New Year's Resolutions for Your Home

Your home is where you spend most of your time, making it a major contributor to your day-to-day comfort, health, and happiness. So why not include it in your New Year’s resolutions? Here are a few simple suggestions to help you start the year off right.

1. Home Safety Review

Discuss your family’s fire escape plan, outlining how to prevent fires, what to do in an emergency, and where all fire extinguishers are located. The Red Cross website offers helpful guidance on creating an effective home safety plan.

Test smoke detectors monthly and install carbon monoxide detectors if you don’t already have them.

Clean dryer vents regularly to reduce the risk of fire caused by lint buildup.

Inspect all entry points—both inside and out—to ensure doors and windows latch properly and locks show no signs of wear. Keep shrubs, trees, and bushes trimmed, add motion lights to the front and backyard, and consider installing a security alarm, video doorbell, or surveillance cameras for added peace of mind.

2. Conserve Energy

With heating and cooling accounting for nearly half of the average home’s utility costs, energy efficiency is a smart place to focus. A programmable thermostat can help reduce energy usage by adjusting your HVAC system when you’re away or asleep. Smart power strips can also cut down on “phantom loads,” which occur when electronics continue to draw power even when they’re not in use. To maximize savings, inspect your home for air leaks—especially around windows, doors, vents, plumbing, and electrical outlets—where warm or cool air may be escaping.

3. Pick a Project

Repaint the kitchen. Fix the backyard fence. Update the bathroom tile. Install closet shelving. Chances are, your home has a long to-do list, and tackling everything at once can feel mentally, physically, and financially overwhelming. This year, simplify your approach and choose just one project to focus on. Starting small makes the process less intimidating, and the satisfaction of completing a project may motivate you to take on another before the year ends.

4. Kitchen Clean-Out

A clean kitchen can set the tone for the entire home. Clean out your fridge and pantry for a simple yet effective way to start the New Year fresh. Remove all items, discard anything expired or unused, and reorganize the space to improve functionality. Be sure to donate any unopened boxed or canned foods that are still within their expiration dates.

5. Review Expenses

Finally, take a closer look at your home-related expenses. Review your average monthly and yearly costs for power, water, and gas, as well as services like cable, phone, internet, alarm systems, yard maintenance, housekeeping, and pest control. A thorough review may reveal opportunities to cut back—or eliminate expenses altogether—helping you start the year on stronger financial footing.