NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS FOR YOUR HOME

New year, new resolutions. Isn't that the way it goes? Usually when we're considering resolutions for a new year, we create them around topics pertaining to our own health, our overall well-being, our work, or our personal life... but why not create some resolutions around our homes? Even resolutions as simple as maintaining home organization, keeping things clean, taking on DIY projects, or decorating endeavors can make all the difference in reaching new goals within your home. Today, we're sharing five straightforward new years resolutions for your home.

HOME RESOLUTION 1: DECLUTTERING
One of the first home-related resolutions you can take on is the simple (and yes, we admit, sometimes overwhelming) task of decluttering. Whether you're a Marie Kondo fan (check out her new Netflix show, "Tidying Up" here), or merely hoping to simplify your home in a handful of ways, decluttering your home provides almost instant satisfaction and paves the way for the success of other resolutions.

Feeling overwhelmed by the mere thought of decluttering? We suggest starting with one room at a time -- usually beginning with your most used room. Breaking your decluttering process down into easy-to-bite-off chunks (in this case, room by room), will be far less overwhelming than attempting to take it all on at once. We suggest making a list of highest traffic to lowest traffic rooms and starting at the top. For most, this would mean starting with the kitchen.

Always ask yourself two questions: (1) do I use this item often? And, (2) do I love it? If your response to either is "no", set it aside to either throw away or donate. We've found that not overthinking the process of tossing or keeping, and just going with our gut is the easiest way to make headway in the decluttering process.

HOME RESOLUTION 2: TIDY UP EVERY EVENING
Set ten minutes aside each evening to tidy up your home. This doesn't necessarily mean a deep cleaning of vacuuming, dusting, and the whole nine-yards. Rather, take time to clean up the kitchen, toss dirty clothes into hampers, wipe down counter tops, and keep a generally tidy space. Not only will you sleep better each night knowing you'll be waking up to tidiness, but you'll also cut down on your overall time when it comes to your cleaning day each week! 

HOME RESOLUTION 3: NEW THINGS IN, OLD THINGS OUT
In an attempt to keep up with the decluttering process, set a resolution to donate at least two items for every new item you bring home. For instance, when you purchase new tennis shoes (you know, to accomplish that resolution of working out every day), donate an old pair of shoes and an article of clothing. Starting the habit of getting rid of the old when bringing in the new will be effective in more ways than one when it comes to maintaining that clutter free home you're longing for! 

HOME RESOLUTION 4: BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT GOING GREEN
You don't have to go all out with solar panels and energy saving this and that, but taking the extra time to turn off lights when you're not home, keeping the heat on low while out of the house or sleeping, and switching to energy-saving lightbulbs are just a few simple ways you can begin transitioning to a more green lifestyle in your home.

HOME RESOLUTION 5: MAKE CHANGES TO THE THINGS YOU CANNOT STAND
Hate the carpet in your upstairs guest room? What about the terrible, out-of-date vinyl blinds in your master? Stop turning the other cheek and commit to making changes to the things you really cannot stand in your home. Is your eyesore something a bit more costly, like a kitchen remodel? Don't let the cost get you down, rather, make a plan to start intentionally saving toward a remodel... then set goals and make it happen. Your home should be a place of comfort and refuge, and there's no need to dislike anything about it! 


We could probably list fifteen additional home-themed resolutions, but we're firm believers in setting goals that can be easily achieved and kept. If this list alone feels overwhelming, take it slow and choose one or two resolutions that feel doable. You'll be surprised at just how easy it is to stick to something when you choose to commit fully.