It’s a time-honored tradition
to make resolutions for the New Year. We vow to improve ourselves – exercise
more, start a home improvement project… the list is endless. This year, take the initiative and see how
many resolutions you can keep – right from the comfort of your own Elite Built home in Louisville!
1.
Get organized. De-clutter
your drawers and desk. Sort paperwork, bills, mementos and mail. Find a spot
that’s just for paperwork & bills, and create a system for sorting things
as soon as they come in. Clean out the closets – and see how much space you
have. Invest in a closet organization system if it will help you keep things
tidier.
2.
Make technology
your friend. Whether you’re trying to lower your heating bills or find time to
exercise consistently, automation is the key. Automated thermostats. Automated
bill paying. Automatic reminders. It’s easier to develop and stick to new
habits with a little help from technology.
3.
Start – and
finish – a home improvement project. If it’s a large project, break it into
smaller steps. Create a rough schedule and cover parts of the project in
monthly increments.
4.
A space for everything. Go room by room, and think about what
you really use each part of your home for — watching movies and reading in the
den, for example. Make sure that everything you need to do these things is at
hand, and get rid of anything and everything unrelated.
5.
Actually exercise
more. You’ve been wanting to create your own mini fitness center, so go ahead
and turn your bonus room into a gym or yoga studio. And use your smart phone or
tablet to remind you to exercise every day. No excuses!
6.
Read more. You
know that pile of books (traditional or digital) that’s been sitting unread for
ages? Create a reading nook for yourself. Find a comfy chair, a good light and
a shelf or table, and settle in. (Don’t be surprised if you keep finding kids
in your nook, though!)
7.
Create and follow
a budget. Get yourself on a healthy fiscal track. Once you have your bills
sorted (#1), then you can create a budget to track your spending habits. There
are lots of easy to use budgeting programs. Set one up and get your finances in
order!
8.
Create a healthier
environment. Slow down and think about what you’re eating, wearing or cleaning
with. Get the junk food out of the house and load up on lots of nuts, fruits
and veggies. Take the time to sit down and eat as a family. Be aware of the
chemicals in your cleaning supplies. Replace them with non-toxic or earth
friendly versions if possible. Buy better made clothes with natural fibers.
9.
Learn a new skill. Hop on the
DIY bandwagon. Choose an area that appeals to you and search for tutorials
online, pick up a book, or hunt for a local class or workshop to get started.
The sense of fulfillment you’ll get when you finish a DIY project is
unbeatable.
10. Concentrate on quality. Don’t fritter away money on furniture that will
fall apart within a year or decor bought on impulse. If you have your eye on a
special piece, try keeping a picture of it where you will see it regularly
(like on your phone) as a reminder to save up for what you really want.
