Guest Blog by Shirley Martin:

I’ve always been a self-proclaimed “neat freak,” which is why I decided to become a home organizer and creator of the website Tidy Life Today. Where you live plays such a vital role in your overall well-being; if you don’t love the place you call home, then you’re going to suffer as a result. So, if you’re not 100% satisfied with your surroundings, take some time to redecorate and reorganize this space — you’ll be amazed by the results. Below are some helpful tips and ideas that can get you started.

Working From Home

If you're working from home, you'll likely need to set aside space as a home office and decorate it. Select a spot that's free from distractions. Bring in a stylish desk large enough to hold your equipment and give you some writing space, a comfortable chair, and some shelves for storage. A home office doesn't have to be dull, though. Liven up the space with colorful artwork, a few mementos, and a creative desk lamp.

Playing With Your Kids

If you have children, you may want to set up a special place in your home just for them. An extra bedroom or part of a finished basement can make an ideal playroom. Paint the walls in a bright color and hang up posters reflecting your children's interests. Fill the space with interactive and imaginative toys like dollhouses, kitchen sets, train sets, or race tracks. If your children are especially interested in reading, create a book nook with shelves and cozy seating.

Relaxing

Sometimes you just need to sit back and relax, so design a place in your home just for this purpose. Bring in a couple of easy chairs. Mount a television on the wall for watching movies, and install a speaker system for music. You might even include a small table for crafts or jigsaw puzzles and a shelf for books. Keep lighting soft except for one bright lamp you can use for close-up work or reading. Choose muted tones to emphasize relaxation, and be careful not to make the room too cluttered.

Entertaining

If you love to welcome guests into your home, you'll want to focus your decorating choices on entertaining. Start with your dining room and bring in a table that expands to fit your dinner party needs. Also, create several seating areas throughout your home that are perfect for conversation. You may want to set up a game room or media room where you and your guests can enjoy a round of cards or a movie night. If you have an extra bedroom, make it into a guest room for visitors, and fill it with soft fabrics, warm lights, and cozy furniture to make your guests feel extra welcome.

Finding a New Place

If you've discovered your current home just doesn't meet your needs, you may consider looking for a new living space in San Diego, California. Determine your housing budget, your new-home wish list, and your target area. Then do some research on the housing or rental market and what you can get within your budget. If you can afford to move to a better place, proceed with searching for your new home.

Enjoying Your Home

A well-decorated, comfortable living space can be a real pleasure, so get started making your home into a place you truly enjoy.