With the new year just beginning, it’s time to think about your goals and what you want to achieve in the coming months. Besides personal resolutions for your relationships and work, now might be just the right time to shift your attention to improving your home. Not sure where to start? Follow these resolution ideas to refresh your home in 2021.
1. Be More Energy-Efficient
Lowering your energy use is a noteworthy resolution idea that’s worth the effort. Being more energy-efficient benefits the environment and lowers your utilities bills each month, which means more money in your pocket! Plus, some eco-friendly items add style to your home. Here are a few ways you can be more energy-efficient this year:
- Invest in energy-efficient appliances
- Switch to LED bulbs
- Thoroughly insulate your home (windows, doors, attic)
- Incorporate indoor plants into your home
- Turn off lights/electronic devices when not in use
- Add area rugs to warm your home and decrease your energy use
2. Organize Storage Areas
What better time to purge your home than in the new year? Muster up the motivation and open the doors to all of the areas you’ve been avoiding for months or years. Bedroom closets, the attic, the basement, and yes, even your kitchen cupboards and drawers are up for organizing.
Rather than overwhelm yourself by doing it all in one weekend, shoot for one room each week to make the process more manageable and less intimidating.
Start off by clearing out the areas and then focus on organization. Before you go out and buy a bunch of bins and trays, make a plan first. Think through where everything will go and then buy your organizational supplies.
3. Deep Clean Every Room
Did someone say deep clean? While it may not be an enjoyable task for some, a thorough cleaning of your house’s rooms is a must. Just because you may not see all of the dirt and dust bunnies doesn’t mean they aren’t there.
Refresh your home by going through each room and doing all of the usual cleaning duties. Make sure to start with the most used rooms because they tend to have more germs and grime. You also want heavily trafficked rooms to be as sanitary as possible for you and your guests.
4. Do Good and Donate
While the “season of giving” may be over, it’s never too late to give to those in need. If you choose to clear out some furnishings or clothes to begin the new year at home, consider donating those goods to an organization near you. This is a win-win solution because not only do you clean out your home, you help out your fellow community members in the process.
5. Dedicate Time to DIY Projects
Brush up on your skills and dedicate a few weekends to DIY projects around your home. Try a home makeover idea that transforms your space from drab to fab like painting your living room walls a brighter color or finishing the basement downstairs.
Other DIY projects can improve the safety and quality of your home like installing new windows, putting up a fence around your yard, or ridding your floors of squeaks.
6. Create a System for Housework
No matter if you live with just your spouse or have a full house of kids, it’s a great idea to create and implement a system for house duties. From taking out the trash to cleaning the bathroom, figure out a schedule that works best for you.
Get the kiddos involved by incentivizing with rewards and give them each their own chores. However you want to personalize your housework system, it’s guaranteed to motivate all members of the household and keep your space much cleaner.
7. Prepare Your Yard for Spring
Home makeover ideas don’t just apply to the inside of your home, they apply to the outside too. One of your new year’s resolution ideas could be sprucing up your backyard for the coming spring. Start a garden, build a deck, or buy some new patio furniture. Basic yard maintenance like tree trimming and weed pulling is another easy way to make your yard more presentable and pleasant.
8. Swap Out Home Decor
If you feel like splurging, buying a few new pieces of home decor can do absolute wonders for your space. Bring your home into 2021 with a modern sofa set or chic dining table. If large purchases aren’t in your budget, not to worry. Opt for smaller upgrades like fresh wall art, new area rugs, or even comfy comforters for your beds.
9. Freshen Up Your Floors
The usual vacuuming and mopping of floors is a convenient and easy way to maintain your home’s pristine appearance, but have you ever considered taking it a step further?
If you have carpet in your home, you may want to think about getting it professionally cleaned. Say goodbye to nasty stains you gave up on years ago and welcome in a new and improved carpet for spring!
Refinishing your wood floors is another project that can refresh your home. What’s even better is that you can do it yourself. Do your research, buy the supplies, and bring your hardwood floors back to life with a new finish.
With the new year comes new chances to better your home. As you brainstorm goals and aspirations for 2021, add these new year’s resolution ideas to your list to give your home the makeover it deserves. If painting makes it on the list, be sure to read our guide to how to paint your home like a pro.
