New Year’s Resolutions for a Better Home in 2023
As the new year approaches, it is the perfect time to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the future. Homeowners should take this opportunity to plan for a better home in 2023 by setting New Year’s resolutions. From improving home energy efficiency to keeping up with maintenance and repairs, there are plenty of resolutions that can help you improve the quality of your home and even save money in the long run. Here are some of the top resolutions for a better home in 2023.
Get Organized & Declutter
Organization and decluttering can help keep your home presentable, functional, and free of stress. If you dedicate 20 minutes each day to organize and declutter, you will be able to make your home feel more peaceful and efficient! Start by getting rid of clutter - anything that you don’t need or use anymore - and then find ways to store everything else.
Utilize furniture for storage, invest in organizational bins and shelves, and label things so that you can quickly find what you’re looking for. Implement the “one minute” rule, where if something takes less than one minute to do, such as throwing away mail or picking up shoes off the floor, do it immediately. Keep your countertops clear and do the dishes every morning to keep your kitchen organized. You can also and tidy up during down time, such as when you're killing time or there's a commercial break during your show.
Lastly, keep on top of the weekly chores like cleaning out the fridge and following a clean-out schedule for your storage areas. For more tips, check out our The 7-Step Decluttering Guide to Organizing Your Home. Organizing and decluttering your home can be a great way to start the new year off right!
Save Energy
Making changes to reduce the amount of energy your household consumes can have a positive impact on the environment, your bank account, and your health. There are a few simple steps you can take in order to conserve energy and save money.
The first step is to change all of the light bulbs in your home to LED bulbs. LED bulbs use less energy and last much longer than other types of bulbs. Additionally, when you’re not using lights, make sure to turn them off and unplug any appliances or electronics that aren’t in use.
Another way to save energy is to wash your clothes in cold water instead of hot. Doing so will help reduce the amount of energy used by your washing machine and reduce emissions from heating water. Additionally, you should clean or replace all filters in your home, such as HVAC filters and range hood filters, at least once a month. This will help maintain their efficiency and lower your energy costs.
Finally, running your dishwasher and washer and dryer at night helps keep the house cooler and reduces strain on the power grid. You should also set the temperature on your fridge to the manufacturer's recommendation so it doesn't consume more energy than necessary. Lastly, don’t leave ventilation fans running longer than necessary as they can consume a lot of energy.
By following these simple tips, you can save energy and money while reducing your environmental footprint. With a few minor adjustments, you can make a big difference for yourself and the planet!
Go Green
Going green is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money. You can start small by switching out your light bulbs for LED or CFL bulbs, investing in a reusable water bottle, and using reusable bags when you go to the store. Then take it up a notch with your own home energy audit, which can identify areas where you can save energy and money, such as installing solar panels or upgrading to an electric appliance. You can also add water-saving toilets and showerheads to conserve water, and set up paper-free billing for your utilities and other bills. These small changes can make a big impact on the planet and your wallet!
Enhance Your Curb Appeal
When it comes to enhancing your curb appeal, there are some simple and inexpensive steps you can take. Planting a tree or shrubs is an easy and affordable way to improve the look of your front yard. Cleaning or pressure washing the exterior of your house and walkways is another great way to make your home look brand new. Replacing the mailbox and adding a new light fixture are also easy and affordable options for sprucing up the outside of your home.
In addition to these changes, coordinating the colors of your home and making an inviting seating area can go a long way in making your home look welcoming. Give your garage door a refresh with a fresh coat of paint and add some greenery with flower pots or planters. All of these improvements can help enhance your curb appeal while costing less than $100!
Create a Home Maintenance Schedule
Creating a home maintenance schedule is an essential part of being a responsible homeowner. It helps you keep your home in the best shape possible and prevents small issues from turning into larger, costlier problems.
Start by doing a walking tour of your house and taking notes on its specific needs. From there, use a spreadsheet or planner to organize all of your tasks according to frequency and set reminders to stick to the plan. Be sure to store your records for future reference as well. With a proper maintenance schedule, you’ll be able to enjoy a comfortable, safe, and efficient home for years to come!
Not sure where to start? Check out this complete home maintenance checklist for Florida homes to get you started.
Upgrade Your Home Security
When it comes to keeping your home safe, one of the best investments you can make is upgrading your home security system. Security systems can help protect your home and family from burglary, home intrusion, fire, and other environmental disasters such as burst pipes.
Here are five tips to help you upgrade your home security system:
1. Eliminate landline-based monitoring: Landline-based monitoring systems are becoming outdated. Invest in a wireless security system which does not require a landline connection and can be installed quickly. The wireless connection makes it easier for the system to transmit signals even during power outages.
2. Invest in additional security equipment and coverage: Consider adding additional security equipment to your system such as motion detectors, video surveillance, and door sensors. You may also want to consider expanding your coverage area by adding wireless cameras, lights, or doorbells to the outside of your home.
3. Make your home smarter: Upgrade your system by investing in a smart home security system. Smart systems allow you to control your security system remotely via an app on your smartphone or tablet. This gives you more control over your home’s safety and access when you’re away from home.
4. Use equipment that will monitor your home: Security cameras are a great way to monitor your property, both inside and out. Choose a system that offers night vision capabilities so you can see who or what is lurking around your property after dark.
5. Install smoke and CO detectors that are monitored: Fire alarms with smoke and carbon monoxide detection are essential for any home security system. Make sure your security system has these features and that they are monitored 24/7 to provide instant notifications if there is an emergency in your home.
By following these tips and investing in an upgraded security system, you can rest assured that your family and property will be safe and secure. With the right system, you can have peace of mind knowing that no matter where you are, your home is protected.
Invest in Your Home’s Value
Investing in your home's value is one of the smartest decisions you can make as a homeowner. Not only will this make your home more enjoyable to live in, it will also increase its worth if you ever decide to sell it.
Minor kitchen remodels can be a great way to add value to your home. Even something as simple as new countertops, cabinets, and fixtures can make a big difference. Bathroom upgrades are also great for adding value to your home. Replacing old fixtures and tiles, adding additional storage space, and installing modern lighting can all increase the worth of your home.
Another thing you can do is window replacement. Installing energy-efficient windows not only helps conserve energy, but it also adds value to your home. You can also make basic updates like painting walls, replacing fixtures, or installing new flooring. This won’t cost a lot but can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your home.
Check out Home Improvements and Repairs That Add The Most Value for more ways to increase the value of your home.
It’s important to beware of upgrades that will not increase the value of your home. For instance, installing a pool or hot tub might be expensive and time-consuming, but it may not add much value to your home when it comes time to sell.
Making smart investments in your home’s value can not only improve the way you live, but also help increase the worth of your property when it comes time to sell. Make sure to research which projects are likely to add the most value so that you can get the most out of your investment.
Let's Do This!
The new year can be a great time to make resolutions that will benefit you and your home. Making small changes over time can add up to big improvements, not only in the way your home looks and feels, but also in the way it functions and operates.
From getting organized and decluttering, to saving energy and going green, to creating a home maintenance schedule and upgrading your home security, there are plenty of ways to make your home better in 2023. So go ahead and make some resolutions, start making positive changes in your home today, and get ready for a better home this year!
