When you're thinking up your New Year's resolutions this year, don't forget about things around the house. Whether it's painting a bathroom or fixing that squeaky cabinet door, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction that comes from tackling little (or big!) home improvement resolutions. Here are a few areas to consider when upgrading your house in 2021.
1. Clean the Windows
It's incredible what a little vinegar and water, newspaper, and elbow grease can do! Not only will you benefit from the beautiful and unobstructed view of the outside, but these few ingredients are safe for the environment. You'll save money, too.
- Mix water and vinegar in equal parts in a spray bottle.
- Simply spray it on the windows and wipe dry with newspaper for spotless, streak-free glass. This works great inside and out.
2. Paint a Room
Maybe you have a room in your home that you just don't love as much as you'd like to. A coat of high-quality paint can work wonders in just a weekend of your time. Check out this article from Lowe's to get a complete overview for all of your painting-based home improvement resolutions. A few helpful hints are:
- Before you start, make sure to do any needed repairs, such as filling holes in drywall or sanding rough spots.
- If the ceiling needs some TLC, paint it first.
- If removing painter's tape is proving difficult, don't force it. Instead, use a hairdryer to warm and loosen it.
3. Install Energy-Saving Lights and Appliances
- Consider switching out your incandescent or halogen bulbs with LEDs, which are far more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan.
- If your utility bills have been high, going with Energy Star appliances can be a permanent solution. By installing a new clothes dryer, water heater, refrigerator, or dishwasher that consumes less energy, you'll be able to reap the savings for years to come.
4. Tackle Your "Fix-It List"
Whether this list is on paper or only exists in your head, we've all got one of these. It's those little things around the house, garage, or yard that need a little mending — or a lot! If it isn't written down, go ahead and note it all and begin handling the items one by one. They could be anything from a cracked light switch plate to a flickering bulb in the kitchen to loose (or nonexistent) weather stripping at the bottom of a door to a roof that needs replacing.
5. Pressure Wash Your House and Pavement
Dirt and grime from the elements can give your home the appearance of needing new paint when all it may really need is a good washing! If you don't own a pressure washer, you can rent one for a weekend. Pressure washing your home's siding, the driveway and patio, deck, and garage can make your property look new again.
6. Organize Your Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinets
Starting in one room, concentrate on one cabinet space at a time, such as a shelf or under the sink. Remove everything from that area and clean the walls and surface. Next, clean out any storage bins, trays, or baskets that go inside. Organize your items as you put them back.
You'll like how neat everything looks, and you'll love how much easier it is to find things. If space is an issue, installing a reverse-facing pantry door in the kitchen is a great way to add 20 cubic feet of storage.
Speaking of doors, hidden doors like these not only assist with organization, but they help retain the aesthetics of a room by keeping it uncluttered. Feel free to browse our selection of bookcases, cabinet doors, single, French, and bi-fold doors as you achieve your home improvement resolutions. Contact us at The Murphy Door, Inc. for more information.
