New Year - Prioritize, Reorganize

It’s a new year and the perfect chance to start fresh! These tasks will help you restart, reorganize, and reinvigorate your home this month.

Job one is to tuck and trash last season’s holiday gear. If your decluttering and organizing turns up some favorite old photographs, take the time now to pick a few favorites, frame them, and find a special place for them on your walls.

There are usually one or two Christmas-related stains that need tackling. Whether it’s sticky fingers on walls, soot from the fire, or drink stains on carpets, begin the new year by removing these marks and returning to a regular cleaning routine.

We’ve all heard the expression ‘new year, new me.’ Take the same approach to your home. Welcome the new year with refreshed walls. Start by wiping and cleaning walls to eliminate dust and grime. This process revitalizes your living space and reveals any imperfections that may require patching or repainting. Consider applying a new coat or shade of paint to an accent wall to combat the January blues and give your home an affordable update.

List all the minor household problems that need fixes, then focus on the ones you can DIY (do it yourself). Fix the squeaky front door hinge, install a dimmer switch in your living room, or change the hardware on kitchen cabinets. You’ll build up your DIY confidence and the momentum to take on bigger projects.

As you make financial plans for the new year, take the time to plan for any upcoming remodels. Set a budget now to help you decide whether to call a contractor or DIY. Consult the IRS tax credits for energy efficiency to see if your improvements qualify for tax savings.

If you only complete one of these tasks in January, make it this one. You should regularly test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are operational. Replace batteries promptly to safeguard your family from potential hazards. A few moments spent on these checks can make all the difference in an emergency!