As we get ready to bring in the new year it’s the perfect time to start making a list of resolutions for your life, but what about the place you call home?

Here are 5 New Year’s resolutions for your home:

#1 I will finish the old before starting the new:

Most people have multiple home improvement projects that they’re working on. Whether they’re big, like painting the exterior, or small, such as installing a new light fixture, these tiny projects can add up if not completed.

It’s exciting to envision the potential that your home has but this can be distracting. Make a rule for yourself: don’t think of new projects without finishing the ones already in progress.

As you complete each upgrade, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that will give you momentum for starting and finishing your future projects. Also, you will have less stress when you start other projects because you are focusing on one at a time. This is the best way to prevent procrastination due to being overwhelmed.

#2 I will be proactive:

Doing a little maintenance work now can save you a lot of time and money in the future. Clean and replace furnace filters to keep your heating system running smoothly and your indoor air quality high. The last thing you want is an overworked furnace breaking down in the middle of winter or to suffer from allergies due to poor filtration.

Also, clean out leaves and debris from eavestroughs in fall and spring to ensure water flows freely off of the roof. This stops it from building up and seeping into your home as well as creating ice dams in winter that can damage the roof itself.

Hiring a professional as soon as you suspect there’s a problem in your home may cost more than doing it yourself. Yet, having a specialist address them now will help ensure you avoid more costly issues in the future.

#3 I will save money:

Energy efficiency upgrades are not only earth friendly, they’re also kind to your wallet. Every year, more home buyers inquire about past utility costs so you want to keep them low. You’ll save every month on your current bills and add value to your property when you decide to sell.

Decreasing your home’s energy use can be as simple as placing draft stoppers under doors, replacing old light bulbs with more efficient ones or adding new caulking around windows.

Yet, larger renovations can add substantial value to a home. Consider upgrading to double paned windows or denser attic insulation. It can make a bigger impact on your heating bill now and your home’s selling price later.

#4 I’ll declutter but without the stress:

Everyone has good intentions when it comes to cleaning, but the time and energy to do it can be demotivating. Make your cleanup feel less overwhelming by breaking it into smaller sessions, scheduling specific tidying times, and decluttering in categories, like books or clothing, instead of room-by-room.

Bonus: Donate any unwanted items to a good cause and you’ll feel even better about your clean home.

#5 I’ll make a five year plan:

Businesses and personal growth books recommend making a five year plan for your life, and your home is a big part of it. Looking ahead allows you to be prepared for any changes in advance and minimize future stress.

Consider these questions:

  • What are your goals for living in your home over the next five years?
  • Would you like children? Will your current layout accommodate them?
  • Do you see yourself moving? Where and why?
  • Would you like a new deck to host annual summer BBQs? Or, are there other big renovations you’d like to take on?

Like your life, it’s good to have specific goals for your home so that you can work towards them. That way, you’ll be financially ready and able to fully enjoy your home when the time comes.

Start with just one of the above resolutions and see what a difference it makes in the new year.

If you have any questions about renovations that add value to homes in Mission BC, contact me and we’d be happy to help.