A new year is all about a series of resolutions for most of us. But we don’t usually think about home improvement proposals that can change our homes — and lives — for the better. Here is a list of resolutions for 2023 that all homeowners (and landlords) should make and keep!
Create a home inventory: Our cupboards and shelves are chock full of ‘stuff’ but chances are we don’t know what we have and what it costs. An unexpected disaster, whether it is a fire or a flood, can cause damage or destruction. Documenting the physical goods in your home (list and click photos of all your expensive items and store on the cloud) helps you know what you have (and what needs to be donated), and helps you avoid insurance claims. Can also help in faster disposal.
Buy Home Insurance: Buying home insurance is mandatory. The policy protects you against any damages caused by fire, theft, natural calamities, or other force majeure events. It protects your home and the contents in it, and it is a necessity because a home is a huge investment. Apart from home owners and landlords, renters can also buy home insurance.
Up your fire safety: Reduce the risk of a fire in your home by installing smoke detectors (from £600) and regularly checking that they are working. The right fire extinguisher (available from above ₹300) should be simple and functional to ensure that a small fire doesn’t turn into a major disaster. Create a fire escape plan, identify escape routes, and practice so everyone knows what to do.
Increase Security: A 2019 report states that a theft, robbery or burglary happens every three minutes in India. High time to consider the security provided by our Haven. In addition to dedicated indoor and outdoor security systems, the market is flooded with devices that let you monitor your home from anywhere. Video doorbell and motion sensor also let you stay safe. Companies like Godrej, CP Plus, Remo, ANNKE, Eoqo and others offer systems for every budget.
Build an emergency kit: Covid-19 has shown us that there may come a time when we need to live differently. With natural disasters on the rise, an emergency kit can be very helpful if your family either needs to shelter in place (may be without utilities) or must evacuate. What should it include? Food and water to last at least three to four days, medicines, charger, flashlight, first aid supplies, and a copy of important documents like ID cards and deeds. An emergency fund (ideally three to six months’ worth of living expenses) can help navigate life’s many curveballs.
Map Out Maintenance: No home is ever finished—it’s always a work in progress that you’re taking care of and maintaining. Regular organizing and maintenance will ensure that you never run into major problems. Organize a weekly, monthly and semi-annual cleaning schedule to stay on top of the mess and clutter. Help all the family members. After all, the family that cleans together stays together!
Prepare a Meal Plan: A well-stocked pantry makes meal planning and preparation easy. You can design a weekly menu to avoid the ‘what to make’ question. Planning weekly meals is the best way to make sure you’re eating a balanced diet and meeting your nutritional needs. It lets you optimize your pantry, use up leftovers, and make grocery shopping more efficient (less shopping and impulse buys!).
Revisit your mortgage: Many of us don’t have the means to pay for the house all at once. But it should not be forgotten after taking a home loan. Revisit it once every year and check for new offers/lower rates that you can tap. According to entrepreneur and author Ankur Warikoo, one additional EMI per year (hence 13 instead of 12) “reduces a 25-year loan to just 10 years” with a 10% increase in EMIs every year! You also save up to 60% on your interest amount.
Makeunder Your Home: Every year brings with it a lot of things. This makes the end of the year the perfect time to cleanse so that your home is free of clutter and looks open and inviting. Go room-by-room, picking out the things you don’t like or use. Be stingy and donate all the extra – ending the year on a charitable note is a mood-upper. Keep counters and tables clear, group similar items together, and only keep what makes you feel good. Makeunder to make.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: You do not need to install solar panels to give your home a green tag. Small steps can help reduce the carbon footprint of your home. Buy energy-efficient appliances and turn them off when not in use. Use the least amount of water possible (control car and yard washing). Shop locally and eat fewer animal products. When full, run the washing machine and line dry the clothes. Eliminate single-use plastics – keep your shopping bags, water bottles and cutlery with you. Try your hand at composting to reduce landfill methane emissions.
Plan a major upgrade: What is a new year without something new? Plan a big-ticket home improvement project that will improve the look and feel of your space. It could be laying down a hardwood floor, installing that bathtub you’ve always wanted, or painting the house. Looking for something simple? Consider “painting your front door, redoing a balcony, or replacing a large appliance,” suggests interior designer Sonali Desai.
Let’s make 2023 the year you remodel your home and hearth.