January: Fresh Start Energy

Maintain It: Time for those smoke and CO detector battery checks - safety is always a top priority. Refresh It: Create that reading nook you've been dreaming about. Think cozy lighting, your favorite blanket, and a spot for that coffee mug. (Sometimes self-care is just a corner of quiet.)
Make It Work: Deep clean closets with our favorite trick: blast your best playlist and tackle one shelf at a time. Renting? Command hooks and removable shelving are your best friends for creating your dream closet without losing your deposit.

February: Indoor TLC

Maintain It: Replace those HVAC filters and check windows and doors for drafts.
Refresh It: Time to zhuzh up those shelves! Mix in vintage finds with your books, add some plants, and showcase those quirky items that make you smile. Pro tip: thrift stores and Buy Nothing groups are goldmines for shelf-worthy treasures.
Make It Work: Weatherstripping tape is the unsung hero of winter comfort. Bonus tip: Run a dryer sheet along your baseboards – they'll repel dust and your space will smell amazing.

March: Spring Peek

Maintain It: Check windows and drainage areas to prep for spring storms.
Refresh It: Garden dreams start now! Even a sunny windowsill can become your own little produce aisle. Fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, or just some happy succulents – green things make any space feel more alive.
Make It Work: Get those windows sparkling with our tried-and-true vinegar and water solution. Renting? Create a mobile garden with pretty containers and vertical planters that can follow you to your next nest.

April: New Growth

Maintain It: Make sure all your windows open smoothly for those perfect spring breezes.
Refresh It: Gallery wall time! Grab those photos sitting in your phone, mix in some art you love, and create a wall that tells your story. (Bonus points if it makes you smile every time you walk by.)
Make It Work: Perfect your layout by arranging everything on the floor first. Renting? Removable hooks and washi tape are your new best friends for damage-free decor.

May: Outdoor Living

Maintain It: Schedule your AC maintenance before the summer temps hit (trust us on this one). Refresh It: Transform your outdoor space into your favorite café. String lights, comfy seating, maybe even a tiny herb garden – instant vacation vibes right at home.
Make It Work: No permanent fixtures needed! Use rugs and portable screens to define your space. Everything should be ready to move with you to your next perfect spot.

June: Summer Ready

Maintain It: Clean those ceiling fans and check they're spinning the right direction.
Refresh It: Set up the beverage station of your dreams. Iced coffee, fruit-infused water, whatever keeps you cool – make it pretty and make it yours.
Make It Work: A few drops of essential oil on your AC filter = instant spa vibes. Renting? Removable window film is amazing for privacy and keeping the heat at bay.

July: Heat Management

Maintain It: Deep clean air vents and ensure all cooling systems are working their best.
Refresh It: Time for the summer switch! Pack away heavy blankets, bring in breezy curtains, add some tropical plants. Because if we have to deal with DC humidity, we might as well look good doing it.
Make It Work: Arrange furniture to catch those sweet AC breezes. Renting? Light-blocking curtains on tension rods are game-changers for keeping cool (and keeping your deposit).

August: Indoor Projects

Maintain It: Show those refrigerator coils some love (your energy bill will thank you).
Refresh It: Coffee table makeover time! Mix up your favorite books, add some cool coasters, maybe a quirky container for remotes. Small changes, big impact.
Make It Work: Here's a game-changer: slip a pillowcase over fan blades while cleaning to catch all the dust. Renting? Contact paper can give tired cabinets new life.

September: Fall Prep

Maintain It: Check all your heat sources and vents before the weather turns.
Refresh It: Create the entryway of your dreams. A place for keys, a spot to sit, maybe some art that makes you happy to come home to.
Make It Work: Over-door hooks and removable organizers make any entryway work harder. Don't forget to hit those switch plates with a magic eraser – they're usually holding onto summer's fingerprints.

October: Cozy Season

Maintain It: Check for drafts around windows and doors before the cold sets in.
Refresh It: Layer season! Mix textures, pile on the pillows, add some moody lighting. Fall is all about creating your perfect cozy corner.
Make It Work: Draft stoppers are like warm socks for your doors – they work everywhere and make such a difference. Keep those winter clothes fresh with cedar blocks in your closets.

November: Holiday Ready

Maintain It: Get those kitchen appliances clean and ready for holiday cooking.
Refresh It: Bring the outside in! Pine branches, twinkly lights, whatever makes your space feel magical this holiday season. Winter is all about creating your own warmth.
Make It Work: Tension rods in cabinets = instant extra storage. Hosting guests? Over-door organizers and folding furniture are your secret weapons.

December: Winter Comfort

Maintain It: Protect your space from winter temps, especially around water sources.
Refresh It: Give your WFH space new life before winter hibernation mode kicks in. Add a cozy seat cushion, a new plant friend, and switch up your desk layout. Sometimes a fresh perspective is all you need to power through those indoor months.
Make It Work: LED candles and string lights create instant cozy vibes without any landlord stress. Use removable hooks for holiday decor – your walls will thank you later.

Nest Pro Tips:

• Snap before/after photos of your projects (they're satisfying and helpful)
• Your phone's perfect for keeping paint colors and measurements
• Get to know your local Buy Nothing group – seriously amazing finds
• Set those phone reminders for seasonal maintenance tasks
• When in doubt, check with your property manager first
  
  

Remember: Home isn't about perfection – it's about creating a space that works for you and feels good to come home to. Take it one project at a time, and celebrate the small wins. Need specific advice? That's what neighbors are for – we're always here to help our DC + MD community make the most of home.