This Year, Make a New Year's Resolution for Your Home!

While New Year’s resolutions often focus on making a better you, your home could always use improvement! Check out these easy ways to upgrade your home in 2016.

Go green

Start off the new year by saving money on your energy bills and saving the planet. Getting a little greener doesn't have to involve a costly remodel or installation of solar panels -- there’s a few easy and affordable ways to be environmentally-friendly in 2016:

• Open the windows and use fans more often instead of using the A/C
• Dry your clothes on the line in warm weather
• Wait until you have a full load of laundry or dishes before running the washing machine or dishwasher
• Turn lights off when you leave the room

Start a budget for renovations or repairs
Are there any home remodeling projects you have been putting off? If a new floor, patio, or driveway have been on your wishlist for some time, 2016 is the year to make it happen. Start budgeting for your remodel this year by saving just a little money from each paycheck. Make a new account for the project and transfer your funds every pay day. You’ll be surprised how quickly it adds up!

Get rid of clutter
We all accumulate a great deal of junk over time, and the new year is the perfect time to start fresh. Throw out old paperwork and mail that's strewn across every surface in your home. Go through drawers, cabinets, and closets and gather old, unwanted items to donate. Keep your home neat by creating a place for everything -- decorative baskets are great for visually appealing storage. Out-of-view storage, such as TV cabinets or hollow ottomans also help reduce clutter.

Give it a makeover
If you can’t afford a remodel, there are many easy and affordable ways to rejuvenate your home for the new year -- paint an accent wall a vibrant colour, change the throw pillows on your sofa, hang new curtains, or give your kitchen floor a good waxing. A few small changes can really breathe new life into your home!