🎇 Goodbye 2023, hello writing 2023 then crossing it out to write 2024 for the next 3 months! Now that the holidays are over and we’re settling back into a daily routine, keep reading for tips on how to keep your home in good working order to start the New Year off on the right foot.
1. Kitchen refresh
Eating healthier is likely the most popular New year’s resolution, and for good reason! After indulging in copious amounts of cookies, pie, and mashed potatoes over the last week and a half, I know I’m jumping on that bandwagon. Set yourself up for success by eliminating the junk food problem at the source — your kitchen. If it’s not there, you can’t eat it. Plan to tackle every area of your kitchen over the course of a week. Start in the fridge, then the pantry, then cabinets, and countertops. Toss anything that has expired or goes against your New Year’s goals, wipe the shelf down with an all-purpose cleaner, then replace in an organized fashion. If you have gadgets that will make sticking to your goals easier, make them easily accessible (think cookbooks, blenders, juicers, etc.)
2. Clear post-holiday clutter
Chances are you’ve accumulated a few things over the holiday — perhaps a new sweater, book, appliance, or pair of slippers. Before you find permanent homes for these additions, think about getting rid of any doubles and additional clutter while you’re at it. Grab a plastic storage tote and go through your home room by room, adding things to the tote that you could recycle, donate, or throw away. When you’ve gotten through every room, take time to sort everything into those three categories and dispose of everything accordingly.
3. Hidden clutter
While we’re on the subject of clutter — let’s touch on the most dreaded hidden clutter: paperwork. January is a great time to go through your file cabinet and get rid of anything that isn’t needed (expired healthcare documents, paid bills older than 6 months, or receipts for large purchases out of warranty). This is also a good opportunity to make sure everything is filed in the correct spot, so that when you need it, you know exactly where to find it. Have sensitive documents you need to dispose of? Get a personal paper shredder and save yourself a trip to your local shredding center.
4. Plan your upcoming home projects
Summer is going to be here before we know it, and it’s going to go fast. Be prepared by making a list of the things you’d like to accomplish with your home this year — whether that be a new deck, that family room addition, a full bathroom remodel, or even just painting the kitchen. Grab your calendar and map out any upcoming events or vacations and plan your projects around them. Planning these things out in advance will not only help you to budget accordingly, you will avoid double-booking or putting it off altogether. Once you have your year mapped out, stop by your local Kenyon Noble to see what you need to get started!
5. Take down holiday décor
Whether you do this the day after Christmas or at the end of January, storing your holiday decorations can be a cleansing experience. Take everything down and organize it into categories, then go through and get rid of anything broken or worn out (or maybe you just don’t like it anymore). Revamp your storage solutions this year with new totes — like one designated for wrapping supplies or a storage bag for your artificial tree. I, personally, like clear storage totes so I can see what’s inside without digging around. If that’s not how you roll, be sure to label each tote accordingly so you can find what you need next year before you can say “Bah Humbug.”
6. Safely dispose of your Christmas tree
If you went the route of a live tree this year, it’s time to think about taking your tree down. While they’re pretty and smell amazing, as live trees dry out, they become a fire hazard. Be sure to dispose of your tree responsibly, utilizing local services. To make things easy, we’ve listed resources for our local communities below.
7. Ramp up your home’s cozy factor
January is a weird month. Coming off the chaos of the holidays, many of us feel like we’re in a daze and could be experiencing the wintertime blues. Make your home a place you want to be with cozy blankets, lots of natural light when it’s available and adequate interior lighting when it’s not, and maybe even pick up some fresh flowers the next time you go grocery shopping. A little goes a long way when it comes to making your home a peaceful place to relax, so don’t overthink it and just go with the flow.
8. Check on your home’s exterior
If you haven’t already, check your home’s exterior for anything that needs addressed before the snow sets in. We’ve had a mild winter so far, so use January as a second chance to take care of that sagging gutter or trim back branches that are hanging over the roofline. If your home is feeling a little chilly, pick up some weatherstripping or gap filler and tackle drafts in an afternoon. Future you (and your utility bills) will thank you!
9. Update your lounging space
We’re all spending more time inside than we’d like — especially given the lack of snow this winter. Take this opportunity to update the space you retreat to when you’re stuck inside. A fresh coat of paint and updated lighting fixtures can totally transform a room and make a world of difference. Have kids? Maybe add a chalkboard wall for all that pent up creative energy. No kids? How about building that bar in your basement you’ve had pinned on Pinterest for 6 years. The possibilities are endless, and Kenyon Noble is here to help you make them a reality whenever you’re ready.
10. Check safety equipment.
With smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and HVAC filters being more “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” than other home systems, it’s easy to overlook maintenance for them. Test all batteries and replace your air filters to ensure all your systems are in good working condition and are performing efficiently. Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace if needed.
While do-it-yourself projects can be fun and fulfilling, there is always a potential for personal injury or property damage. We strongly suggest that any project beyond your abilities be left to licensed professionals such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk, and we assume no responsibility or liability for the contents of this article.