New Year’s resolutions are always focused on you, as a person. Maybe you resolve to spend more time in the gym or to eat a healthier diet. These resolutions are certainly useful, but they also get a little repetitive. What if you took a new approach this year? What if you made some resolutions related to your home instead? Here are five resolutions that will result in a happier, healthier, better-maintained home in the New Year.
1. Clean your gutters more often.
Keeping your gutters clear benefits your home in so many ways. It helps keep water from pooling in your garden beds and damaging your landscaping. It prevents ice dams from forming on your roof, and it helps keep the shingles on the edge of your roof from peeling. Mark two dates in your calendar — one for each season — and resolve to clean your gutters on those dates, no matter what.
2. Change your furnace filter.
Be honest. When was the last time you changed your furnace filter? Doing it monthly will keep your home cleaner, keep your indoor air healthier, and extend the life of your furnace. Buy a big stack of filters, store them near your furnace, and set a reminder in your phone once a month.
3. Clear the clutter.
A cluttered home can make you feel claustrophobic and anxious, and cleaning around all that clutter is tough! If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to clear clutter, then you need to make a plan and stick with it. Designate a room for every month. For example, in January, you could tackle the kitchen. Sort through absolutely everything, donating or selling the extras, and then move on to the bathroom in February and the bedroom in March. Before 2020 is over, you’ll have gone through the whole home.
4. Reduce your power consumption.
Saving energy is good for the planet and for your wallet. If you resolve to reduce your electricity use for the New Year, here are some easy ways to reach that goal.
- Switch your light fixtures to LEDs, which use less power than other options.
- Put appliances like computers on a power strip, and turn the power strip off when the appliances aren’t in use to prevent phantom load.
- Use your windows! Open the curtains to let in natural sunlight rather than turning on indoor lights in the daytime.
5. Improve fire safety.
House fires are unfortunately common, but a few simple changes can greatly reduce your risk in the new year. Resolve to check your smoke detector batteries once a month, and change them once a year. Make sure your fire extinguishers are charged, and check all of your cords, replacing any that are frayed.
You can make one of these New Year’s resolutions, or you can make all five! Either way, your home and family will thank you. Remember you can rely on Hassle Free Home Services if you need help with home maintenance this new year.
Leave a reply