Most of us will begin the year by setting resolutions for self-improvement, such as starting healthy habits like regular exercise. The New Year is also a great time to improve other things, such as your home.
A healthy home is ground zero for a healthy life. We’re giving you some of our best tips to help you stay on top of your home maintenance needs and keep your lesbian abode cozy all year round.
1. Assess the mess (and make a list)
First, investigate your house to find out what needs to be repaired/replaced and what requires a good scrub. Grab some paper (or make a spreadsheet) or a camera (your phone’s camera will do) to start this task.
Be prepared to cover your home’s outdoor areas, not just indoors—most people don’t realize that anything inside the home is at risk if they don’t take care of the outside. If you have problems with the roof, the foundation, the weeping tile, or the insulation—anything that has to do with your home’s building envelope—take notes.
By assessing the mess, you know which cleaning services or products you need. Then set aside the time you will need for repairs, installation, cleaning, and organizing.
2. Streamline your stuff
One of the best- and least expensive- ways to feel better about your home is to clear it of clutter. This year, resolve to go room-by-room, periodically clearing each room of things you no longer use/wear/love and boxing them up for donation to charity.
Get rid of the things that drain your energy or are broken. After that, only fill your home with the things that raise your energy level and make you feel good.
Stash unaesthetic useful items (such as DVDs, remotes, etc.) in simple woven baskets. Clear your counters of everything you don’t use daily, and get ready to breathe a little easier in your own home.
3. Deep—and we mean really DEEP—clean your home
When you are done with decluttering, sanitizing your home will be much easier.
Gear up, get the appropriate cleaning tools/products, and get ready for some serious cleaning. Leave no surface “unscrubbed.”
4. Make time for a few small repairs
Tighten or replace (if necessary) loose/missing knobs, pulls, and hinges. Lubricate squeaky door hinges with lightweight machine oil. Free sticky doors by trimming edges or shimming hinges with thin pieces of cardboard.
Replace missing grout/caulking around tubs, sinks, and showers.
5. Make your home more ‘home-y’
One easy update that makes your home seem more “finished” is the addition of plants- they bring in new energy and help clear the air.
You can also try pulling out a new accent color from your existing decor to make a whole room seem fresh. Pick an underused color in the room and add more of it in the form of a new pillow or throw blanket to update your look. A colorful rug or runner can also help anchor your space.
Take some time to rearrange your furniture so it is oriented in conversation groups and not just facing the television. That just might up the chances for real conversation and connection in your home this year.
6. Commit to maintenance
Lastly, create a system for home maintenance- and stick to it. But don’t feel like you have to do everything all at once!
Break down your long-term maintenance goals into smaller routine tasks that you can comfortably spread out in your calendar throughout the year. Remember: Home maintenance is a marathon, not a sprint.