When a year is coming to an end, people typically make New Year’s resolutions with hopes of bettering themselves. However, a new year doesn’t have to just be about eating healthier or getting in shape. Creating a home to-do list can help you organize projects you wish to accomplish in the coming year. Maintenance and improvement of your home can increase its value, and you may find your home to be more comfortable to be in once you customize it.

Home improvements are one of the best parts of being a homeowner. You’re able to transform your space to fit your personality and style, making your living space unique. Whether you have a simple DIY project in mind or a larger project that requires more extensive planning, you have plenty of opportunities in the New Year. 

Where to Start

When creating your to-do list, start by making a budget and determine how much you’re willing to spend on each task. While some projects are low cost like sprucing up your landscape with flowers, other projects like a full kitchen remodel may be costly. If the costs of home improvements are a concern for you, know there are options. Dipping into savings is one option. Saving up money to go towards large projects is a simple way to pay upfront, as opposed to putting your charges on a credit card and possibly accruing interest. You also can look into the cost of refinancing your mortgage, allowing you to use your cash-out refinance to pay for the more expensive improvements. If spending money up-front for home improvements worries you, remember that having improvements can up the home’s resale value when it comes time to sell. 

Below are a few projects to add to your 2022 to-do list: 

Install Smart Home Technology 

Smart home technology has increased in popularity over the past decade. These devices can not only increase your home’s value but can also add convenience and comfort to your space. You can use these appliances to manage your home’s temperature, control lighting, or even make your home safer with a home security system. The ease of controlling aspects of your home from your smartphone is what attracts these devices to its users. 

Smart home systems aren’t always expensive and allow you to have greater control over your energy usage. When you invest in smart home technology, you’ll increase your ability to change your energy consumption habits. 

Create an Outdoor Entertainment Area

Have you been wanting to create a backyard paradise? There are countless ways to approach how you design your entertainment area so you enjoy your backyard more. There are many factors to consider when doing so, such as the amount of space you have available, the year-round climate, and how much money you’re looking to spend. 

Improving your backyard can provide a space for family and friends to gather all year long. Many newer homes come with a concrete pad outside the back door. Extending the concrete and adding furniture or a grill is a great place to start. Looking to dedicate your deck or patio to host game day events? Try placing an outdoor TV in the middle of the patio to allow sports to be the center of attention. Depending on your year-round climate, adding umbrellas for shade, a fire pit for late-night smores, or a bar for happy hour are all options to make your backyard a place for entertainment. 

Boost Your Curb Appeal 

Your home is like a book with the outside setting the stage for what can be found inside. Redesigning the exterior can give your home a whole new feel. Something as simple as planting flowers in the spring or adding lights by your home’s entryway can enhance your home’s “wow factor.” 

Painting your front door is a simple, inexpensive way to boost your curb appeal. Costing only around $75, try choosing a color that enhances the other colors of your exterior. Another easy project to take on is swapping your old mailbox with a new one and can have a noticeable impact on your curb appeal. 

Update Your Kitchen 

The kitchen is considered the heart of your home. With many people transitioning to remote work, Bill Darcy, CEP of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, told Remodeling Magazine that the kitchen has emerged as a prominent multitasking room. The kitchen is the point of gathering for families where they eat, cook, and socialize. Renovations and a good design can help your kitchen look fresh and new. 

Adding a new coat of paint, installing new light fixtures, or giving your current kitchen cabinets a refresh are simple projects to tackle. If you’re looking to completely renovate, look into replacing your countertops or adding a backsplash. 

Get Organized and Declutter 

Over the years, it’s possible you’ve collected a surplus of items you don’t know what to do with. While surrounding yourself with things you love can make your house feel like a home, being unorganized can decrease your productivity. Organizing your home can help you accomplish your other New Year’s resolutions as well. For instance, decluttering can help you save money by rediscovering forgotten items and can prevent you from buying duplicates. 

To avoid getting overwhelmed, start with an easy room like the bathroom then make your way to the rooms you have more difficulty keeping clean. When going through your closet, make an effort to sift through your clothes seasonally and donate any unwanted items to avoid a massive pile-up. Try creating a “maybe” box that you’ll go through in a few months. If you find you forgot about the items in the box and didn’t use them the past few months, these items can be donated as well. 

Final Thoughts 

At the end of the day, you want your home to be a comfortable place to live. Approach the new year as a way to regain focus and prioritize yourself. It’s important to have fun while making changes to your home and keep focused on what changes you need to make in order to have a successful year.