Now that two weeks have almost passed since the Luzon-wide community quarantine, many of us have had the time to see our homes in a new light. From tiny apartments to provincial palaces, all these dwellings serve as safe havens amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It is only during times like these do we truly appreciate our house, regardless of its size, location or state.
It cannot be denied, however, that some homes work better as detention centers when compared to others. Case in point: while you may be experiencing cabin fever nowadays, some of your friends are actually enjoying the isolation. If you’re wondering what makes a residence actually fit for long-term accommodation, even during a virus outbreak, consider the following characteristics of a comfortable and self-sustaining home. Chances are, you can make some improvements to improve your current living situation or, once the quarantine is over, you can buy a new home that will make you ready for any calamity.
A vegetable garden in your backyard is extremely helpful during quarantine period.
Garden of survival
While many of us moan about the difficulty of buying food nowadays, people with their own herb gardens are reaping the fruits of their labor. Households tending their own vegetable plots and herb pots gain the upper hand when it comes to eating during these difficult times. Gardens have become so essential nowadays that the local government of Baguio has started to distribute free seedlings to its constituents to guarantee food supply in the coming months.
So if you plan to buy a home in the future, a space for gardening should be one of your considerations. Even if you decide on a condominium, a window ledge or outdoor balcony can serve as a place where you can tend some vegetables and herbs. During times of difficulty, a garden will prevent you from running out of food and going hungry.
Living near a grocery or retail store can keep you well-stocked during a calamity.
Nearby retail areas
Who would have thought that living near a shopping center would actually be key to pandemic survival? This is the case for people who are experiencing the quarantine period in condominiums and other residential buildings. While city living often limits or even prohibits garden space, a nearby grocery can sometimes make up for the loss.
If you live in a building which houses a grocery as well, consider yourself lucky. While you may have to limit your visits, supermarkets will allow you to stock up on food and other essentials during this quarantine period. Just remember not to hoard products as there will be other people, too, who will need to buy their own essentials.
The view of a manicured garden or outdoor area can help alleviate anxieties and cabin fever.
Green spaces
While community landscaping doesn’t usually offer food to residents, it offers nourishment for the soul. If you’re stuck in a high rise building during the virus outbreak, the view of a manicured garden or outdoor area can help alleviate anxieties and cabin fever. Even during the daily grind, green spaces can help calm and relax your nerves. Overall, the outdoors can be quite therapeutic for anyone suffering mental challenges especially during difficult times.
If your building administration allows it nowadays, take a stroll at the community garden for a few minutes every day to bask in some sunshine and alleviate your worries. Just remember to maintain social distancing and clean up once you return home.
Effective local leaders can strengthen your community in times of outbreaks.
Effective local leaders
While your house may be situated in a picturesque location, sometimes it’s the local government that can make your place of residence secure and comfortable. If you look at the news today, cities with effective local leaders are being lauded for their efficient calamity plans and executions. In particular, Marikina, Pasig, Manila and Cainta are just some of the places which have happy and secure residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you plan to relocate after the virus outbreak, consider moving to a city or province where there is effective governance. Believe it or not, the local government can make a lot of difference during times of crisis. Living in a place where you can count on your leaders will definitely make your home a sanctuary even in times of difficulty. Besides these factors, it would also be helpful if your home is near essential facilities such as a hospital, a health center, a police station or a clinic. Even if you don’t live near these places, however, having an effective local government can make up for it.
Overall, your home is more than a place to sleep in or to hang out at. During times of difficulty, especially amid this COVID-19 outbreak, a well-designed and comfortable residence can make all the difference.
So whether you plan to stay in your current home or to relocate to a new one after the quarantine period, give much thought as to how your home can be made to be comfortable for the long run. While the chances of another epidemic this level may be slim, there’s no harm in being prepared for the future.