When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, most of us think about getting healthy and changing habits. Everyone’s ready for a new “me” come the new year, but what about your home?
Unless you’ve recently purchased a new construction home, your property most likely needs annual TLC. What if you were to take the same “new me” approach toward your home?
It’s the Little Things…
You could start with the outside of your home. Look around and see what needs work. Weather permitting, for example, you may need to clean your gutters, touch up your paint trim, or remove dead tree branches. Also, you may need to clear snow in the wintertime to keep water from entering and damaging your home.
If you’re a first-time homeowner, it might surprise you how much routine maintenance your home needs. You can look at these tasks as an opportunity to get to know your home better.
Clear Home, Clear Mind
Many homeowners have embraced the importance of decluttering. Still, they’re more likely to watch a show or read an article about decluttering than take on the task. If you can relate to this sentiment, you’re not alone.
The new year is a time to overcome decluttering procrastination. Just about everyone has a closet or cabinet stuffed with mystery items that are unliked or unused. However, just the thought of deciding what stays and what goes can prove tiring for some.
Try to think of it as a treasure hunt. When sorting through your things, look for things that bring you joy. Those items can stay.
However, there are probably some items you haven’t used for three months or more and have no plans to do so in the foreseeable future. These items can go.
Spaces to Pinpoint
Maybe a fresh perspective on decluttering will help. Decluttering is cathartic.
In fact, the decluttering trend has been gaining steam since early 2020. What’s more, it’s still going. If you haven’t jumped on board, the time is now.
Consider the places in your house that you don’t see every day. These places might include your:
- Attic
- Basement
- Garage
These are the spaces we tend to accumulate things when we’re unsure of what to do with them.
Is It Time for an Update?
The new year is also the ideal time to consider repair work. However, if you own a home built before 1970, make sure you think about the difference in building materials.
If you’re replacing or renovating anything, ask your contractor to match those materials as closely as possible. For example, a 2 x 4 is no longer 2-inches x 4-inches. Now, 2 x 4s measure 1.5-inches x 3.5-inches. That difference can make a huge impact on your next project.
Also, if you have wood windows, consider cleaning and a paint touch-up instead of replacement. New vinyl windows will never fit correctly.
You may also have old-style shingles or clapboards. Avoid encasing them in aluminum or vinyl, which can hold rot and mold when installed over wood. Instead, ask your contractor to replace them with real shingles or clapboards.
Rearrange for a Change
You may have a room that you can no longer bear to see. Alternatively, you may have spent too much time in that space. You may not have the budget for a renovation or all new furniture in either case. In this instance, you might consider a mini makeover.
Try repositioning your furniture and freshening up your walls to introduce a new vibe to the space. For example, you might update your room to give it the current art deco style popular with many homeowners.
Get Smart About Energy
Whether your home is older or newer, you can update it with the latest technology. You can visit the Energy Star website for suggestions. The agency recommends updating your home with goods such as:
- Smart appliances
- Smart lighting
- Smart thermostats
These intelligent technologies can help you to save on expenses.
You may even have an older home with vintage radiators. Still, the top manufacturers make thermostats compatible with these kinds of systems.
Think Outside the Box
It’s no fun being cooped up in the house. However, you can give yourself an escape by dressing up your outside spaces. This year, homeowners are going a glamorous look for their decks, patios, and other outdoor features.
For example, you might consider new outdoor furniture that suits your tastes. You could also consider investing in extras like outdoor rugs, stylish shades, rugs, or even a bar set up for entertaining.
Is It Time for a Change?
In some instances, you may feel cramped in your home no matter what you do. For example, you may notice that there’s no longer enough space for your belongings. If so, you may have outgrown your home.
You’re not alone in this realization. Many homeowners find that they’ve outgrown their homes as they take on new jobs and hobbies. Others simply want more space to live.
If you feel the same way, it’s time to start asking yourself questions. For instance, you’ll want to start narrowing down the “must-haves” that you’d like in your new home.
Assessing Your Situation
Sometimes, families expand. For example, you may have introduced a new generation to your home. What’s more, that generation will start to grow over time. As they do, you may find that your home starts to feel smaller.
Conversely, you may have an aging family member moving into your home. This is a common occurrence today. Still, this kind of family expansion raises the same issues. This circumstance could indicate that it’s time to look for a bigger home.
We’ll Help You Find the New Home of Your Dreams!
If you need to sell your old home and buy a new one, Marketplace Homes can help. Our real estate firm revolves around you.
For more than 22 years, we’ve provided innovative and reliable solutions that help our customers meet their real estate goals. We’ll help you through the entire process.
Start searching Marketplace Homes for your new dream home today.
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