Stuck hanging at home? Whether you’re in the middle of a pandemic or just staying home to save money, there’s plenty of ways you can keep entertained. And, best of all, most of them are either free or very low cost.

Need some ideas? Here’s 12 fun ways you can keep entertained at home:

Binge watch a TV show

Take advantage of one of the many streaming services available to watch a new TV series. You can easily binge-watch a whole season (or three) in a weekend. Most services offer a free trial period, so you test them out before you decide if you want to sign up for a longer period of time. Don’t have access to a streaming service? You can borrow DVD collections from your local library instead.

Watch a movie

Just like TV shows, there’s a whole range of movies available via streaming services as well. If you’re looking for something specific you can buy it from Apple or Google Play or find it on one of the streaming services. Just because you’re not going out to a cinema, doesn’t mean you can’t make it a full movies experience either. Dim the lights, get nice and cosy and don’t forget the popcorn.

Do some gardening

Just how neglected is your garden right now? Use this time at home to resurrect your veggie patch, get rid of some weeds, or start a compost heap. There’s so much you can do out in the garden to keep you busy, even if you don’t consider yourself a green thumb. Mow the line, trim the edges or rake up some leaves. Don’t have a backyard? No worries. There’s heaps you can do on a balcony or small courtyard too. Get some dwarf varieties of fruit and vegetable plants and put them in pots, or just create a small herb garden instead. Not only will gardening keep you busy but it will also get you outside in the fresh air.

Workout

Just because you’re not heading out to the gym, doesn’t mean you have to go without a workout. Go for a walk or run close to home if you feel like moving. Otherwise, you can use YouTube or fitness websites or apps to workout in your living room or backyard. Whether you’re looking for a high-intensity session or a calming yoga practice, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs.

Write a letter

When was the last time you wrote a letter? Probably not since you were a child. Grab out some paper and a pen and write a letter to a family member or friend who lives far away to let them know you are thinking of them. If you’re not sure about writing a long letter, why not write a short note of encouragement to pop into a neighbour or colleague’s mailbox instead? This little random act of kindness is sure to make you and the recipient feel good.

Read a book

Reading a book is a great way to escape reality, relax and learn something new. Whether you’re into fiction or fact, find a book that suits your interests and take it to a cosy spot in your house or backyard. You can buy a book, borrow one from your local library or download one on your iPad or tablet from Apple Books or Google Books.

If you don’t want to leave the house you can even borrow ebooks and audiobooks via your phone or tablet (just so long as you have a library membership.) Check out Overdrive and Borrow Box for more information.

Learn a new skill

Use the downtime to learn a new skill. Got an instrument collecting dust? Have you always wanted to master baking scones? Want to be able to fix your own car? Whether it’s craft, cooking, mechanics or music, you can bet there’s an online tutorial that will help you learn it. Check out websites like Skillshare to get you started.

Call a friend or family member

Hanging out at home doesn’t need to mean complete isolation. Pick up the phone and give a friend or family member a call. It’s a great way to reconnect and debrief as well as keeping you busy during your time at home.

Have a video chat

If you can, make your phone call a video chat instead. It can really help to make you feel connected when you can see your loved one’s face while you are talking to them. Plus then you give them a tour of your house, show-off your garden or show them that new skill you’ve picked up.

Make something

Doing something with your hands is rewarding and fun. If you’ve got the skills, use them to crochet, knit, sew or glue a creation all of your own. If you’re not sure where to start, check out the ‘learn a new skill’ info above. Even if you’re not creative, you can still find great pleasure in making something with your hands. You don’t have to show anyone when you’re done if you don’t want to.

Cook or bake

Pass the time and stock the freezer while you’re at it. Bake some sweet treats to take to work or share with friends or get a headstart on your dinner meals for the future. Cook up some large batches of dinner or lunch meals and freeze them in small portions so you can pull them out when you need them.

Build a fort

Done everything on the list and still feeling bored? Dig out all the cardboard boxes you’ve got lying around and build a fort. Look, it might sound insane, but even the most grown-up of adults can’t resist a cardboard fort. Even if you don’t have kids, fort building uses your creativity and it’s super silly and fun – what better way to spend your time? This one works especially well if you’ve recently moved houses and you have a store of moving boxes. If you’re really not interested in playing in a fort, make it for your cat instead.

Stuck at home and worried about how you’re going to keep busy? There’s plenty of things you can do at home that are both fun and low cost. If you’re moving house soon, you could even get started on packing up your items. And whether you’re moving house or looking for fort supplies, Hire A Box can help. We hire and sell durable cardboard moving boxes and packaging materials to people moving home or office or downsizing their wardrobes. We offer delivery and pick up in the metro areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Gold Coast.

For more information on how we can help you with your move, call us on 1300 858 446 or contact us via the website today.