Another year, another resolution…but how many of us actually keep to our resolutions? According to ProactiveChange.com, 45% of American adults make one (or more) resolutions each year. However, after 6 months, only half of us have actually completed or are in the process of completing our goal.
So, instead of making another resolution about dropping those five extra 5 pounds, how about making a few that will really do you some good?
Top 10 Resolutions for Your Home
1. Bring the Power – Power washing is a fast, effective way to blast mold and mildew off of your home’s exterior, driveway and more. At roughly $100 for a basic pressure washer, or by renting one from a local home improvement store, the results are definitely worth the cost. Be careful, and make sure to avoid windows, light fixtures and anything else that could break under the pressure.
2. Safety First – Take the opportunity this time of year to test your smoke alarms and detectors to ensure they will all work properly and have new batteries. Remember, these are your best defense in case of fire. Also, make sure you have the recommended number of carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and that they’re placed in the right locations throughout your home.
3. Organizational Situation – With the holidays almost over, decorations must go back to their places. While removing your snowmen and Santas, take the time to de-clutter any rooms or areas that may have been neglected through the seasonal rush. Focus on one room at a time and schedule different rooms for different days.
4. Be Prepared – You never know when an earthquake or fire will hit, but waiting until the last minute to be prepared is never a good idea. Be sure to make disaster planning top priority this year and assemble a household emergency kit for your family. Have one already? Check that it is still intact and sufficient.
5. Cool Breezes – A properly maintained air conditioning system will run more efficiently, use less energy and lower your utility bills. For window air conditioning units, clean the filter and coils. With central air conditioning units, we recommend you contact a professional to inspect your system. Always be sure to change your air conditioner filters regularly, which will cut down dust and allergens in the home.
6. Energy Saving is In – With electric bills constantly on the rise, look at ways of cutting costs while still enjoying the benefits appliances bring to your home. Replacing large appliances? Watch for the Energy Star qualified rating for maximum energy savings.
7. Wet Paint – As we have mentioned in the past, a fresh coat of paint is the easiest and cheapest way to dramatically change a room’s appearance. It not only adds to your home’s appeal; it can even make it look cleaner. Try using painters’ tapes to make decorative vertical or horizontal stripes. A bold accent wall can add drama to a room.
8. Steam Therapy – They may appear clean and tidy thanks to your regular vacuuming, but carpets can absorb dust, dirt and odors that a vacuum just can’t reach. Deep clean your carpet by renting a carpet cleaner or steamer, which can be found at a number of local home improvement and grocery stores. You may be amazed at the difference it will make.
9. Closet Space – Clean out your closets and any other space packed with things that you haven’t seen or used in a while. While there, take inventory on what you have and decide if you need it or not—most likely you’ll find that you don’t. If you can’t fit into a garment, donate it. If the item is damaged, repair it or toss it. It may be easiest to have a friend or family member help you make hard choices. For the things you can part with, try turning them into cash by holding a yard sale or posting them on eBay or Craigslist. Why not use the extra money towards a home improvement project that you’ve been putting off?
10. Clean Green – If you haven’t already, swap out your harsh chemical cleansers for gentler, earth-friendly products this year. You’ll be helping the earth and it will reduce your family’s risk of accidental poisoning.
Who knows? Maybe after all of this hard work around the house, you’ll have already burned off those five pounds???
Resolution list taken from John Butzko on Michael Saunder’s Real Estate Blog – http://www.thesaundersblog.com/a-new-year-for-clean-top-10-resolutions-for-your-home/
