Five New Year’s Resolutions to Make for Your Home

Every new year, we make promises to eat healthier, be more active, and volunteer more. But what about our homes? The new year is a good time to set goals for a more beautiful, efficient, and safe home. Here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Declutter every room

When life gets hectic, stuff piles up over time. That’s why the start of a new year is a perfect opportunity to tackle clutter. Go into every room one by one and start purging it of things you no longer need, use, or have expired. This also includes cabinets and drawers.

2. Start composting

This year, resolve to start composting. Not only does this reduce methane emissions produced by landfill waste, it provides compost for your community’s parklands and gardens. All you need is a bin with a closed lid, or if you’ve got a backyard you can create your own compost heap. Don’t forget to educate members of your household on what can and can’t go in the compost.

3. Label everything

It’s always a good idea to label everything from storage boxes to spice jars to save yourself time and headaches throughout the year. This also puts your mind at ease knowing that everything in the house has its own place.

4. Clear out old magazines

Magazine subscriptions can pile up pretty fast. Before you know it, you’ve got issues dating back five years. Look through your stash and resolve to throw out anything older than a year.

5. Make your home safe

Don’t let your home pose any health or safety risks. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re in working order. Batteries should typically be replaced every six months. Purchase a radon test kit at your local hardware store and check your home for the radioactive odourless gas that can cause damage to your lungs. Finally, make sure your clothes dryer is free of lint, which is highly flammable. Keep the area around the dryer free of clutter, and occasionally wipe the sensor with rubbing alcohol to ensure it’s functioning properly.