New Year’s Resolutions for your House
January 26, 2015The first month of the New Year is coming to a close, and while we set resolutions to better ourselves individually, it may be time to take a look at your house as well. Resolutions are hard to keep, but the right mindset and to-do-list is crucial to accomplishing your goals. This list entails some easy, but crucial projects you should accomplish this year.
Create a budget
Setting a budget for home improvements and maintenance insures you won’t overspend on silly projects. It also creates a rewarding feeling when you put aside money for major projects. LendingTree.com suggests putting aside 1% to 3% of your home’s initial price. Sporadic spending happens, but a budget will help cut down on unnecessary habits.
Organize the clutter
January is the perfect time to get rid of extra junk you won’t use this year. If you’re looking for storage ideas there are plenty of DIY projects that can help. A simple shoe organizer, or adding a new drawer in the toe kicks of your cabinets can help tremendously. If you’re looking to go big, try adding a mudroom to the entry of your house.
Save energy (and some money)
We tend to leave lights and other energy sources on when we aren’t using them. By turning off lights and shutting down the air conditioner, you can save some big time cash come end of the year. Installing fluorescent bulbs and a lower flowing showerhead are two more ways to cut down on some cost. Also, try not to run small loads in your dishwasher or washing machine. Instead, wait until they are full to start the cycle.
Manage your mortgages
Mortgages are a pain, but this year try to keep them under control. Try making extra payments. It will shorten the time it takes to be paid in full. If you have the finances, try paying off a second mortgage. You will almost instantly feel the weight being lifted off your shoulders when you pay off a decent amount of your debt. Finally, try to refinance your mortgage. By switching your variable mortgage to a fixed one, you can protect yourself from interest rate risk.
Start a garden
Planting a garden has plenty of benefits. The food it produces will help you save money at the grocery store and will last longer than most store bought items. Planting a garden can be fun for the whole family and will help you burn off calories for your personal New Year resolutions. If you can’t plant a garden try buying a plant for your home. Having plants and flowers will brighten a room and clean the air of your house as well.
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