As we enter the new decade of 2020, we naturally find ourselves reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future. Many of us set goals and make New Year’s resolutions around our well-being, careers, relationships, and the things most important to us. But what about our homes? The place we spend most of our time, our most substantial investment, the roof over our family’s heads?
If you want to start the year off right, start with your home. Here are some ways to improve your home in the new year:
Keep a clean home
A clean home is a happy home. Start the new year fresh with a deep clean of your home and set yourself up to maintain a level of cleanliness throughout the year. Invest in clean and quality supplies or find a housecleaner to help on a regular basis.
Keep a clutter-free home
Out with the old, in with the new. Early in the year, take some time to go through your belongings and weed out things you no longer want, need or use – or as Marie Kondo says, “keep only the things that bring you joy.” Encourage everyone in your home to participate in this possession cleanse and either have a yard sale or do a good deed and donate.
Create a warm & inviting space
Home should feel comfortable, and it should be a place you look forward to at the end of a long day. If your home is feeling less than inviting, there are a few simple and cost-effective upgrades you can do to make it feel more inviting. You can invest in a few cozy throws, memory foam pillows, or quality sheets for your bed. If any element of your home is feeling less than comfortable and inviting – see if there’s a way you can update it or replace it to make your house feel more like home.
Live more sustainably
We should all make efforts to live more sustainably in 2020. With smart home technology, you can turn off lights with the touch of your finger or the sound of your voice, program the thermostat to use less energy, and more. These fantastic features are both environmentally friendly and economical. Both the earth and your wallet win!
Set-up different bins in your home to recycle glass, compostable food, plastic, and cardboard. Use non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning supplies, or make your own cleaning products to help reduce waste.
Get involved in the community
What better way to start the year than getting involved with your community? If you love to read, see if any of your neighbors would be interested in a book club. If you’re passionate about a specific cause, gather the neighborhood together to participate in a fundraiser. Your involvement within your community will add joy to your life and the lives of others.
Plant a garden
“If you want to be happy for a lifetime, plant a garden.” There’s something to be said for this beautiful little quote. If you have space in your backyard, a garden can be a lovely addition, an opportunity to spend time with your family, and can even provide fresh fruits and vegetables! If you love the idea of cooking with fresh herbs from the garden or getting your hands dirty on the weekends – a garden is a great way to help many of the new years resolutions you may have. (e.g. more family time, eating healthier, spending more time outdoors, etc.)
