Maximizing your secondary home
Nowadays, the idea of having a secondary home has become the norm for many Filipinos.
Some use it to avoid rush hours and difficult commutes. Others utilize it to be closer to places of work or school. Whatever the reason, having a secondary home offers convenience, comfort, and a much-needed break for everyone.
If you have a secondary home or are looking for one, do you see it as just a place to sleep, or something more? It’s worth investing a bit of time and effort to maximize its potential.
If you want to feel at ease in your secondary home, here are simple changes that can offer long-term benefits.
Make the most of amenities
It’s common for people with a secondary home to use it simply as a place to crash.
Whether you’re working late hours or out socializing most nights, you may only spend a few hours in your condominium or apartment to rest and recharge. But if your goal is to be the best version of yourself, your secondary home can be more than that—it can also support your fitness and well-being.
A 30-minute run in the gym or a swim in the pool can help you feel energized in the morning. If you’re not ready for more intense workouts, yoga or meditation in the garden can still help you start the day feeling better.
Since these amenities are already included in your condominium dues or monthly rent, make the most of them by using them regularly.
Personalize your spaces
For your primary residence, don’t be afraid to redecorate and make the space better suited to your needs.
If you’re renting, ask your property owner what changes you’re allowed to make to the unit. You may be surprised at how much more vibrant your rooms can feel with just a few paintings or plants.
If you’re able to make more permanent changes to your home, consider your daily activities and create spaces that support them.
For example, if you work from home from time to time, set up a small home office with a comfortable desk and an ergonomic chair. If you love cooking, investing in small appliances can help you prepare great meals more easily. Cooking at home can also help you save money and reduce reliance on unhealthy food choices.
Create an urban garden
Wouldn’t it be nice to come home to a place filled with blooming flowers and fragrant herbs?
Whether you have a backyard, a balcony, or just a window-facing nook, you can create a green sanctuary by choosing the right plants to nurture.
Spider plants, aloe vera, and lucky bamboo are great indoor plants and offer numerous benefits. Bougainvillea, lavender, and geraniums grow well on balcony planters and can enhance the aesthetics and privacy of your home. Basil, parsley, and thyme can also thrive on your balcony, providing you with a ready supply of fresh herbs for cooking.
If you barely have time to care for plants, even a few low-maintenance indoor plants such as cacti can help brighten your space and lift your mood. Plants offer many benefits, and creating a small urban garden in your secondary home can help foster a more pleasant and refreshing environment.
Have a maintenance schedule
Even if you prefer to keep your secondary home simple, it’s important to maintain a clean and well-kept space.
Coordinate with your building administration to stay informed about pest control services, grease trap cleaning, and other maintenance work they offer. If these services aren’t provided, ask your neighbors for recommendations on local providers.
Keep a small calendar or journal to help track your maintenance schedule, and set aside a budget for it. By maintaining your secondary home regularly, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns and unsanitary conditions, which can be both inconvenient and harmful to your health.
Get a parking slot
Hear me out on this. While many people buy a secondary home to avoid long hours in traffic, there are times when having a car is still necessary for work and other commitments.
Purchasing a parking slot often requires a separate fee from the residential unit, but it can be a worthwhile investment. Owning a parking space helps you avoid steep overnight parking fees and adds convenience in the long run.
On days you don’t need it, you can rent out the parking slot and earn passive income. With parking often in short supply in areas such as Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Ortigas Center, owning a parking space in these locations can be a smart investment opportunity.
Build your home away from home
Think of your secondary home as a sanctuary during the workweek. Enhancing your comfort there allows you to rest better and unwind after a long day. While it may not be your permanent residence, it’s still worth decorating, investing in, and maintaining for long-term benefit.
Whether you’re renting or investing in a secondary home, make the most of it through personalization, regular upkeep, and smart use of amenities. With the right care, your secondary home might even become a place you choose to stay for good.
Photo Sources: Maria Orlova, Oleg Prachuk, Max Vakhtbovych and cottonbro studio via pexels.com
