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Keep Up With Your Resolutions at Home!
New Years Resolutions are notoriously hard to keep, but not impossible! While we can’t help you get to the gym every day or cut back your screen time, we can help you find ways to tackle that to-do list you’ve been avoiding around your home.
Resolution #1 – Create a Clean Routine
Kick off 2024 with a clean start! Creating a routine that fits your schedule will go a long way in helping you stick to your resolutions, even for cleaning your house! For some, this looks like choosing a day each week to get all the cleaning done at once. For others, breaking up the tasks over the course of a few days helps them stay on top of the clutter.
Starting off with a deep clean right after the holidays is also a great way to give yourself a mental reset as we settle into a new year. Tackle those spots that you have been avoiding for so long and give them the attention they deserve, like stove hoods and baseboards. While you’re at it, help improve the air quality in your home by dusting hard to reach places and replacing furnace filters to keep you breathing easy all winter long.
Resolution #2 – Save Energy
Trying to keep the house warm and cozy all winter can get expensive, but there are a few simple hacks that can help save you money on your energy bill in 2024.
- Cover small gaps in windows and doors with weather stripping or caulk.
- Convert to LED lightbulbs (they use approx. 85% less energy than traditional bulbs!)
- Beware of phantom power – unplug chargers, small appliances like toasters and power strips when not in use.
- Do less laundry loads and wash in cold water when you can.
- Close the damper on the fireplace to keep the heat in, just don’t forget to open it next time you cozy up by the fire!
Resolution #3 – Try DIY
If you’ve got “Try something new” on your list of New Year’s resolutions, you can start right now in the comfort of your own home. DIY projects are a great way to breathe new life into pieces you already own, take care of pesky repairs, and invigorate rooms with a fresh look. When the weather outside gets frightful, working on a new project is a great way to pass the weekend and update your space without breaking the bank.
Here are a few ideas that you can accomplish easily over the course of a weekend.
- Recaulk your bathtub
- Organize your closet
- Paint or wallpaper a room
- Update kitchen hardware
There is no universal hack for keeping to your New Year’s resolutions, but by starting small and sticking to a plan, you can set yourself up for success in 2024 at home and in life. What are your goals for the new year? We would love to hear them! Share your resolutions by tagging us on social media.
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Written by Makena Schoene
Here’s Your Spring Maintenance Checklist
Now that spring has sprung, let’s clear the cobwebs and get your home ready! Here is our quick guide to spring home maintenance:
Inspection top to bottom: Now that the weather is temperate you will want to check on how your home weathered the winter. Check the roof for leaks, the gutters for damage, and the siding for cracks. You will also want to inspect your basement or foundation for any shifts. Make repairs now to prevent further damage.
Clean out the gutters: April showers bring May flowers… so clear out the gutters to keep rain from pooling on your roof or near your foundation.
Pest control: Spring is mating season for eight legged critters, so sweep out cobwebs, clear debris, and check the nooks and crannies. If you live in an area prone to dangerous species like brown recluse or black widows, you may want to contact your local pest control, but otherwise household spiders do help eliminate other bugs. Check your basement and attic for signs of other infestations.
HVAC system: If you have an air conditioner now is the time to check to make sure it is ready before summer gets here and everyone else is clamoring for maintenance. Now is a good time to check your home air filters and replace or upgrade to keep allergens at bay.
Clear the clutter: Do a sweep around the house and get rid of junk that you don’t use! Take a little time each week to tackle a room. Closets, playrooms, and basements can be especially daunting, but getting rid of old stuff and refreshing your space will go a long way!
Deep clean: On a nice day open the windows, dust, wipe, scrub, and clean. You will get a nice work out and your home will look and feel so fresh after a winter of being cooped up.
Update your decor: Add a splash of color to your home with small embellishments. Add a colorful vase, a lighter throw for your sofa, pretty pastel pillows, or spring-time candles, to upgrade your living space.
Take it outdoors: Let your throw rugs, curtains, and other tapestries air out outside. Shake off the dust, spot clean what you can and let everything bask in the sun for an afternoon.
Don’t forget the back yard: It may not be time to start up the grill, yet, but you can get started on your outdoor entertaining checklist. Check your lawn, and if you have some spare spots start filling in with seed. Check your outdoor plants, prune, plant bulbs, start to replenish soil for your garden, and mow, so you are ready to start when the season allows.
Speaking of the grill – if you have a gas grill you will want to pull this out and perform a maintenance check. Clean everything up and check to make sure all the gas lines are clear, as these can get clogged after sitting idle all winter. Make sure the grill is clear of spiders too, as they can build webs in the tubes, causing damage to your grill. You can start to bring out your garden furniture too, or clean it up if you left it covered outside all winter. Because before you know it, it’ll be barbeque season!
