With the start of a new year, new home projects are likely calling to you, begging to be added to your list of goals for the coming months. If you are looking for ways to cut spending, get healthier, and have more fun at home, then a list of New Year’s home resolutions may be just what you need.
New Year’s Home Resolutions
Your home is where you spend a good portion of your time, so it ought to be a respite from the outside world, as well as a functional space for living. Are there areas where you can make improvements in your home that will carry over into a better life? Absolutely!
Energy Efficiency & Savings
If one of your goals for the new year is to save money, you can start by saving energy at home. If it makes sense for you, you might consider solar panels, which can help the environment and lower your monthly electric bills. Or you can implement some simple strategies around your house, like unplugging appliances when not in use, sealing cracks around doors and windows, switching to LED light bulbs, and remembering to turn off lights when you leave a room. You can also upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and tune-up your HVAC system to lower your monthly energy use.
Organization
One of the best ways to improve your home is by simply clearing out clutter and getting organized. Not only is it effective and inexpensive, but decluttering can have a variety of benefits for you and your family. Your confidence, energy, and motivation will increase, and your anxiety will decrease. The whole family will feel noticeably less stressed, and you can even enjoy time together working on this project. Plus, you never know what forgotten treasures you’ll uncover in the process.
Family Projects
Speaking of projects you can do with your family, there is no reason you can’t get everyone on board with your New Year’s home resolutions. Ask everyone what they want to learn or help work on and delegate assignments. Teach your kids to use tools, make basic repairs, paint, or plant a garden. You can even get them excited about the decluttering mentioned above by allowing them to organize a garage sale, then put the profits toward something fun for the whole family.
Cut Spending With a New Budget
The new year is also a great time to challenge yourself to save money. Whether it’s to pay off debt, go on a vacation, or get a new car, you can commit to changing some habits that will benefit your bank account.
Create or review your current budget and look for places you are spending more than you really need to. Make cuts on things you can do without or trade for something less expensive. Call your utilities and insurance providers to find out if you can get a lower rate. Cook at home more or start taking the bus. Most importantly, track your spending and your savings to see how much progress you’re making each month.
Do More Activities as a Family
Doing more with your family doesn’t have to mean planning a big vacation or even leaving home at all. What improvements can be made to your living space that will provide opportunities for your family to spend time together?
Maybe it’s time to get the pool or hot tub you’ve always dreamed about, finish the game room in the basement, or install a fire pit for late-night gatherings. Or maybe it’s as simple as cooking a meal together once a week or having a designated family game night.
Simplify Chores
No one wants to spend all their time cleaning up after their family, nagging them to put their things away, or micromanaging them to make sure the chores actually get done. Now is a great time to introduce your family to a new system that keeps everyone accountable and leaves less for you to worry about.
Start by creating a basket for each room of the house. Fill it with everything a person might need to clean this room, along with a checklist of each item that is expected. Next, create a chart that requires each person to move their name from the chore they are assigned to a box marked “finished.” All you will need to do is remind those that haven’t moved their name and quickly check the rooms of those that have.
Finally, if possible, hire someone! There are plenty of teenagers in your neighborhood willing to mow lawns, pull weeds, scrub bathtubs, mop floors, and more—especially if it means they’ll get some extra spending cash. Or you can always hire a cleaning company. You’ll spend more, but also get professional service.
Redecorate
Another fun but simple way to spruce up your home is with a little furniture rearranging, painting, and maybe some decor. Paint your front door, your pantry door, your living room walls, or add a new backsplash to your kitchen. Add some plants, new picture frames (and updated pictures!), covers for your throw pillows, or another decorative item that helps you feel happy in the space. You can also plant some flowers in front of your house, change your welcome mat, or add something seasonal to your porch or front door.
Improve Safety Measures
New Year’s home resolutions should also include a safety assessment and update.
- Make sure all the batteries are working in your smoke detectors.
- Check locks to make sure none are loose or broken.
- Do a quick sweep to ensure there are no vulnerable entry points.
- Cut back trees and shrubs that block visibility of your home from the street.
- Make sure there is plenty of outside lighting.
- If you have cameras or a security system, check that everything is working properly and positioned appropriately.
Last, but not least, review or create an emergency evacuation plan with your family. Include a predetermined meeting point in case you have to separate.
Get Healthier
Losing weight, getting more exercise, or eating healthier are popular resolutions. When making plans for your home, you can incorporate these goals and help set yourself up for success. For example, improvements in the kitchen will help motivate you to cook at home, a decluttered space makes it easier to work out in your living room, and a well-maintained yard is more fun to play in.
Consider home improvements that can enhance these goals. If you had a pool or hot tub, would you use them to stay fit and healthy? If you had a trampoline, would you join your kids now and then? Can you designate a space in your house or garage to create a home gym or yoga studio?
New Year, New Home With Aqua Rec’s
Aqua Rec’s can help you make some of your New Year’s home resolutions come true, particularly the ones involving health and entertainment. Spend more time with your family, take a morning swim, lower your stress in the hot tub after work, and more when you have the backyard you’ve been dreaming about.
Contact Aqua Rec’s to find out how you can create your dream backyard space in Washington State and to learn more about our affordable financing options.