7 Easy Home Projects You Can Tackle This Weekend

Complete one of these tasks to feel accomplished all week.

You know that thing called a "runner's high?" Well, you can experience that feeling without ever stepping foot on pavement. Finishing a project around the house (especially one that's been on hold) gives the same sense of satisfaction as running three miles.

Here are seven simple tasks you can do this weekend that make a big difference. Just pick one or two of these to focus on, though, so that you don't get overwhelmed. The goal is accomplishment, not burn-out.

Clean out the pantry and/or fridge.

The pantry has quartz countertops and Shaker-style maple cabinets

Attractive Art

The storage area of the well-organized pantry also features quartz counters and Shaker-style white painted maple cabinet doors with wall art for decoration and the same funky hardware used for the black cabinets in the kitchen.

Photo by: Tomas Espinoza

Tomas Espinoza

Optimize your refrigerator space and make sure perishables are stored properly to maximize shelf life. Speaking of shelf life, even pantry staples have an expiration date. Do a pantry purge this weekend by tossing old or unused items.

How to Organize the Fridge
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Hang string lights.

Hang Outdoor String Lights

How to Hang Outdoor String Lights From DIY Posts: Add Lights

Arrange the planters in a rectangle no more than 10’ apart. Secure one end of the string lights to one of the cup hooks with the hook attached to the light, or with cable ties or twist ties if no hook exists. Continue stringing the lights, making an outline of the planters. When you have reached the first planter and have formed a rectangular outline of lights, begin zigzagging the lights from one side of the outline to the other, spacing the passes of string far enough apart so that they will be evenly distributed to the end. Secure the end to a cup hook as you did the beginning of the string. Attach an outdoor-safe extension cord and plug into an outlet.

Photo by: Sam Henderson

Sam Henderson

Give your small balcony or spacious backyard a designer look, instantly, with string lights. They bring a warm, cozy glow that makes outdoor spaces feel so much more put-together and inviting. Follow this tutorial to see how to hang string lights anywhere.

Do a cleanse... for your closet.

Neutral Traditional Men's Walk In Closet

Men's Walk In Closet With Drawers, Shelving and Hanging Space

Built-in storage fixtures provide maximum storage in this men's walk-in closet. Drawers are stacked below a small window providing some natural light to brighten the room. Shelves provide room for folded clothes and hanging clothes, creating an organized, clean space. The dark neutral tone of the shelves contrasts well with the bright white walls and ceiling.

Photo by: Jeff Troyer Associates

Jeff Troyer Associates

With spring just around the corner, it’s time to clear out old sweaters and shorts to make way for fresh new styles. There's no denying that cleaning out the closet is dreadful, but we broke down this task into manageable 15-minute segments. Here’s how to purge your closet in one hour.

Clean a cast-iron skillet the right way.

Cast-Iron Skillet

Cast-Iron Skillet

With the proper care, a cast-iron skillet will last for generations.

Photo by: ©iStockphoto.com/Rixipix

©iStockphoto.com/Rixipix

Give your trusty old cast iron skillet some TLC. When you’re done, you’ll wonder why you ever put off cleaning it. Fry some bacon to celebrate. Here are some tips for maintaining a well-seasoned cast iron skillet.

Cast Iron Cleaning Tips
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Start an herb garden.

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Not only are herb gardens small-space-friendly, but they're great for beginner gardeners, too. Plus, these gardens take no time at all to put together. Start by planting these 10 herbs.

Save time; use the washing machine.

Neutral Laundry Room With White Cabinets and Front-Loading Appliances

Front-Loading Appliances in Contemporary Laundry Room

The front-loading washer and dryer are designed to take on large laundry loads with enough work surface to fold and sort. Four upper cabinets offer space to store detergent and linens.

Photo by: Eric Perry ©2014, Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved

Eric Perry, 2014, Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved

If you're feeling ambitious and want to tackle a few projects over the weekend, clean one of these washing-machine-friendly items while you work on other tasks. Here are 18 surprising things you can put in the washing machine.

Focus on the little things.

Toothbrushes

Colorful Toothbrushes in Bathroom Cup

Colorful, fun toothbrushes are great, but make sure you replace them on a regular basis. Piling up old brushes is unnecessary clutter. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush once every three months for maximum brushing power.

For instance, your tv remote could probably use a good scrub down. Here are ten often-overlooked items that you can clean in a day.

Next Up

Planting, Growing and Harvesting Stevia

Stevia — also called sweetleaf — is an easy-to-grow annual herb that is commonly harvested to use as a natural, calorie-free sweetener. Stevia’s pretty green leaves and tiny white flowers make a wonderful addition to any herb or container garden.

Tips for Growing Herbs in Winter

Learn which herbs can grow outdoors in the winter, along with tips on tending an indoor herb garden.

How to Plant, Grow and Harvest Tarragon

Tarragon adds richness to a variety of dishes. Learn how to grow this flavorful herb — and its substitute, Mexican tarragon — in your own garden.

How to Plant, Grow and Harvest Lemon Balm

Fragrant, fast-growing lemon balm can be a good addition to garden beds or containers. Learn how to grow this pollinator-friendly perennial.

Planting, Growing and Harvesting Borage

Sun-loving borage is a delicious, beautiful and easy-to-grow annual herb that tastes similar to cucumber. People are not the only ones who like its pretty blue flowers and purple stems, all types of garden pollinators are attracted to borage, too.

How to Plant, Grow and Care for Dill

Dill is an easy-to-grow addition to an herb garden. Learn how to select, plant, grow, harvest and preserve this tasty herb.

How to Add Curb Appeal With Colorful Walkway Plantings

Plant an inviting entry to make your house the envy of the whole neighborhood. A mixture of evergreens and annuals will mean an easy-to-maintain walkway that looks great year-round.

25 Ways To Be More Organized

Create order in your home (or at least your junk drawer) with these easy tasks from organizing experts and the HGTV stars. Each one takes an hour or less!

12 Best Indoor Herb Garden Kits

Snip fresh herbs right when you need them with one of these indoor herb garden kits to grow thyme, cilantro, basil, parsley and more.

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