7 Home Resolutions You Can Actually Keep

Everyone has things about their home they’d like to change. This year, focus on doing small DIY tasks that you can actually accomplish instead of overwhelming yourself with the big ideas. Even little projects can add up to noticeable differences—and they may encourage you to tackle something that's been overwhelming you. Resolve to make some small changes, and you’ll have a home that you love even more at the end of next year.

If you can commit to making these seven changes around your house this year, you’ll start to notice more things you can do around the house to increase space, reduce energy bills, and take more delight in your surroundings.

1. Update Your Light Bulbs

The initial cost can be a little off-putting, but this simple change will add up to big savings over the years. Change all your light bulbs to LED and CFL bulbs, which use much less energy than incandescents.

2. Reorganize Your Cabinets

Over time, the items in your cabinets have a way of shifting around and getting mixed up. Resolve to reorganize all your kitchen, bathroom, and linen cabinets. Even if you don't remove any items, you'll find that you have even more storage space than you thought once you reorganize.

3. Check Your Perimeter for Drafts

Little leaks around windows and doors can cause you to spend hundreds or even thousands more on energy bills every year. This year, check your home for leaks that are letting the cold out in and warm air out (or vice versa) and seal them up. Don't forget about windows, doors, electrical outlets, and chimneys.

4. Plant an Indoor Herb Garden

If you have a sunny window sill, you have all the makings for a mini herb garden right in your kitchen. There are so many benefits to this simple project. The plants will add life and color to the kitchen, while purifying and freshening the air in your home. They will also cut down on your grocery bill since buying cut herbs for your recipes can quickly add up in cost. The project will also help expand your home gardening skills. Plant the herbs you use the most, and get creative with the vessels you use for them.

5. Have a Yard Sale

Make the decision to host a yard or garage sale this year, and start planning for it. This is a great way to get rid of all the items you no longer need so you can declutter your home while making some extra money, too. Whatever doesn't sell you can simply donate! Get a receipt for the donation, and you can use it as a tax write-off.

6. Shampoo Your Carpets

Carpets should be deep-cleaned at least once a year to keep them looking nice, whether they're new or older. If you don't own a carpet shampooer, rent one from a grocery store or appliance rental company. If you have an average-sized house, set aside a day to shampoo all the carpets in your home. If you have a lot of carpeting, you may need to divide this project into two or three days, and don't forget about drying time!

7. Clean Your Pantry and Spice Rack

When was the last time you actually cleaned your spice rack? Go through your pantry and spice rack and get rid of old food items and spices that you've never used—and never will. You probably have lots of items collecting dust that you've forgotten about. Cleaning up these two areas of the kitchen will give you a lot of new storage space for all the stuff you are actually going to eat and cook with.