Most New Year's resolutions are about self-improvement—learning a new skill or hobby, eating healthier, or hitting the gym. If you’re a homeowner, it’s a no-brainer that you also want to improve your home and keep it in its best shape. Your living space has a much bigger impact on your life than you might realize, so what better way to improve your life than by making your home more appealing and comfortable?
In the spirit of new beginnings, we've come up with a list of goals you can adopt to make a lasting difference in your home and eventually, in your life.
1. Start an emergency fund.
Life is unpredictable, with or without a global pandemic. Many unexpected costs can easily make your finances go awry. This is especially true when it comes to owning a home. If you suddenly need to fix a leaky roof or a broken water heater, an emergency fund can help save you from stress so you can plan your next steps accordingly.
2. Make a home inventory.
After taking countless family holiday photos, it's time to start taking snapshots of your belongings and creating a home inventory. A home inventory is a record of all your personal possessions along with their approximate financial value.
3. Review and update your homeowners insurance.
The new year is a great time to get your finances in order, especially in areas in your home where you can save. If you haven't done it yet, review your homeowners insurance policy to make sure your coverage is up to date with your needs, and you’re not overpaying.
4. Make on-time payments on your mortgage.
Take control of your financial life this year by ensuring that your mortgage payments—and even all other payments, for that matter—are always on time.
5. Find ways to be more energy efficient.
Make a goal this year to find small ways to reduce your energy consumption and eventually cut down on your energy costs.
6. Work out a realistic cleaning plan.
To keep yourself from being overwhelmed by cleaning and organization, this year, devise a realistic cleaning plan depending on your habits and lifestyle.
7. Prepare an emergency kit.
Having an emergency survival kit gives you and your family a better chance in case the day ever comes that you need to shelter in place or evacuate after a disaster.
8. Address small repairs immediately.
Things like clogged gutters, cracking and peeling caulk, leaky faucets, faulty door locks, among others, are often neglected or pushed down the list of other tasks.
9. Set up a home maintenance calendar.
Creating a home repair and maintenance schedule is an excellent addition to this list. Planning for preventative maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs that could result from overlooked wear and tear.