Around this time of year we like to make resolutions, list ways we can be better and do better this upcoming year. Usually this is the type of list that gets forgotten about almost as soon as it is written. Instead of letting things go this year maybe we can support each other to maintain and accomplish our resolutions. Here are some of my ideas of resolutions you might want to make.
De-clutter. Constantly.
Have you moved recently? If you have I bet the thought went through your mind, “I am a hoarder. Why do I still have this?” many times. It is never more apparent to us that we have trouble letting go and getting rid of things as it is when we face the daunting task of packing it all up. Having just moved myself, I think I easily got rid of half of my possessions before I left Arizona. Once I got to Washington and realized that my new home is very light on closets, I got rid of lots more. Some of the things I got rid of were things I had been dragging around for decades, for no real reason other than they had once held a lot of meaning. It is hard to give up on what you thought would be, I know. Also, your kid’s stuff. Art projects, baby clothes, school science projects from 4th grade. It is hard to toss those memories in the trash. But really, your child will never want them…and your child will probably rather you get rid of them not saddle yourself down with them. It has been found that the less clutter you have, the happier you are! Really! So even if you aren’t moving, try to end 2019 with LESS stuff than you are starting it with. If you want some help with this process try local business Less Clutter More Joy!
Make a Repair
We all learn how to deal with the nuances of our homes, little things like pulling up instead of down on the doorknob when opening a door. Instead of learning to live with something broken, just fix it right away. Treat your home like your castle, and treat it like the investment in your future that it also is. I currently have my doorbell ringer hanging out of a wall in my staircase. It won’t fit back into the wall because I put a bathroom shower in on the other side. How long do I let this ugly thing hang there before I fix my doorbell problem? (right now I’m at 5 and a half months and counting)
Follow your Maintenance Schedule
Every home needs maintenance, regularly. In Sudden Valley where I live there are large trees that drop leaves and branches on roofs. Moss also grows on roofs here, and rain gutters get clogged with the leaves and other debris that is falling. My house sits higher than the road in front of it. That means I can’t see my roof. Ever heard out of sight out of mind? Of course you have! And that is probably true for most of us. But I am only harming myself if I ignore my roof. The longer I let it sit without cleaning it off, the more damage done to my roof. This is same with everything in your home that should be cleaned, cleared, and replaced with time. When looking at homes a common term to describe a home that hasn’t been maintained is “deferred maintenance”. You don’t want that term to describe your home when selling it, it gives buyers all kinds of red flags regarding what is wrong with your home and will be discovered once maintenance items are started.
Make an Improvement to your home
Home improvements can be costly, and time consuming. Sometimes life doesn’t allow for either. But they can also be small things, like painting, replacing light fixtures, or something I did this past year, changing your outlets to match and hold a plug. Can I tell you how happy my matching outlets make me? I almost feel like they change the whole look of my house…for the better! Little things can make a big difference. With all white outlets and covers my home feels more up to date, fresh and new. Add to that feeling with a popular ‘gr-eige” paint color and new up to date light fixtures and I have improved my home significantly for little money.
Usually people make New Year’s Resolutions about themselves. Those are good resolutions to make too, we all need to continuously strive to be our best. But don’t ignore your biggest asset, your biggest investment, your HOME. Being a good homeowner will only benefit YOU, so make sure you are keeping your home and what it needs in mind all year long.
If you aren’t a homeowner yet, but would like to be one, there are steps you can take to get yourself ready for that as well. Start HERE to find answers, be sure you don’t miss the 3 Most Common buyer’s mistakes HERE or THESE common Mistakes. Buying a home should be fun, a time to dream and plan and find something to invest in and love…but you have to make sure your finances are in order first. It isn’t that scary, here are some basic tips to get money matters in order.
If you want to snoop around and see what is available, here is a great place to do that. HOME SEARCH
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