We have made it to 2020 and left 2019 in the dust. As we start this new year (and new decade!), it’s important to think positive about everything that’s possible and what’s to come. But creating a plan for success very much starts with a clean state of mind – and a clean home! Here is a short guide for taking on each cluttered area in your home in an approachable and practical way that will have you feeling more relaxed at home than you have in the past ten years.

Embrace a Simple Entryway

The Shasta Plan at Shamrock Village by Lennar Utah
The Shasta Plan at Shamrock Village by Lennar Utah

This is the first space you see when you walk into the home, along with your guests’ first impression. Simplify! Wipe off all counters, invest in some stylish storage baskets for stowing away shoes and other items if needed. Consider a coat rack or key ring to hold smaller on-the-go pieces and then implement a plant or a photo you love that will give this small space some big life.

Kitchen Pantry Reboot

Plan Two at Velocity in Levity by Lennar Cal Coastal
Plan Two at Velocity in Levity by Lennar Cal Coastal

It happens to us all – whether we live alone, with just our partner or have a big family – an overfilled pantry and overflowing junk drawer just develops over time. Start with the pantry, pulling everything out, checking the expiration date and chucking everything that’s no longer usable in to the trash. Donate old items that haven’t expired and you know you won’t use. Then, wipe down the pantry shelves before restocking your fresh, new space. Do the same with junk drawers and the Tupperware storage!

Closet Clean-out

Residence 2662 Plan at Oakleaf at Folsom Ranch by Lennar Sacramento
Residence 2662 Plan at Oakleaf at Folsom Ranch by Lennar Sacramento

Start with the hall closet, going through in a similar fashion to what you did in the pantry. Pull everything out getting rid of or donating things that haven’t been used over the past year. This could be a surplus of dish rags or towels, old board games, outgrown snow coats, old sporting equipment – purge and donate everything you don’t use. Then, challenge each member of the family to do the same with their own closet. Everyone will benefit from the end result!

Home Office Overhaul

The Bainbridge Plan at Tehaleh Observation Ridge by Lennar Seattle
The Bainbridge Plan at Tehaleh Observation Ridge by Lennar Seattle

Everyone’s office might be used for different tasks, you may even have a tech space instead of a traditional office room. But where papers gravitate to, clutter gathers. Start by getting a good filing system that will keep important paper documents out of sight. Then, see what can go digital! Scan old documents that you want to hold onto and store them on the cloud. Sign up for autopay for all your bills, and you’ll already be protecting the space from future mess.

Living Room

Residence Four Plan at Provence at Glen Loma Ranch by Lennar Bay Area
Residence Four Plan at Provence at Glen Loma Ranch by Lennar Bay Area

Our living rooms all probably look differently depending on our lifestyles.  If you have young children, it’s very likely toys manage to share the living space as much as the family does. Identify areas where clutter gathers and what your top storage and organization issues are. Use baskets to keep loose items accessible in a way that looks great and feels organized. If you’re still holding on to DVDs or CDs, consider donating them. Almost everything is available to stream now – from music to movies and TV.

At Lennar Philly Metro, we like to do things one step ahead of everyone else. That’s why in all of our homes, you can expect today’s smart home tech that makes your life easier and more enjoyable every day. Say hello to the Connected Home® by Lennar, the smart home design that lets you live one step ahead too.

Everything’s included in your home, and every room’s connected. What better way to kick off the new decade than with a technologically advanced living space? In a home that “lives” with you, you’ll experience your best moments with complete comfort and ease. Take a look at what’s included in your Philly Metro home at an incredible value:

Lennar Connectivity WiFi

Echo Dot: Having friends over for dinner and drinks? “Alexa, play my dinner party playlist.” With the Echo Dot, you can play music, send and receive texts, listen to audiobooks, order from restaurants, and more — with just your voice. This device also controls lights, switches, locks, and other devices included in your home.

Schlage Encode™ Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt: If you’ve ever second-guessed whether you locked your door or not after you’ve left, you know that feeling of stress and worry. The good news? You’ll never feel it again. Lock in peace of mind with this smart deadbolt. Issue virtual keys to guests and monitor the lock from anywhere.

Ring® Video Doorbell: Long gone are the days of “who’s at the door?” With this smart doorbell, you’ll always know what’s happening at your front door (because who has time for mysteries)? Receive mobile alerts when visitors ring the bell or trigger its motion sensors, and answer from anywhere with HD video and two-way audio.

Ring doorbell

Ruckus Unleashed™: This high-tech internet/wifi access device evenly spreads wifi around the home. Using heat maps to individually analyze each homes floor plan, we strategically place Ruckus devices to ensure the best coverage. With a superior signal, our homeowners are ready to rock.

From all of us at Lennar, we hope you have a “smart” start to your new year! If you’re ready to move into a contemporary home that’s just as connected to modern life as you are, contact us today.

View homes featuring smart tech in the Philadelphia Area:

Victory Square, Bensalem

Waterside, Bensalem

Townes at Shannon Hill, Exton

Southall, Royersford

View available homes featuring smart tech in Northern Delaware:

The Colony, Bear