I regret to be the one to break this to you, but that home renovation project you’ve been itching to start while you’ve got some extra time? If it means heading to a hardware store, it’s going to have to be put on hold.
I totally get how exasperating this is. When I first learned about the extended time we’d spend at home, I envisioned tackling a few projects with my partner’s reduced work hours. I wasn’t planning a full-blown shopping spree, but I thought that during our weekly grocery run, I could have my partner pick up just the essentials from the hardware store. We could stick to one outing per week, right? That seemed responsible enough.
As it turns out, I was mistaken. Most of us don’t actually need to make those trips to the hardware store — at least not right now.
I know it feels like the perfect moment to dive into those DIY tasks. My to-do list is overflowing with projects that have lingered for ages. For instance, I’ve wanted to replace three outdoor lights for two years, and my partner has been promising to paint our kids’ bedroom since one of them turned the wall into their canvas six months ago. And let’s not forget about our ongoing kitchen remodel; while it’s functional, I’m dying to see the stunning tile backsplash I’ve envisioned.
But now is not the time for those projects. We all need to hold off on non-essential trips, even if we’re eager to see how that gorgeous tile looks with our new countertops.
Initially, I thought it would be fine to make a quick trip since I assumed the stores would be nearly empty. However, I was let down when I discovered just how crowded the hardware stores still are, even during this pandemic.
Just last weekend, I found out the hard way. I recognized my kitchen upgrades and the porch chandelier weren’t essential items. I had accepted that weeks ago. But when my partner retrieved our lawnmower and found it needed a new belt, I thought that warranted a visit to the store. With little ones and a dog, we need a safe outdoor space for them to play. I thought I could send my partner in quickly while the kids and I waited in the car for a change of scenery. “Surely, a store that doesn’t sell food will be empty,” I thought.
But I was completely wrong. The store was bustling! The parking lot looked like it did on a regular Saturday. People were milling about, chatting, and browsing closely together. Did nobody get the memo about this global health crisis?
Needless to say, we opted not to go inside. My partner ordered the part online instead. We’re still waiting for it to arrive, and our grass is knee-high. However, it’s better for our lawn to remain overgrown for a bit than to jeopardize our health and safety during this pandemic.
We could have taken the risk, thinking, “We’re a young, healthy family; COVID-19 might not affect us.” But that’s a dangerous mindset. Nobody is invulnerable.
While we must venture out for food and my partner needs to work, we can’t eliminate every risk. Still, it’s both irresponsible and selfish for anyone — even a family like mine — to consider putting ourselves in danger over something like a lawnmower belt.
Moreover, we need to ensure that those stores are available for people who truly need them. The world hasn’t ground to a halt due to this virus; some individuals have essential duties that require them to shop. The rest of us must step back and allow essential workers to complete their tasks safely and efficiently.
This situation is particularly urgent in my community. Recently, tornadoes swept through our town, leaving many without homes just before the COVID-19 crisis escalated. These individuals are grappling with job changes and financial uncertainty, all while attempting to reconstruct their lives. Construction crews need supplies to help rebuild, and we must allow them to access materials without facing large crowds.
Of course, there are exceptions. If your refrigerator breaks down, you’ll need to find a solution for food storage. If a pipe bursts, you’ll need to get repair supplies. Some trips are essential, and that’s perfectly okay. Just keep them brief, wash your hands, wear a mask, and maintain social distancing. Stay updated on the latest guidelines.
But if you’re itching to finish that backsplash, plant flowers, or transform your bedroom into a beach paradise with a coat of paint named “Ocean Dream,” it’s best to hold off. Your home improvement project can, and should, wait. It’s time to hunker down, only venturing out for work, food, and emergencies to help flatten the curve.
Millions of lives depend on it. For more insights on navigating these challenging times, check out this post from our blog.
Summary
In light of the ongoing pandemic, it’s crucial to prioritize health and safety over home improvement projects. While it may seem like an ideal time to tackle renovations, trips to hardware stores are typically non-essential and can pose risks. We must allow access for those who truly need to shop for critical supplies, especially in communities recovering from disasters. Exceptions exist for urgent repairs, but it’s best to defer non-urgent projects and do our part to protect public health.
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