It’s that time again; people are making new goals and resolutions for 2024! Maybe you’re planning to hit the gym more during the week, take up a new hobby like fishing or knitting or maybe you just wanna prioritize self-care this year. While those are all great options to start out the new year, have you considered what homeowner goals you should be setting for yourself?

If not, THAT’S OK! New Year's resolutions for homeowners aren’t usually on everyone's mind. But don’t worry about making a list yourself because we’ve already put one together for you!

Check out these 10 New Year's resolutions to keep your home in tip-top shape!

1. Set up an emergency fund: Life can be pretty unpredictable, and so can owning a home. With the possibility of needing to repair your leaky room or replace some drafty windows, it’s important to plan ahead. Having an emergency fund can help prepare you for the unexpected. Although it’s recommended to set aside three to six months' worth of your living expenses, it’s always good to at least have something squared away. Try setting some money aside whenever you get the chance, and you may be surprised at how fast it’ll grow.
2. Clean your dryer vent: Are your clothes not drying as quickly as they used to? This may be because your dryer vent is clogged. A clogged vent can cause your dryer to work less efficiently, which would explain why your clothes are still damp. Plus, a clogged dryer vent can be a fire hazard, so it’s good to have a professional clean it at least once a year. That way, you can dry clothes faster and avoid a possible fire.
3. Make on-time mortgage payments: This year, take control of your finances and make it a priority to get your mortgage payments in on time! You can even set up automatic payments through your bank so you don’t have to worry about being late, especially with how crazy life can get. Plus, your credit score will thank you for being responsible and making timely payments!
4. Make a realistic cleaning plan: We know most people don’t dream of cleaning their homes all the time, but it has to be done every once in a while. Get ahead of it this year by creating a cleaning schedule to help keep you from getting overwhelmed. This could mean you set aside time during the weekends, at night or even with the help of your family to get the job done. Just make sure to set realistic expectations. (You don’t have to be a superhero cleaner).
5. Tidy up your curb appeal: Remember that special moment when you pulled up to your new home, and it just had that wow factor? If you feel like that wow factor is now gone, it might be time to spruce up your curb appeal. This could mean painting your front door, revamping your yard space or even adding some furniture to your front porch. These improvements can help bring back that special feeling whenever you come home! (Just make sure this project fits in your budget).
6. Check up on your homeowners insurance: Since the new year seems to be a great time to look over your finances, be sure to check on your homeowners insurance too. Reviewing your policy can help make sure you aren’t overpaying AND uncover any discounts you may be missing out on if you’ve made some home improvements lately. This can also be a good time to make sure you are fully covered. Say you live somewhere that tends to have a lot of floods; it might be worth looking into flood insurance to make sure you’re protected.
7. Test out your smoke alarms: These aren’t just in your home for decoration; they’re designed to help keep you and your family safe, so it’s important to make sure they’re working. Most alarms come with test buttons, so you can just hold the button down and wait for the beeps to see if they’re working correctly. Plus, while you're up there, it may be a good idea to replace the batteries; that way, you won’t be woken up in the middle of the night to do so. (IYKYK).
8. Inspect your roof: Having a solid and sturdy roof is important to help protect your home from different weather conditions and keep unwanted water out. But before you grab your ladder or start to worry about falling off your roof, just know that you don’t actually have to climb up there to inspect it. You can simply walk around your house and be on the lookout for things like curling shingles. Things like this might be an indication of it needing to be replaced.
9. Try a DIY project: Even if you’re not very handy, this can be a fun way to spice up your New Year's resolutions AND your home! Maybe you’ve been wanting to repaint your walls or furniture, install some new built-ins for your home office or even make your own decor. Whatever your DIY-heart desires, make it a point to try it out this year! (You may even save some money, too!)
10. Cut down on energy use: If you’re unhappy with high utility bills, it might be worth trying to cut down on your energy usage. This year, try to find small ways you can decrease your energy costs. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to break out some solar panels (unless you want to, we won't judge); it just means things like turning off the lights when you leave the room, switching to LED bulbs or any other small ways to be more energy efficient.

Ready to tackle homeownership in 2024?

Believe it or not, 2024 IS HERE, and New Year’s resolutions are in full swing! While you're trying new things and improving others, don’t forget your home! Challenge yourself to add some (or all) of these resolutions to your list this year and take your home to the next level!

Happy New Year and Happy Homeownership!