New Year, New Home?
In the first month of the year, we all set resolutions. But what about home resolutions?
After being homebound lately (thanks but no thanks Covid), I’ve realized the importance of investing in making my house a home I’m truly happy in.
Whether you spend a lot of time inside or not, the fact is your home shouldn’t bring you stress.
Are there home renovations, DIY projects, or overall issues in your home that you want to address this year?
You’re not alone. And as always, I’m here to help.
If you’re ready to level up this year and crush your home resolutions, here are my tips for you.
Find Your Why
Before setting any goal, it’s important to pinpoint how you want to feel in your home.
Spend some time reflecting on what home means to you. Which elements make you happy in your environment?
Journaling helps. More on that later.
Once you have a clear vision of the purpose behind the goals you want to set, it becomes easier to stick to them.
It’s also a good exercise to ensure that your goals are truly yours. Other people’s perfect homes on social media and their spotless cleaning routines might be enticing but it doesn’t mean adopting them should be on your list.
When I decided on my home resolutions for 2022, I made sure to cut the noise. I asked myself questions such as:
- What new traditions do you want to start this new year?
- What spaces do you want to declutter and organize?
- Are there specific rooms that you would like to focus on the most?
- Which home projects would you like to tackle this year?
Set SMART Home Goals
Once you’ve written down your list of goals for the year, it’s time to make sure they get done.
The best way is to use the SMART technique.
SMART stands for:
S – Specific.
M – Measurable.
A – Achievable.
R – Realistic/Relevant.
T – Time-bound.
Planning Out Your 2022 Home Goals
When it comes to goals, I like to use the rule of three.
It’s a simple concept to help productivity. The idea is to write down three goals you want to accomplish this year, then break them down to three goals to check off your list for the week. Then break it down further to three goals daily.
This technique, along with setting SMART goals will give you a clear roadmap to success.
My 2022 Home Goals
Curious to know how I’m planning my year?
Here is my own “rule of three” for 2022.
- Home Organization:
- Declutter our small closet under the stairway and convert it into a multipurpose space
- Sort, donate, and organize the kids toys
- Organize my baking and entertaining items in the kitchen
- Home Projects:
- Update our interior and exterior door hardwares
- Install smart gadgets, cameras, sprinkler control, thermostats, and light switches
- Complete trim work in our upstairs hallway
- Home Styling Plans:
- Add window treatment in our primary bedroom
- Add a gallery photo wall of our family memories in the living room
- Invest in a good coffee table
Begin with Taking Small Steps
Even after breaking down your goals, it can feel overwhelming to get to them.
Give yourself permission to take the smallest of steps. Even if it means setting a five-minute timer each day to get to organizing a closet.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a busy mom and entrepreneur (also dealing with a chronic illness) is that there will never be a perfect time to start something.
The only way to get things done is by keeping your expectations low and doing the bare minimum on some days!
Get Support
A home is meant to be shared with loved ones. Why not bring your partner, family, and even friends on board with your home resolutions?
Whether that means concrete help to accomplish DIY or moral support and accountability throughout the year, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
After all, it’s not only about the end results. The journey is where the fun is.
Keep A Journal to Write Down Your Wins and Struggles
Another tool in your arsenal to stick to your goals is to have a daily or weekly log of how things are going.
Some of my favorite ways to keep track of my goals include using a bullet journal and my notes app.
If this extra step intimidates you, remember that you don’t need to write a lot. A few sentences or a few words suffice.
Have a Plan to Stay on Track
Having clear goals and a plan to succeed is one thing. Making sure you follow through is another.
What is your fail-safe?
Having a plan in place to bring you back on track if you veer off is also needed.
Google calendar reminders. A weekly call with a friend. A monthly check-in with your partner. No matter how that may look for you, take some time to schedule that backup plan to your plan!
Final Thoughts
What are your home goals for this year? Do you plan on using some of the tips and strategies I shared?
I’d love to know in the comments below how your “New Year, New Home” is shaping up for 2022.
xo, Gbeke
What do you think?