Self-improvement goals like hitting the gym and eating more veggies are fantastic. But have you ever considered setting home improvement goals in January, too? Unlike committing to a new exercise routine, these New Year's resolutions won't require waking up extra early—and they may even save you money.
The Importance of New Year's Resolutions
Resolutions motivate us to accomplish big things. Tackling them also makes us feel part of something, as we know others have similarly high aims in the new year. Plus, resolutions promote optimism. Remind yourself: you can and will accomplish your goals!
5 Smart New Year's Resolutions for Your Home
You may have ideas unique to your home that you'd like to focus on, but if you need inspiration, here are a few suggestions.
Cut energy use. Small changes add up, such as:
Installing a programmable thermostat to cool off heating bills (opens in a new tab).
Taking shorter showers to dry up water consumption.
Using energy-efficient lighting to power down electricity bills.
Set a cleaning schedule. Adopt a system that splits up cleaning tasks by day, week and month. Break them down by room so you have a thorough day-by-day checklist for the kitchen, bathroom, living room and bedroom. No matter who's cleaning, they'll know what to do.
Prioritize home improvement projects. Choose projects that will improve your home's resale value, like updating your kitchen or bathroom. Remember, home improvements can be expensive, so stick to a renovation budget. (If you haven't already, set a household budget as part of your resolution!) As you plan, remember you can fund your projects with a home equity loan that taps into the equity you've built.
Get organized. Organization means finding a place for everything. Create systems for storing items from tools to towels. Reuse containers and baskets you already have on hand to make your storage look nice. Fight organization's biggest enemy—clutter—by getting rid of things you don't use. Pay special attention to your garage and laundry room, where clutter builds the fastest.
Make an emergency plan. Just as you created an emergency fund to prep for tough financial times, you should have an emergency plan and kit for physically grueling times. Your kit should include a flashlight with extra batteries, cell phones and chargers, water, and nonperishable food. Show your family where the kit is stored and agree on a place to meet outside the home in an emergency.
These New Year's goals are attainable for everyone! Apply for a home equity loan today to prep your home improvement budget. You can also consult our MyConcierge service for other ideas on how to manage your home-related finances.
