2021 is finally here and you may have already come up with your New Year’s resolutions but did you choose any that deal with your home? I combed the internet and put together my own list of home improvement resolutions.
Your home is one of your biggest assets and where you make memories throughout the year so it only makes sense to include it in your planning for the new year.
- Declutter – Start your year by cleaning and organizing. Many of us have a drawer or even an entire room that is filled with unorganized items. Most of the time, you do not need all of that stuff and when you do need it, you cannot find it.
- Make a Cleaning Plan – Speaking of cleaning, sit down, and plan out exactly how you plan to clean this year. Maybe you save it all for the weekend, maybe you want to do a different task each night. Either way, make a cleaning plan that works for you and stick with it. In the cleaning plan, be sure to include those neglected areas like your air conditioner, showerheads, and dishwasher.
- Set an Alarm to Replace Your Air Filter Every Three Months – Air filters remove the dust and debris from your home that otherwise clog the air conditioning and heating system and potentially affect your respiratory health. Follow these simple steps to change the filter on your own.
- Survey Your Foundation – A crack or opening in your home’s foundation makes it easy for rats, mice, and other unwanted pests to come into your home.
- Do a Curb Appeal Project – Boosting your home’s curb appeal will give you a newfound pride in your home and these types of projects increase your home value. A few examples of easy projects include painting your front door, planting attractive plants, installing path lighting, or updating/cleaning your outdoor furniture.
- Test Your Smoke Alarms – Take the time to make sure your fire alarms are working. It is also a good idea to make sure everyone who lives in your home knows the fire escape plan.
- Invest in Weather Stips – Weather Strips will keep your heat and air conditioning in your home while keeping the outside weather out. You should also take the time to check your exterior walls for holes. You can use foam insulation to close up any holes that you find.
- Test Your Water – Testing your water will give you peace of mind that the water you are using and drinking is free of harmful substances.
- Go Energy Efficient – Making eco-friendly changes help the environment and may end up reducing your energy costs. Try composting food, replacing incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, swap out single plane windows for insulated ones, and refresh your ceiling insulation.
- Evaluate if Paying Off Your Home Early Makes Sense – Take a look at your mortgage payment and see if it would make sense to try to pay it off early or evaluate a refinance if your mortgage interest rate is significantly higher than the current.
Sources:
FirstOptionOnline.com
FamilyHandyMan.com