With the kids back to school and fall in full swing, now is a great time to start thinking about catching up with things at home. During the summer, you were probably wrapped up in activities and the hustle-and-bustle, and tasks you were thinking of completing may have gotten put off. In fact, you probably don’t give much thought into being a homeowner on a daily basis. It’s second nature to pay the bills, fold the laundry, and put dinner on the table; however, we all know there’s much more to homeownership than that. The longer you’ve owned a home, the longer the to-do list becomes. Don’t let the small tasks like washing dishes and going to the grocery store distract you from tackling home improvements and projects you have put off, especially because as those small tasks are put off, small repairs can become big damage.
Now is a great time to get your goals in place! Here are three resolutions you can prioritize as a homeowner this fall.
Start those home improvement projects
If you’ve lived in your house for a while or if you live in an older home, you’ve probably accumulated and put off a laundry list of home updates either because you haven’t had the money to fund them or you simply didn’t have the time. You’re not alone — the average U.S. household has about nine home improvement projects waiting to be completed. And the longer you wait, the more costly they can become down the road.
This year, take on the projects that you’ve been procrastinating. Research experienced contractors, get quotes, or see what you could save money on by doing it yourself. While these projects might be daunting, some of the improvements you’re avoiding can actually be unsafe if not repaired. Therefore, it’s essential to get them done sooner than later. If money is scarce, you can find comfort in knowing that homeowners can use equity they’ve built in their home to acquire cash to put toward home repairs.
Cut back monthly expenses
Now is the prime time for you to reevaluate your spending habits. Homeowners have a running list of monthly payments from your Wi-fi, phone bills, utilities, to your mortgage payment. Add to that groceries, childcare, transportation, and any other home expenses, you might find that there’s not a lot of money left over to enjoy with your family or even store into your personal savings.
Look into ways that you can minimize your monthly expenses. For minor adjustments in your spending, search for more budget friendly products. For larger adjustments, you can also explore lower-cost options for major services you’re using like your wireless network or cable provider that could significantly decrease your overall spending. You can even consider going green, and investing in eco-friendly light bulbs, appliances, or even solar to not only improve your home but also save money on electricity. Any changes in spending, big or small, can successfully expand your freedom to spend or save with fewer concerns. The money you save can be put into some great low cost remodeling projects or help you redesign your kitchen and bathroom to get the space you have always wanted.
Get organized
Did you know that the typical American household contains approximately 300,000 items? That said, it’s no wonder that our homes get a bit messy every once in a while. And contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to wait until spring to do your spring cleaning – you can do it way more often and with much less stress!
When you have free time (it could even be just 10 minutes a day), start decluttering by going through one area in your room and setting aside a few items like clothes or household items that are old, worn, or unused.
Some of the things that are easy to part with (they don’t hold much sentimental value) can be resold, recycled, or even donated to a good cause. If there are items that you have a strong emotional connection to, you can store it in a separate location from your main living space, perhaps in the garage (off of the floor and preferably on a rack or shelf to prevent mold growth) or in the attic in a plastic bin for safe keeping. Make sure to keep it tightly closed to protect from bugs or rodents just in case! Remove items you can live comfortably without and look into new and creative storage techniques if you’re short on space. Either way, decluttering is great for keeping your home spic and span and a great way to keep you feeling refreshed in your own home.
In Conclusion
Home ownership is never a walk in the park. With everything on your plate, it’s no surprise that some projects get pushed to the back burner. Take the fall time as an opportunity for a fresh start. Be proactive, get motivated, and find ways to balance life so you can live happily and stress-free in your home now and transitioning into the holidays. If you need help with updates and repairs to your home, call Classic Construction & Restoration, Inc, for fill out our contact form for a quote!