The Arizona Homeowner’s New Year’s Resolutions
It’s the
most wonderful time of the year – New Year’s resolution time! Okay,
maybe not the most wonderful, but it is an important time of year for
setting goals and tasks to improve your life in 2018.
But what about your home? We’re sure all those New Year’s resolutions you have for your personal life could apply equally to your home life. And we have a few ideas for you!
1. Lose the weight. (Or, Ditch the extra clutter in your home.)
We
know – you just spent several weeks collecting gifts and trinkets from
friends and family and now you’re supposed to get rid of it all? That’s
not exactly what we’re suggesting. We’re certain there is a mountain of
belongings you no longer use or want and you can fulfill that charitable
giving resolution with a handful of bags of stuff you’ve shoved in the
back of your closet.
A general rule of thumb is that if you haven’t used or even thought about an item in the past year, it’s probably time to donate it to someone who can actually use or cherish it. Part of letting go of all that clutter will help you think more clearly and accomplish your more important goals in 2018!
2. Go to the doctor for regular check-ups. (Or, Check your home for any water damage or other needed repairs.)
Following
the late Summer and early Fall monsoon season, you probably got right
into the swing of the busy Fall then holiday seasons. Did you ever check
for any water damage? If water was leaking into your house, you may
have some mold issues on your hands this year.
And what about leaky windows? Did you notice water on your floor or window sills after a big rainstorm this Fall? Well, if you put off any repairs knowing monsoon season would be over soon, you may be living in a house that is far from energy efficient. It’s not just about the rain and your electric bill is sure to tell you that same horror story!
3. Get a makeover. (Or, Give your landscaping a new look.)
Here in Arizona most of us are lucky to not have to work too hard to keep our landscaping looking nice. Whether you have a desert landscape or a traditional lawn, you usually don’t have to worry about waiting for your landscaping to come back in the new year after a rough winter.
But maybe with a new year you need a new look! Browse Pinterest or landscaping blogs for some brand-new “lawnspiration” and get growing in 2018. New year, new lawn!
4. Save more money. (Or, Create a 2018 budget for home repairs.)
Maybe your reason for not repairing leaky doors and windows, tackling a mold problem or updating your landscaping in 2017 was that there just weren’t any extra funds for home projects. Inevitably something will always come up whether it’s just an update you want to make, or one you absolutely have to make.
Start
preparing now. Set up a separate checking account. Throw a jar in your
garage to catch small bills and extra change as you come home each
evening. Even the smallest amount of money will make the difference when
an unexpected repair or new DIY project comes up in the new year.
Whatever your resolutions are for the new year, don’t leave your home out of them! Because this is the place you spend the majority of your time in with friends and family, it should be a space you really love and care for – all year round!
