5 Ways to Kick the New Year Off Right for Your Home
2017 is coming to an end and 2018 is almost here! While you might consider making some New Year’s resolutions, you first need to think about your end of the year list. To get your home in the best shape possible for the new year, here are some important and efficient ways to get it ready.
Clean Everything!
If you haven’t taken care of the essential house cleaning chores, now is the time. You’ll want to quickly or deeply clean many areas of your home. These include:
-Windows
-Linens
-Carpets
-Laminate or Hardwood Floors
-Cabinets
-Countertops
-Appliances
-Downspouts
-Air Vents
-Walkways
Not only does this give your home a refreshed look, it also keeps you financially ahead going into the upcoming year. Without the proper cleaning, areas like the air vents and gutters can lead to expensive home repair bills.
Purge & Recycle
Nobody likes looking at an overflowing home, especially if you have holiday presents to add. So go through every bit of storage in your home – closets, attic, basement, garage, shed, etc. – and remove what you don’t need. You can either throw it away or recycle it by giving it away to a local secondhand shop. That way, you have tons of space for next year’s discoveries.
Increase Efficiency
If you’re going through bills and notice a marked increase in utility costs, now is the time to plan out an efficient home in 2018. This could be as simple as turning off the lights more often and conserving water. On the other hand, if you have some extra dollars, you might consider improvements like:
-Double or triple-paned windows
-Solar panel(s)
-Upgrade your faucets and water outlets
HVAC TLC
One of the most critical – and expensive – parts of your home is the HVAC system. It keeps the house warm in the winter and cools in the summer. Because it does so much work, it needs some fine-tuning and maintenance at least every six months. To make sure you avoid an expensive bill in 2018, go through the system. Replace the filter, clean out the vents and make sure it’s all working smoothly. If you aren’t an HVAC pro, you can find plenty in the neighborhood to come for a quick checkup.
Go Over the Outside of the Home
Roofing, landscaping, doors, siding – have you given them a thorough look? All of these are important to a beautiful appearance and optimal safety. You need to check for cracks, holes, overhanging branches and the like. You can always get a home inspector for a more in-depth review, but most of it you can do yourself. Doing a quick circle around the house with some spackle or caulk works at least in the short term.
Going into 2018 means letting go of 2017’s hassles. To feel free of any stress, you should take care of the essentials, including your home. Maintenance and some cheap upgrades could make all the difference personally and financially in the New Year. Do not feel you have to go all out, or else you will be too tired for new tasks. Make sure there’s a nice balance of work and play so you get the best start to 2018.