condiments, etc.
7. Clean Out Your Closet and List the Items on Poshmark
Sort through your clothes, and if you have items you no longer wear, list them on Poshmark. I personally love Poshmark. I’ve sold so much stuff on there over the years.
Or, list some clothes to facebook marketplace or just donate them to a thrift store. The point is to reduce the clutter in your closet.
8. Read Your Bible
You can spend extra time this weekend reading the Bible if you are bored! Want to know my current reading routine that has helped me stay on track? Basically each day you read 2-4 chapters and then watch an 8 minute video recapping and explaining what you just read. I find it very helpful to have that summary video at the end and love the creator of the videos. Learn all about that study plan in the blog post I wrote about how to read the Bible in 1 year.
You’ll never finish reading and feel like you wasted time. It’s a great thing to do as a part of your morning routine!
9. Clean Out Your Refrigerator/Freezer
Empty the fridge, clean the shelves, and toss anything expired. This task is going to take quite a while and it so important to do every so often.
Be sure and take out the drawers, shelves, and any storage organizers you have in the fridge and wipe them all out and deep clean.
You’ll love having a sparkling clean refrigerator.
10. Bake a Healthy Dessert
Try baking a healthy dessert. It’s a fun activity and a tasty treat that won’t make you feel sick afterwards!
Here are some of my go-to healthy dessert recipes: Healthy No-Bake Cookies, Homemade Honey-Sweetened Ice Cream, Date Peanut Butter Bark
11. Read a Book
Grab a good book you’ve been meaning to read and enjoy some downtime next time you’re bored. Reading stimulates the brain and is a super productive thing to do. Plus, it will be enjoyable and help you relax!
You can read something historical that you are interested in or something purely for fun. This is also a great de-stresser if you find yourself with negative emotions.
12. Clean and Vacuum Your Car
Give your car a good cleaning on the inside. Remove all trash, vacuum the floor mats, etc. It feels great to drive a clean car. Then, you can take a drive to the car wash for the exterior! Or finish it off yourself at home.
13. Go Through Your Bank Statement and Delete Subscriptions
Review your bank statement for subscriptions you don’t use and cancel them. While you are looking through your bank statement, notice anything that seems to be costing you a lot. Come up with a plan to either reduce or cut those things out.
Finding ways to save money is always a productive thing to do! Plus this shouldn’t take too much time. Your bank account will thank you!
14. Start an Herb Garden
If you have space, start a small herb garden. Fresh herbs are great for cooking and will save you a ton of money. This little affordable pack of herbs is great from Amazon. Plus it’s just a fun and wholesome activity to do at home!
Check out this stackable herb garden container! It’s such a space efficient way to start your herb garden or other small indoor plants. Keep it on the back porch or even in your kitchen is a great place. You’ll feel such a sense of accomplishment!
15. Go for a Walk
Get outside and take a walk. It’s good exercise, great for your physical health, and helps clear your mind. If you don’t have a good walking neighborhood, plan to meet up with a best friend at a local walking trail or state park for a great time of catching up.
Walking has so many overall health benefits and so I consider it a very productive activity for your overall wellbeing. Your future self with thank you if you make this one of your daily tasks! Consider it the perfect option if you’re trying to incorporate more physical activities.
16. Tweeze Your Eyebrows/Wax Facial Hair
Take some time to groom your eyebrows or wax facial hair. I know this seems silly to put this down as one of the productive activities, but we often forget to do this and sometimes a relaxing day at home is the perfect time.
Sure this isn’t one of the most fun activities, but it’s one of those small tasks that probably needs to be done.
It could take around 30 minutes to tweeze and wax and get everything perfectly smooth. It’s a good idea not to rush. This Sally Hansen kit is what I’ve been using lately. I don’t think it’s the best out there, but it’s so dirt cheap that I don’t mind. I bought it several months ago and have gotten several uses out of it. Plus it doesn’t leave a sticky mess at all which is so nice.
17. Make DIY Gifts You Can Give Out This Christmas
Get a head start on holiday gifts by making some DIY presents. It’s one of the most fun things to do. I’ve got an entire blog post dedicated to DIY gifts that I think people will actually like. You can pick one and give it a try! Or you can use these as gifts for upcoming birthdays or other special occasions. You’ll have a good time being crafty.
18. Organize the Outside of Your Refrigerator (Magnets, Papers, etc.)
Declutter the front of your refrigerator by organizing magnets and papers. If you’re anything like me, you’ve got appointment reminder cards, random invitations, and an assortment of magnets cluttering up the exterior of your refrigerator.
Take some time to clean this space up! Toss old papers, arrange the magnets, and just make things look neater. You’ll have the best time decorating with fun little heart magnets.
19. Meal Plan for the Coming Weeks
Time to meal prep! Plan out your meals for the next few weeks. It saves time and helps with grocery shopping the easy way. You’ll be soo glad once you do this to have a nice plan for the upcoming week of what to cook and ingredients to shop for.
If you’re looking for some done for you daily meal plans, you can explore my free five day over 140 grams of protein meal plans! Try a new recipe this week, it’s a good way to mix things up.
20. Delete Random Photos and Unused Apps Off Your Phone
Go through your mobile phone and delete unnecessary photos and apps. This will take some time if you’re like me with a million screenshots and random photos you don’t actually need.
Also, if you have a bunch of random apps you don’t use, delete them! When you are done you will feel SO refreshed and organized.
21. Dust Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans collect a lot of dust. Give them a good cleaning! You can go around to each room of the home and dust them. This is something you will often forget to do. If you don’t have anything to clean your fans with, Amazon prime yourself this kit. You can thank me later!
While you’re bored, why not give those ceiling fans a refresh? If you have enough time for the living room, bedroom, den, and more, that’s the best option.
22. Dust Trimboards
Don’t forget to dust the trim boards in your home. They often get overlooked. Honestly, I just use a duster or sometimes a Clorox wipe or rag. The point is to just get the dust up. If it needs scrubbing, do that too.
If you move room to room dusting, this will take you a long time! But trust me, it will be worth it and could possible be the best way to use up that extra time.
23. Clean Out Bathroom Cabinets
Organizing your bathroom cabinets and getting rid of old products is one of the best things. This could also take a while! This is a great activity for those boring days at home. Chances are, you will throw away A LOT.
Organize what you are keeping and feel good about all the organizational progress you make! Personally, I think rattan baskets or storage buckets look the most classy in a bathroom. Plus, they conceal any dust or dirt pretty well.
24. Clean the Microwave
Clean the inside of your microwave! It should be on your to-do list anyways. My oh my is this something that needs to be often but is often neglected. If you are bored and want to be productive, clean that microwave out!
Honestly a wet paper towel with some soap is one of the effective ways I clean. No need to buy some fancy cleaners! Bonus points for taking the lazy susan out and scrubbing it down, too.
25. Listen to a Podcast
Find a podcast that interests you and listen while doing chores or relaxing. This is something you can technically do while doing one of the other ideas, but you can also just plop down on the couch and listen and enjoy. If you like Christian podcasts, I’ve got a round up of the best new podcast options you can look through!
26. Research Side Hustles
It’s never to late to learn new skills. It’s a good use of your time!Look into potential side hustles you could start for extra income. How about.. starting a blog? Did you know bloggers can make money from ads placed on their websites? You could be writing about things that interest you and be making money from it in your spare time!
Or, try looking into a number of other ways to make money online. There are SO many side hustles available to you these days, all you have to do is look! You could even find online courses that teaches a specific online side hustle. I could really talk about this all day because I’ve built up about 5 small different income streams at this point and really believe it’s possible for anyone these days. I’ll spare you my ted talks though. 🙂
27. Paint Some DIY Wall Artwork
Get creative and paint some artwork for your walls. Painting is so fun and is great for your mental health! Even if it’s just for pure enjoyment and not to hang on a wall. All you need to buy is a super cheap basic set of small paints and get some paper. Spend a few hours releasing your creativity! Trust me, it’s a fun way to pass the time.
Plus, now you can hang those pretty pieces up somewhere in your home and remember the relaxing day you had making them. You’ll never regret that quality time of peace and quiet painting away.
Other Ideas
A few other ideas I have are to start learning a new language (a foreign language), plan for long-term goals, gather and sort important documents into a designated area, create a vision board for the next year, play a board game if you have roommates or live with a family member, start learning a new musical instrument, write a diary entry for your present moment thoughts, create a time capsule to bury, clean up your home office, invest in some professional development, set goals, start drafting a travel bucket list, create a life binder, go for a long run, read a short story, or do a self care day with a face mask and a DIY gel manicure. Hope you enjoyed this extra list of things to do to improve your personal life. There are so many creative ways to pass the time!
Conclusion
There are so many productive things you can do at home that you might not have thought of. Whether it’s cleaning, organizing, or trying something new, these activities can help you feel accomplished and make the most of your time at home.
It will be better time spent vs. playing online games, scrolling your phone, or watching TV. Successful people all agree using free time productively is a smart move. So pick a few of my suggested favorite things from this list and get started today!
