As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome in the new, many of us take the opportunity to set New Year’s resolutions for ourselves. If you’re a homeowner, you may be considering resolutions that will help you improve your home or save money on your bills. Today, we’re talking about a few ideas to consider as you plan your resolutions for the coming year.

Cut Energy Costs

One resolution that can save you money over the long term is to focus on energy efficiency! This could involve sealing up any drafts in your home, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, or investing in insulation or window treatments to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The U.S. Department of Energy has a number of resources available to help homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their homes, including a “Home Energy Saver” tool that allows you to enter your zip code and receive customized recommendations for your area.

Create A Budget:

Another resolution that can help you manage your finances more effectively is to create a budget for your home. This can involve tracking your expenses, setting financial goals, and finding ways to cut costs wherever possible. There are many tools available to help you create a budget, including apps like Mint or YNAB (You Need A Budget), as well as more traditional methods like using a spreadsheet or paper and pencil.

Tackle Home Maintenance Tasks

As a homeowner, it’s important to stay on top of maintenance tasks to keep your home in good repair. This could involve tasks like cleaning gutters, replacing worn-out weatherstripping, or painting the exterior of your home. Make a list of the maintenance tasks you need to complete and set a schedule for tackling them throughout the year. This will help you keep your home in top shape and prevent small problems from becoming larger, more expensive issues.

Organize Your Home

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter, consider making “getting organized” one of your New Year’s resolutions. This could involve setting aside time each week to declutter and reorganize your home, or it could involve investing in storage solutions to help you keep your belongings in order. Whether you’re tackling one room at a time or focusing on a specific area of your home, getting organized can help you feel more in control and create a sense of calm.

Improve Your Home’s Security

If you’re concerned about the safety of your home, consider resolutions that will help you improve its security. This could involve installing security cameras or a home security system, replacing old locks with newer, more secure ones, or simply being more mindful of locking doors and windows when you leave your home.

Stay Manageable!

As you plan your New Year’s resolutions for 2022, keep in mind that it’s okay to start small. Pick one or two resolutions that you think will have the biggest impact on your life and focus on those first. And remember, it’s never too late to start working on your goals, so if you don’t achieve everything you set out to do in the first few months of the year, don’t get discouraged. Keep working at it, and you’ll be well on your way to a happier, healthier, and more organized home.