The new year has arrived and with it a new decade. That’s right – we’re starting the roaring 2020s. It’s unclear whether flappers and the Charleston will be making a comeback, and we recommend you hold off on redecorating in the art deco style until the trends become more apparent. Still, it’s an exciting time full of potential and New Year’s resolutions. While it’s good to make resolutions for yourself, don’t neglect the opportunity to start anew with your home as well.
Here are our top five suggestions to spruce up your house this year:
Declutter
We all tend to accumulate things over time. The problem is that this can lead to a cluttered house that doesn’t feel as open and welcoming as it should. This year, take the time to streamline and organize your stuff. Take inventory of your clothes and other items, figure out what is never used or is damaged, and get rid of those things. Donate what you can to help others. Then, organize the remaining items more efficiently. Utilize shelving, baskets or containers, and other organizational tools so that you have more free space overall.
Develop a cleaning system
When everyone in the house is left to their own devices, things tend to get messy quickly. You should have a simple system in place for keeping the house clean so everything stays in good shape. Wash dishes and wipe down countertops every night after dinner. Then, have a weekly cleaning day where you can give it a little more attention. Keep your cleaning supplies in a mobile carrier and go room to room, dusting, wiping, vacuuming, etc. Get your family involved if possible. Hold everyone accountable for their own space and cleanliness will be maintained.
Make it more welcoming
This somewhat ties in with the first two suggestions, as having a clean, decluttered home automatically makes it more welcoming. However, you can go the extra mile to make it feel really special. Stop at the local florist and get some flowers that complement your home’s color scheme. Everybody loves having a piece of nature on display indoors. It’s naturally calming and soothing. You could also purchase scented candles or essential oil diffusers to fill the house with pleasant aromas. This combination of sight and smell will go a long way toward crafting a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Improve safety
The start of a new year is always a great time to ensure your home’s basic safety procedures are followed. Test and change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Clean dust and buildup from under major appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators and ovens. Provide the safest possible environment for yourself and your family.
Decrease energy usage
Do your part to keep the planet healthy by decreasing energy usage when you can. Make sure to turn off televisions and other devices when not using them. Start recycling. Turn down the heater when going to sleep. Switch over to LED bulbs (we recommend warm white!). These little things can add up over the course of a year or more, and they’ll save you money, too.
We hope these suggestions have gotten you to think about how you can ring in the new decade in a beautiful home. Craftmark Homes has built premier houses in the Washington, D.C., area for over 27 years. If you’re interested in seeing what we offer, contact us today for a consultation.