18 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home
We often think of New Year’s resolutions in terms of the things we want to change about ourselves. However, changing up your space can have just as big an impact, and the changes can be easier to implement—not to mention longer lasting.
Here are eighteen resolutions to make, ranging from easy-to-do, ongoing shifts in behavior to major long-term changes that will take time, energy, and some serious effort. Take a look at the list, see which ones resonate with you, and then commit to those that feel like they’d improve your year.
Everyday enhancements
These are easy-peasy things that you can do on an ongoing basis to keep your space together and make things more manageable.
Hire a cleaning service
You don’t have to hire a cleaning service every week, though you may choose to do so. You may decide to bring someone in once or twice a month for a deep-down scrub just to help you stay ahead of the mess.
Hire a lawn service
Similarly, if you feel like you’re always playing catch-up with the lawn and leaves, hiring a service to take care of your yard on an ongoing basis may simply make more sense, especially if this is not a chore you enjoy.
Have your HVAC system cleaned and inspected seasonally
Most heating and cooling companies have seasonal checkup services that you can sign up for. They’re affordable and offer you peace of mind so you know your system will be ready when you need it.
Clean out closets and storage spaces
If you’ve been letting your clutter build up and stuffing it into closets, the attic, and the garage, it’s time to tackle the mess. Clean out one space at a time, and make trips to local charities with your donations.
Declutter your surfaces, and add storage as needed
You can get rid of the clutter that’s not hidden by cleaning off tabletops, counters, and other surfaces. If you need some convenient storage, bring in cabinets, credenzas, and buffets to hide away those items you need close at hand but don’t want sitting out all the time.
Clean out your kitchen cabinets and drawers
Tackle the kitchen and get rid of accumulated items there, especially if a year or two has gone by without any particular pots, pans, dishes, or utensils being used.
Add something interesting to each room in your home
If your home is clean but the design is lacking, it’s time to start thinking about decorating. Instead of trying to make over the whole house, start by adding one interesting item to each room. Choose a piece of art, a vintage textile, or a fun piece of furniture.
Buy fresh flowers for your home (and yourself) once a week
Want to add more life and liveliness to your space? Start buying flowers weekly. It’s an affordable way to bring cheer, beauty, and joy into your home.
Look for eco-friendly, healthy versions of items you buy regularly for your home
Enhance your health and your home by replacing single-use plastic with wood or metal alternatives, swapping out toxic chemicals for more natural solutions, and adding more healthful alternatives overall to the things you already buy.
Value-added improvements
These are changes you can implement over time to make your home more livable and more of what you want it to be.
Catch up on deferred maintenance
If you’ve let some maintenance go by the wayside, hire a handyman or get out your toolbox and start working your way down the list, catching up on things you’ve been putting off. Deferred maintenance can take a severe toll on your home’s long-term condition and value.
Work with a decorator to develop a personal style
If you feel like your home is somewhat generic, consult with a decorator to create a style that’s more reflective of your taste. You don’t have to have the decorator remake your home, though you may choose to. A consultation or two may be enough to help you begin to implement some changes that will enhance your space and make it more “you.”
Pay attention to rooms you’ve been ignoring
You may have spent a lot of time decorating your living room but less time on your bedrooms or put more thought into your kitchen but none into your guest room. Start working on those rooms that were afterthoughts so your whole home is delightful.
Do something with wasted space in your home
If you have a nook or a stair landing with nothing there, think about how you could turn it into a useful spot such as a small seating space or storage area.
Major changes
These are the biggies—more expensive, more time consuming, but ultimately more rewarding.
Undertake a kitchen or bath renovation
There’s a reason that these are among the most popular and value-added renovations you can consider. They can instantly make your home feel totally refreshed and renewed and everyday tasks feel brand new. But they are also pricey, so they require a lot of thought and planning.
Take on a whole-house renovation
Whether your home is outdated aesthetically or is an older home requiring a lot of structural updates, a whole-house renovation is a good reason for you to consult with an architect and see if you want to make big-time changes to the floor plan and layout.
Do a landscape renovation
A landscape renovation can do just as much as an exterior renovation to change the way your home looks and feels. This is especially true if you spend a lot of time outdoors or are in an area with year-round great weather.
Consider selling your current home and buying a new one
If you’ve been thinking about making a move, it can be a lot of work. Talk to your trusted real estate agent about the process and about what you’ll need to do to get ready.
Tap into your home equity, and buy a second home or investment property
If you’ve considered using some of the value in your home to purchase a second home, either as an investment or vacation home, there are a variety of financing and tax implications as well as property management and other factors to consider. Your trusted real estate agent or broker has the answers you need.