How to increase your home’s curb appeal

Whether you’re dressing up a home to sell or just want a fresh look, enhancing its curb appeal doesn’t have to cost a fortune or take up all your time. There are lots of cheap and fast ways to make updates, and they can be a lot of fun for anyone who has a DIY spirit. Roll up your sleeves for some projects to increase the beauty of your home!

10 quick ideas for instant curb appeal

Get started with one (or more!) of these ideas:

Note: If you have a Homeowner’s Association (HOA), make sure to follow their rules when making updates.

1. Wash the outside

A tidy home always looks better than a dirty one. Break out the pressure washer or some brushes to give the outside of your house a good scrubbing. Don’t forget to clean the windows, gutters, sidewalks and driveway!

2. Spruce up the landscaping

A well-kept yard shows that you care about your space. Trim back overgrown plants and remove any dead ones. Then, do a quick weeding session and add some new mulch to existing flowerbeds to improve their look. If you’re selling your home, don’t forget to mow the grass before showings and rake up all the trimmings!

Here are some other quick ideas:

• Update the style of current landscaping by adding a couple of new plants.
• Accent the yard or front porch with planters made from various materials like plastic, terra cotta, wood or concrete. Fill them with seasonal plants for instant pops of color!
• Add window flower boxes to give your house a cozy cottage vibe.

3. Refresh the mailbox

An old, damaged mailbox won’t do much for your curb appeal. Replace that outdated box with a shiny new one! If getting a new mailbox isn’t possible, consider fixing up the old one with outdoor spray paint formulated to cover metal or plastic (depending on the material).

4. Stylize those house numbers

House numbers are a requirement for many locations’ emergency services, so why not make yours stand out? There are many types to choose from to fit any style and budget. You can find numbers made from thin plastics up to durable metals. Find a style you like and add them to the door, porch column, mailbox or even a decorative stone. Just make sure the numbers are visible from the curb!

5. Update the front door

You can give a house an instant face lift by refinishing the front door. Whether it’s a new coat of paint to freshen the current color, or switching to a new one, this quick fix is an inexpensive way to make a big impact. Choose a hue based on what best complements other elements of the home such as the landscaping, siding or roof.

Switching out the knobs can also make a door look brand new. Consider adding a fancy knocker or a shiny kick plate to give the area a high-end feel. If you want something unique, try shopping at a thrift store for antique hardware.

6. Decorate the doorstep

Nothing says “welcome” quite like inviting décor around the front entrance. Hang a fun wreath and lay out a fresh doormat to make the front stoop stand out. If you have room, add some porch furniture with bright pillows or a colorful flag to celebrate your country, state, favorite sports team or the current season. The possibilities are endless!

7. Change outdoor light fixtures

Have an old porch light? Replacing it is an easy project that most DIY enthusiasts can handle!

Check out this video tutorial for step-by-step instructions. Note: Turn off the electricity before working with any light fixture.

Don’t want to replace it? You can also update fixtures with spray paint!

8. Add shutters

Dress up the front windows with decorative shutters. Build or buy them preassembled at a home improvement store to give new style to your home. If there are already shutters in place, repaint them for an easy and inexpensive upgrade.

9. Accent with solar-powered lighting

Add light to your flowerbeds, sidewalk, driveway or the area around the mailbox for some extra nighttime curb appeal without having to run wires!

10. Hide unsightly things

Make sure to pick up any debris around the yard to keep the focus on the architectural features of your property. Then organize or hide things you’ll need to access frequently. Here are some suggestions:

• Move outdoor toys like bicycles and skateboards to the garage or back yard.
• Wrap water hoses around decorative hangers or inside of hose storage containers.
• Keep gardening tools inside small cabinets or benches that complement your property.
• Hide air conditioning units or trash bins behind a small fence — try prebuilt fence panels for a fast solution — or plant shrubs to hide these necessities.

Share your curb appeal projects with us!

Everyone loves a good before and after photo! After sharing yours with friends, we’d love to see them, too. Post them on our Facebook page or tag us on Instagram (@upackmoving). And after you’ve fixed up the outside of your house, try some of these other DIY projects to make your place feel like home!