Best Projects to Get Your Home in Shape for the New Year

With the holidays nearly behind us and a new year on the horizon, a lot of people begin thinking about New Year’s resolutions and what they want to accomplish. While you’re contemplating ways to improve yourself, now is also the perfect time to get a fresh start on home projects.

How can you upgrade your home to create a beautiful and clean space that you can enjoy all year round, that will also support you in hitting your other resolutions? A good place to start is by taking inventory of the previous year. Were there any projects you hoped to get done in 2021, but didn’t? Let’s get them checked off early so you don’t have them hanging over your head all throughout the year.

Rather than focusing on big renovations, there are lots of small projects you can do that will help you start the year off right and get your house in the best shape possible. You’ll want to focus on projects that prioritize organization, maximize space, utilize storage, cabinets, and shelving, and anything that can give your home a bit of a facelift.

Here are five projects and mini makeover ideas to help you prepare your home for the new year.

1. Getting Organized

Increasing storage is important, but also be sure to declutter your space, getting rid of what you don’t use and making room for new things. Once you clear out space, you have the opportunity to be thoughtful about what you want to bring into your home.

Laundry room: A fresh, clean, and functional laundry room can keep your household running smoothy, and make the chore feel less like a hassle. Optimize the space by adding shelving above the washer and dryer, a clean surface for folding, integrated drying racks and hooks for various items. Add some fun wallpaper to lively up the space, accessories like storage baskets and bins, and an artsy leaderboard to tie it all together. Now your clothes, cleaning supplies, detergent, and more will all have a designated place and make you feel like you have your life together!
Kitchen pantry: Wouldn’t it be nice to open the pantry and know exactly where to find the peanut butter, pasta, or beans? Pantries have so much potential but are often some of the most disorganized areas of the home. Luckily, a little goes a long way here – shelving plus containers and baskets can clean this versatile area up quickly.
Garage: Does your car fit in your garage, or has it become the epicenter for storing odds and ends that you don’t want on display inside the home? The perfect garage space can do both – fit your vehicles as well as your holiday decorations, off-season outdoor supplies, and whatever else you don’t use on a daily basis.

Focus on increasing storage by installing wall mounted shelving, bike and ski racks, and built-in cabinets. Get some large bins, fill them up with your items and start stacking. Your garage will be organized in no time.

2. Painting

As you’re clearing out and getting organized, this may also be a good time to think about repainting walls or cabinets. Painting is an easy and cost-effective way to transform a room. Whether you paint an accent wall or paint over the entire kitchen, a fresh coat of paint and a new color can make a big difference.

3. Nagging Repairs

We all know how easy it is to let certain tasks slide to the bottom of the to-do-list as other things take priority. But if you have anything that should have been fixed months (or years!) ago, take care of it now. Let’s not head into 2022 with the same to-do list as 2021, okay?

Squeaky floors. Are squeaky floors driving you crazy? There are many causes of squeaky floors and stairs. Consider having us take a look to get at the root of the problem and fix it for you once and for all.
Drywall cracks. A lot of times drywall will get cracks from settling, moisture damage, regular wear, and tear, moving in furniture, or from doorknob holes. Cracks are not fun to look at but are easy enough to repair and will make your walls look new again.
Torn window screens. This is another big one that people tend to put off. Not only are torn window screens unattractive, but they let bugs and dirt in. Replace them!
Blind installations. If you’re still fussing with complicated (or ripped) blinds or curtains, consider installing simple, cordless blinds this year that will give your windows a modern and sleek look.

4. Weatherproofing

Another great project for the new year is to focus on weatherproofing the home. Winter is just beginning, so now is the perfect time to get your home warm and cozy. Have us install weather stripping under windows and doors to close the gaps and increase energy efficiency inside the home.

5. Hardware Updates

New hardware is another fun project for the new year. This is a very budget-friendly project that can transform a space, especially if you have outdated hardware. Kitchen cabinets, faucets, doorknobs, and bathroom cabinets are all places that a hardware upgrade can have a big impact on the overall look. Plus, this project allows you to get creative and make some bold design decisions if you dare!

Home projects can be fun to work on all year long, but getting some things done right at the start of the year can set you up for success. Plus, you’ll be able to relax a bit for the rest of the year. Doesn’t that sound nice?

Contact My Handyman of Dover, Portsmouth and Rochester today at (603) 605-8363 for help getting your home projects started in 2022!