Top 3 Ways to DIY More in the New Year

The new year is the perfect opportunity to set creative DIY goals. We’re talking about everything from minor repair jobs to building things from scratch. After all, there’s no better time than the new year to start improving your living space.

Aside from saving a pretty penny, creating more DIY projects will increase your home’s personality and potential. The more things you do yourself, the more you will add a personal touch to the house. As a result, your space truly becomes your home.

Aiming to DIY more often will also hone your skills and knowledge. Even if you don't live in the same space forever, you will be able to carry those skills throughout life. By starting at the beginning of a new year, it will be easy to track and measure progress. Not sure where to start? Here are three ways to facilitate more DIY projects at home. Happy new year!

1. Know the Basics

The key to take part in DIY more often is understanding the fundamentals. This includes basic skills such as fastening bolts, operating a drill, and sanding spackle. These skills do not require extensive training or expertise. Simply knowing the fundamentals will give you the confidence to fix something when needed.

In fact, the most basic tasks can be learned in a few hours or an afternoon. However, like all skills, practice makes perfect. The more you do it, the better you will be. After all, DIY is all about trial and error. Once you master the beginner skills and discover how they can be applied at home, you will be more likely to find opportunities to apply them.

Don’t be afraid to seek help and ask questions. Have a friend or family member who is exceptionally handy? Ask him or her to give you a rundown of the standard tools and materials. Find out how each tool is used and in what scenarios each one is best for. This will pave the way for more DIY opportunities.

Of course, we can’t forget the Internet and what it has to offer. With just a click of a button, you can learn about useful DIY tasks that can be carried out in your own house. How-to videos are especially useful if you are a visual learner. There is so much information available out there; soak it in! To get started, browse through Do It Yourself. Remember, the “Search” bar is your friend.

The more you familiarize yourself with basic DIY skills, the more likely you will be able to take on a task when the time comes.

2. Stock Up on Tools

In order to carry out DIY tasks, it is essential to have proper equipment and tools on hand. Otherwise, you will be less likely to complete a project. These items are precisely what will make a DIY plan come to life. Having them on hand makes it easy to get started.

By stocking up on basic tools, you will have the proper resources needed to take on a project to begin with. Ideas DIY essentials include a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and an assortment of nails. Various types of glue and tape are also useful. Store these objects in a toolbox in a place that is easy to access, such as the garage or under the sink.

Of course, each project will need slightly different tools. For example, replacing a sink strainer basket will have different requirements in comparison to grout work. In this case, a trip to the hardware store might be necessary. If this deters you from taking on a project, keep in mind that doing it yourself will still cost you much less than hiring someone else to do the job. Plus, you will earn bragging rights that you were able to do it yourself.

3. Take Advantage of Resources

With the right resources, simple jobs can be carried out by the average home owner. This is where educational links, websites, and books come into play. Plus, in today’s day and age, technology makes it extremely easy to research tips and explanations for virtually any task.

For example, you can learn how to apply wallpaper without the help of a professional. How-to videos will show the steps in action, while text tutorials will provide a detailed play-by-play of the process. It is also a great idea to search for insider tips and tricks. Often, experts and professionals will share secrets that they have learned along the way.

To make it easy for yourself, create a folder of links and websites on your browser. Each time you come across an educational DIY article, save it as a bookmark. Over time, you will have a collection of resources, ready for consultation. By getting to know useful websites and blogs, you will be more likely to start a DIY project if you know where to seek guidance.