While you’re making New Year’s resolutions focused on health, wealth, and family, be sure to add resolutions for your home!
1. Streamline the stuff
Go room-by-room periodically clearing anything that you don’t use, wear or love and donate it to charity. After that, think twice about what you bring in.
Stash useful (but not beautiful) items such as DVDs, remotes and those kicked-off shoes in simple woven baskets. Clear your counters of everything you don’t use
on a daily basis.
2. Make it safe and sound
Check your house for radon. Test kits cost as little as $20 at your local hardware store. And, make sure carbon monoxide and fire detectors are installed on every floor with a bedroom. Clean dryer lint from the vents and ducts behind the dryer, and change HVAC furnace filters regularly. Check your house for adequate bathroom and attic vents to the outside to prevent mold. If your home was built or last remodeled before 1978, consider testing for lead paint and asbestos flooring.
3. Shrink your bills
Start by cutting your energy usage in your home:
• Switch off lights when you leave a room.
• Adjust the temperature settings on the air conditioner and furnace for times when you are not at home.
• Install LED bulbs and low-flow showerheads.
• Dry some of your clothes outside.
• Run the dishwasher or washing machine when they are full.
• Set your home computer to revert to sleep mode when not in use.
• Water your yard less and consider drought-tolerant landscaping.
• Give composting a try.
• Find a community resource for recycling.
• Seal and insulate ductwork for heating and cooling systems.
4. Get ready to entertain
Add some plants to bring in new energy and help clean the air. Freshen a room by picking a new accent color that shows up with new pillows or rugs and updates your look. Orient your furniture in conversation groups instead of facing the television.
5. Get your finances right
While you create your yearly budget, remember to allocate funds for improvement and annual maintenance of your house, and emergencies that may arise.
Now, get ready to breathe a little easier in your own home!
Source: hgtv.com, lifehack.org