A Healthy, Happy, Comfortable Home for the New Year
New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be reserved for personal growth and goals. Sure, you might vow to lose some pounds or get back to your workout routine more consistently. Pledging to finally reach that travel destination you’ve been dreaming of or becoming more involved in community service also are valid ambitions. But promises of new beginnings can apply to your house as well. We’ve come up with a few tips that will help your family enjoy a healthy, happy, more comfortable home for 2020.
Safety first. Make sure your smoke, radon, and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. Every floor should have one of each. Dryer lint and a blocked chimney flue are additional fire hazards that can be avoided with a cleaning. Also consider calling a professional to give your furnace a maintenance check-up.
Clear the clutter. You knew that was coming. It’s on just about every list you can find with advice for organization and stress reduction. Truly, if you can sort out the things you don’t use or need, you will appreciate the peace an uncluttered environment brings to your whole home. We know just starting the process can seem like an overwhelming endeavor, but you can do it room by room over time to start. Get rid of or store the things you don’t use every day. Need some ideas for the kitchen? Check out the tips for cabinet organization we previously shared. And give your home a clutter check on a regular basis this year. For inspiration you can binge on Netflix, check out Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.
Be more energy efficient. First, a few old fashioned habits you probably grew up with: turn out the lights when you leave a room, keep your thermostat lower at night or when you’re not home, and don’t let the faucet run when you’re brushing your teeth. Run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine. Install LED bulbs in your lamps and other light fixtures. Improve the planet, improve your energy bills. It’s a win-win.
Schedule house cleaning. We don’t mean hiring someone to clean your home, but if you have the budget to do that, we support you! For those of us who do all the chores around the house on our own, it can be made easier with a consistent schedule. List the tasks that need to get done on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. The weekly and monthly chores can even be completed over a couple of days, not all at once, so that the whole process doesn’t bog you down. While you’re cleaning, keep all your tools and cleaning supplies together in a tote you can carry with you from room to room. Get the rest of the family to pitch in for even more efficiency and time management.
Put out the welcome mat. If entertaining friends and family more often is on your list of new year’s resolutions, give your home a minor style update that can make a major difference. Rearrange the furniture where guests will gather if you have the space. Add a throw rug or change the window treatments. Plants are a very affordable way to decorate, so choose a couple of them in pretty ceramic containers.
What’s your new year’s resolution? What’s your favorite tip for keeping a healthy, happy, comfortable home? Let us know!