Are you the type who writes down resolutions every year? Looking back, were you successful at keeping them? We all try our best to achieve every goal—to the point of pushing ourselves to the limits. This year, take things lightly and start slow. Aside from making a personal list, why not create one that’s home-related? After all, we spend most of our time within its four walls and it’s only fitting that we keep it a happy and safe place.
To help you build, maintain, and improve the home minus the stress, we’ve put together a list of resolutions you can use as guide. Don’t feel pressured about each as you can work on it at your own pace. We only have two tips you may find useful—have fun and don’t stop experimenting with different ways you can improve your space.
1. Make decluttering a habit.
Instead of looking at cleaning and organizing as tedious chores that cause exhaustion, turn things around and consider these tasks as a way of ridding your space of negative energy. Who wants to come home to an unmade bed or a sink filled with dirty dishes? Before you leave the house, make sure that everything is in order. Trust us, you'll look forward to the end of each day even more.
Got a busy schedule? Don't let it get you down. There's an easy way to get rid of dust, you can keep your closet neat with a simple hack, and there's a DIY deodorizer that can keep your home smelling fresh, too!
2. Take baby steps toward an improved home with simple makeovers.
Contrary to popular belief, makeovers don't have to cost hundreds of thousands. A P2,000 budget can go a long way (click here for transformations you can use as pegs!)—add a wall art, purchase an accent piece for the living area, and experiment with color. The possibilities are endless, you just have to work with your imagination and be creative.
3. Get in touch with a professional.
Consulting with an architect or an interior designer shouldn't be intimidating. Design professionals can help you make better decisions for your space as well as suggest solutions for some of your homekeeping problems. Got a question about how to maximize an unused corner? Can't seem to decide on building materials? Trust the pros to have answers and a piece of expert advice.
Click here for a list of design professionals you can work with.
4. Let go of things you no longer need.
Do you still have the old pair of jeans from a decade ago? How about the books you used in college? While these might come in handy (especially if you have younger siblings), there are items that can be discarded or donated. Schedule a general cleaning and do the widely used rule of segregating your belongings in piles—keep, donate, and throw. Not only will you make space for new must-haves, you'll feel lighter about letting go of some items, too.
5. Be a smart shopper.
While we can all reward ourselves with an investment piece from time to time, accessories, decor pieces, and other home essentials can be bought at a friendlier price. Schedule your visits to Dapitan Arcade, Divisoria, and Quiapo—you'll be surprised to find chairs for less, dinnerware for as low as P20, and other interesting finds that you'll find useful. Be careful not to overshop as unnecessary things can turn into clutter. Buy only what you need and remember to keep within your budget.
6. Always be on the lookout for quality finds that don't have a hefty price tag.
Just like our fifth resolution, shopping for the home doesn't have to leave you with an empty wallet. Aside from exploring well-loved shopping spots all over Manila, your favorite home stores have unexpected pieces that don't cost a lot, too! Patiently sourcing for home finds and visiting different stores can help you complete a kitchen or a bedroom for only P1,500.
7. Stock up on tried-and-tested home care products.
Keeping the home spotless is not an easy task but having the right products in your cabinet can help a lot. From furniture polishes and dishwashing liquids to toilet cleaners and scrubbing pads, reliable products can help keep your home sparkling and looking brand new.
8. Don't stop looking for pegs.
Improving the home is a continuous process. You'll always find an interesting piece in your favorite store or stumble upon a material you'd want to add to your space. Save up for home projects and keep on saving pegs for the future. Whether you live in a condo or a multi-storey house, we're sure there are countless photos you can bookmark. You can also use the homes of celebrities as reference.