For most of us, starting a new year means making at least a few changes. We try to change ourselves and we try to change our environments. Some of these changes are relatively easy, like getting your hair cut into a new style. Others, like figuring out what changes you need to make to your home, are harder. If you’ve been itching to update your home this year, here are a few investments that are most worthy of space in your budget:
A Thorough Cleaning
Let’s start with the simplest thing first: give your home a thorough scrubbing from top to bottom. Don’t just sweep and vacuum. Wash your walls, wash out your cabinets, deep clean your carpets, polish your floors, etc. Hire a cleaning crew if you have to; just get it clean. Next, go through and get rid of all of your clutter and space-eaters. Practice the KonMari method: keep only what you actually need and what has sentimental value. You’ll be amazed at how awesome a clean and tidy home can feel. As you do this, consider moving a few things around. Rearranging your home is more than just good feng shui. It’s helpful for creating a new feeling home when your budget is tight.
A New TV Package
With all of the great cable and satellite TV deals out there, it is actually cheaper to buy a TV package than it is to subscribe to all of the different streaming services you’d need to access to keep up with everything. It used to be the other way around, but as more and more stations decide to create their own streaming subscription services instead of partnering with an existing company, watching TV via Internet connection is getting harder and more complicated every day. Since most TV package deals come with On Demand and DVRs, they are the simplest and cheapest way to stay current on your favorite shows.
A Home Gym
A gym membership can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year. For the same price of a few months’ membership fees, you can buy home gym equipment and work out from the comfort of home for years. Even better, you don’t have to buy the giant clunky versions of the equipment. There are lots of folding and space-saving pieces of equipment out there. There are elliptical trainers, stationary bike wheels that you can pedal from any chair, weight benches and even pull-up bars that you can install on any door frame in your home. Even better, these space savers are usually cheaper than their larger versions.
New Kitchen Appliances
How old is your refrigerator? What about your range and oven? How is your dishwasher holding up? A great way to create a new look for your kitchen without having to strip it down for renovation is to install new kitchen appliances. Your refrigerator, for example, could likely use an update. Many people are trading out traditional ovens for newer models with convection capacity. Look for energy efficient models to help you save money on utilities.
New Furniture?
If your couch is old and falling apart or your bed is hidden under a pile of those cheap foam mattress toppers, it might be time to invest in a new couch and/or bed. Don’t skimp on these areas. Buy high-quality goods that will last a long time. For furniture that is just a little dinged up or stained, there are lots of ways to repair these problems yourself and to make your furniture look new again. You might be able to create an entirely new look for your home with just a few simple repairs and reupholstering!
There are lots of ways to change your environment for the better. While it might be tempting to go all out on something huge, try making small changes first. You’ll be surprised by how quickly they add up.