If our homes could talk, they might offer a few ideas for resolutions they’d like us to keep. Disposing of things we don’t often use, better organizing those we do, and further beautifying/updating your space, would probably figure at the top of every home’s wish list! Here are some easy tips that will have you—and your home!—feeling good in 2019.
1. De-clutter
Many of us have a tendency to hold on to things we don’t really need or even use. Like Little Johnny’s first pull truck that has been parked in his toy cabinet for the last five years. Or the ornate china set from Great-Aunt Mildred which unfortunately clashes with your beachy vibe. And the ample storage space found in Lennar homes—including walk-in closets and plentiful cabinets—makes it easy to stash all kinds of things.
Now, as we start 2019, is the time to take inventory of belongings that somebody else could be enjoying. Those toys, books, and clothes your children have outgrown may be treasure for another family. With no shortage of excellent local charities, some which will even pick up bulky items such as furniture, finding a worthy recipient for your items is easy. Conversely, you could consider having a garage sale, involving the kids in the fun of setting up their wares and making a little extra pocket money.
Whatever you decide to do—whether it be giving away or selling those things—you’ll feel better about your reclaimed space, as well as knowing somebody is benefitting from your actions.
2. Organize
Having bid farewell to clutter, it’s time to organize your belongings. Avoid becoming overwhelmed by breaking up the task into a series of manageable steps and focusing on one room per week. Involve the family, make things fun, offering hot chocolate and favorite snacks while playing music you all enjoy.
It makes sense to begin with the kitchen, the central hub where everybody congregates. Most Lennar homes offer pantries, the perfect space to store your extra items. We find it useful to devote one shelf to paper goods, such as paper towels, toilet paper, and tissue; another to cans and non-refrigerated foods; and another to cleaning products. Other helpful pointers for organizing your kitchen cabinets:
- Always store cleaning or otherwise potentially harmful products out of the reach of small children
- Keep regularly used items within easy reach and save top shelves for items used less frequently, such as special serving plates
- Use shelf separators, cutlery trays, and plastic containers to sort kitchen utensils and gadgets, keeping sharp knives and scissors out of children’s reach
As you take on other rooms, the above guidelines generally apply. Make children’s safety a top priority and use organizers to maximize use of your large Lennar closets. Shoe organizers can be particularly beneficial, keeping pairs together and looking neat. And for kids, toy chests are wonderful solutions, enabling easy pick up and stashing.
It may take a few weeks to get every room in your house organized to your liking, but you will soon have the considerable satisfaction of seeing everything in your home find its perfect place.
3. Freshen the Look
If you recently purchased your Lennar home, you were given a choice of the latest designer paint colors for your walls and cabinets, and the most updated appointments for your home. For the rest of us, freshening our decor is a great home resolution! As paint companies announce their colors of the year for 2019, we are seeing thoughtful hues that range from soft terracotta’s to misty blues and organic greens. Take a trip to your favorite paint store and look at the latest trends to find the ones that are right for you, keeping in mind:
- Your family needs. If you have very young children, hardier colors—like terracotta—may require less maintenance.
- Your current home furnishings. Look at paint tones that will complement your furniture and accents.
- The effect you want to create. A wall in a contrasting color can be striking and add visual interest.
If you’re in doubt, take pictures of your space and consult a design specialist at a large hardware store. They’ll be able to provide ideas for complementary colors that would work in your home.
In addition to repainting, simple decorating solutions help change a home’s look. New cushions and throw rugs will update your color palette without breaking the bank. A large vase of dried flowers can transform your coffee table. In the bedrooms, new bedspreads and lamp shades will make all the difference. Seemingly little things can have a big impact.
It shouldn’t take much to ready your home for a fresh start. But if you find that you’ve outgrown your space, Lennar’s New Home Consultants are ready to help you find the perfect, brand-new home for a brand-new year. We hope 2019 will be your best yet!
