Have you made your New Year’s resolutions? If so, did you include some resolutions for your home? As the New Year approaches stop and look at the home and what jobs were done during this past year and what needs to be done in the future. A resolution is a firm determination to do something. Take a look around the home and see what you can do to improve it, or just general maintenance that has been left undone. Some starter ideas are:

• Make a home maintenance plan for the year.
• Plan for spring and fall house cleaning.
• Make a family plan for sharing regular jobs around the house.
• Continue to recycle or start recycling at least a couple items.
• Practice the family fire escape plan.
• Check smoke detectors or install one if you do not have one.
• Check or install a carbon monoxide detector.
• Check home repairs needing to be done but have been neglected.
• Have your furnace and chimney checked.
• Clean the gutters and downspouts.
• Wash windows inside and outside.
• Clean and organize the garage.
• Clean and organize the attic or other storage areas.
• Clean closets and sell or donate clothing not worn or outgrown.
• Check outdoor equipment and prepare for the season - lawn mover, snow blower, etc.
• Visit your neighbors and meet those you don’t know.
• Plan a family activity or get away to celebrate your achievements.

As the New Year proceeds you will find many tasks that seemed overwhelming but done with a little planning. You can mark off another item on your resolutions list.

(This resource was added December 2006 and appeared in the Lincoln Journal Star Newspaper Sunday edition. For information on reproducing this article or using any photographs or graphics, read the Terms of Use statement)

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