At Home Resolutions for 2017
At Home Resolutions for 2017
At Home Resolutions for 2017
Is anyone else still in shock that it is 2017? I have actually gotten used to writing 2017 surprisingly quickly this year. With a fresh new year comes the perfect time to make some resolutions and make a change for the better. There are always the classics—such as resolving to go to the gym more often, to go on a diet, or to drink more water and less wine. However, I have an alternative for you that could make a big impact on your life—a home resolution! Check out these ideas:
LOSE SOME WEIGHT
Avoid the kale diets and go with a cleanse of a different sort. Decluttering is a great way to “lose weight” that is much more appetizing than a diet. There’s no rush, you’ve got a whole year to do it! Spend one day per month (or shorter bursts of 1-2 hours per week) going through one room of the house. Just pick a room and go! Go through every area—closets, drawers, everything. If you’re overwhelmed, start small. Pick a closet. If it still seems overwhelming, do it a drawer or a shelf at a time. “Stuff” grows into piles quickly, especially if you’ve been in your home for years. If you don’t need it, get rid of it. There’s no reason to pack it away and store it if you don’t need it. One of the hardest parts of decluttering is being honest and strict with yourself. Ask yourself these questions: Do I actually use this? When was the last time I used this? Do I really need this? If you haven’t used it in the last 6 months, get rid of it! It’s a great feeling to sit back and see how relaxing a little clutter removal can make your daily life. There are 3 “wins” here—you can donate unused items to charities, you can sell a few items and make some extra cash and you can give yourself a clutter-free home life.
GET SOME EXERCISE
Regardless of how often we actually do jumping jacks, we all know that the more exercise you get, the better you feel and the healthier you are. Even though I’ve never seen a house do jumping jacks, a house needs upkeep to stay healthy and strong. Make it a priority to stay on top of maintenance issues in the New Year. Maintenance pays off both in the short term and also in the future when you go to sell. Few things cost a seller more than long-term deferred maintenance and unfortunately repair bills only get more expensive as time goes on.
GET A MAKEOVER
You don’t need a facelift or a snazzy new outfit. Well, you don’t, but your house might! Paint is one of the cheapest (and fastest) ways to update a house. Even if you end of hating it, you’re just a brush away from undoing it. Embrace the possibilities of a fresh look with paint!
If painting isn’t your scene, try redecorating or rearranging. Switch around your artwork, rearrange your furniture or repurpose that extra room into something you’ll actually use and enjoy! Moving things around can make things feel fresh and updated without costing anything but time.
New Years resolutions don’t have to be a thing of dread—and luckily, taking away desserts and getting a gym membership don’t have to be on your list unless you want them there. The New Year is a great excuse to push yourself to make a positive change at home, without ever having to say no to brownies.
Lisa E. Priest wishes you a prosperous New Year and is a local Real Estate Broker and Property Manager with Picket Fence Realty, Inc. You can reach her via phone or text at 903-948-3343 or read more at BuyPalestine.com
