The new year causes us to be introspective about our physical, mental, and emotional health. We make self-improvement goals that we believe will contribute to our overall well-being. As a homeowner, it’s a great time of year to create some goals for one of our greatest financial assets, our homes. And the best part, the condition of our home environment will also contribute to our overall health and mental wellness as well!
Here are some New Year’s Resolutions to consider for your home:
Air quality resolution
The air you breathe is pretty important. Many of us don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the quality of air in our homes, but we should. Consider making a resolution to focus on your home’s air quality:
- Buy some plants that are good for purifying your home’s air.
- Look into air purifying systems that get rid of pollutants in your home.
- Have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned, and for sure, replace your filter on a month-to-month basis (less if it has been cleaned).
Save energy resolution
Another great resolution that not only helps you save money but helps minimize your carbon footprint is by making a goal to minimize your family’s energy usage by:
- Unplugging unused appliances and devices
- Using power strips for televisions and other devices that you use regularly (and that use electricity even when you aren’t using them), but turn them off when they aren’t being used
- Controlling your thermostat at all times (consider a smart thermostat)
- Insulating your ductwork
- Checking your windows for leaks and repairing them
- Minimizing the time you spend in the shower
- Only doing full loads of laundry
- Switch to LED lighting
- Checking your furniture placement and making sure it isn’t minimizing the effectiveness of your furnace by blocking circulation and vents.
- Call your utility companies and see if there are any energy saving programs you can participate in and save!
Save money resolution
On the save energy and therefore save money note, re-evaluate all of your home subscriptions and services including streaming services, not to mention snow plowing services. Check around and see if you can get a better service for a better price. Call your cable company and see if you can get a discount.
Weather emergency preparation resolution
One New Year’s Resolution that could give you some peace of mind, is to prepare your home for emergencies. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, we are in for some pretty intense winter weather.
- Consider purchasing a gas operated generator for those times when the power goes out. Make sure you have containers filled with gas on hand.
- Prepare a simple emergency storm that includes extra blankets, batteries, candles, flashlights or battery operated lanterns, two days worth of non-perishable food supplies and snacks as well as drinking water, a portable charger (that is charged and ready to go) and buckets as well as baby wipes for frozen pipes or plumbing issues.
- Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as well as replace the batteries.
- Make sure you have a fire extinguisher and that it is in working order so you have a way to protect your home from small, accidental fires.
- A sump pump alarm and moisture alarms can give you a lot of peace of mind if you live near lakes and rivers or if your home’s foundation is close to the water table.
Keeping your home clean resolution
Scheduling a cleaning routine will help to keep your home tidy as well as keep it in good condition should you ever want or need to move and sell! Create a plan for regularly cleaning the most high traffic areas of your home as well as for scheduling those less used areas like basement storage and linen closets. Also have on hand the environmentally and human safe cleaning supplies you need to clean all the areas in your home. Here are some additional strategies for creating a clean and zen home for the new year:
- Give your home a New Year’s deep clean: dust everything by starting at the highest spot and work your way down; dust and wash the walls, doors, ledges and baseboards; sweep, vacuum, mop all floors; shampoo all rugs and carpets; wash throw pillow covers and upholstery. Also print out a deep clean checklist.
- Minimize clutter by getting rid of things you haven’t used or worn in a year. As Marie Kondo would say, ask yourself if you love it; if you don’t, consider donating it to someone who will!
- Check your pantry and fridge for things that have expired and get rid of them!
- Look around for things that don’t have a home. When we live in a place for long enough we get used to seeing things, but not truly “seeing” them. Find a home for those objects that don’t serve a purpose or just haven’t found a home yet.
A “nesting” resolution
Winter is here, and it is the perfect time to snuggle in on those cold, wet, blustery days and nights. Get your home ready for some quality time with your loved ones and maybe even for some game nights with friends and family.
- Make sure your items for entertaining are all in one place.
- Get rid of clutter in spare rooms, so you have space for guests!
- Check your guest bedrooms and bathrooms and make sure you have everything you need.
- Do a mini-redecorate. Buy a new shower curtain and towels. Purchase some cozy throw blankets and pillows that make you feel warm and fuzzy.
- Arrange your living room in a way that makes movie watching comfortable and enjoyable. Get rid of excess furniture that you don’t love and that takes up space.
Make improvements resolution
Have you been considering a remodel? The new year is a good time to start thinking about and planning those remodeling projects that you have always wanted. If you have some ideas, start budgeting and planning for when you would like to do those projects so they don’t end up putting them on the back burner.
Another important consideration is whether or not you will be living in this home long term or short term. If you will likely be selling your home in the future, it’s a good idea to research what remodeling projects would offer the best return on investment; 616 REALTY’s agents are also a great resource for determining what projects will yield the best ROL.
If you plan to stay for good, then you should plan your changes around what will improve your overall quality of life and worry less about what kind of ROI it will have.
Your house is likely your largest financial asset, not to mention it is your family’s oasis– your safe space, your home. Protecting it as well as increasing its value should always be top of mind, and the new year is the perfect time.
The team at 616 REALTY hope you and your family have a beautiful New Year!