Photo by Laura Lauch on Unsplash
As we say goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023, many of us have a long list of New Year’s resolutions we’re eager to tackle. However, according to recent studies, only 41% of people make New Year’s resolutions. Of those people, only 9% actually stick to their resolutions. So, to be part of that 9%, you must ensure your goals are clear, concise, and achievable.
One way to do this is to focus on one area of your life that you want to improve, such as your health, relationships, career, or home. After all, your home is where you spend most of your time.
Therefore, making resolutions to create a welcoming, comfortable, and stylish space will go a long way in helping you achieve your goals for the new year. Here are our best tips to celebrate new year’s resolutions to create a fresh start in your home this year.
1. Creating a Zen Space for Relaxation and Reflection
Feng Shui is a Chinese philosophical system that believes that your environment impacts your overall well-being. When applied to your home, Feng Shui can help create a sense of harmony and balance. The goal is to rid your space of any negative energy and create an environment that supports your health and happiness.
Feng Shui has five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Each element represents a different type of energy, and each one should be represented in your home to create balance. For example, if your goal is to create a space for relaxation, you would want to focus on the water element. Water is associated with stillness, tranquility, and flow.
Secondly, pay attention to the colors in your home. Feng shui suggests using earth tones like blues, greens, and browns to promote feelings of peace and relaxation. And lastly, introduce some plants into your space. Plants add beauty and life to your home and help purify the air—an essential element of feng shui.
The Benefits of Feng Shui in Your Home
There are many different ways to follow feng shui principles in your home. Some people believe that specific colors or symbols can bring good fortune. In contrast, others focus on more practical matters like decluttering and organizing their space. No matter how you apply feng shui, the goal is always to create a space that promotes peace and positive energy.
One of the core tenets of feng shui is that our physical health is directly linked to our environment. This means how we arrange our furniture, decorate our walls, and even the colors we choose for our home can impact our physical well-being. So, if you’re searching for ways to boost your health in 2023, consider making some changes to your home with feng shui in mind.
2. Set Goals to Keep You on Track
One resolution that will help you in all areas of your life is to set goals and then create a plan and timeline to achieve those goals. This will help you stay organized and on top of projects, big and small. When it comes to your home, set realistic goals based on the available time and money.
For example, if you want to paint your living room, make a goal to do one wall per month. Or, if your goal is to declutter your home, set a goal of decluttering one area per week. Specific goals with actionable steps will make you more likely to achieve them.
Create a Systematic Approach to Home Maintenance
A clean house can reflect a clear mind. Finding a sense of peace and focus can be difficult when physical surroundings are cluttered and dirty. But what if creating regular cleaning habitats could improve your physical and mental health? A survey of 2,000 people found that those who implement everyday cleaning routines also report other positive health outcomes. 80% said they experienced improved relaxation, 77% heightened focus, and 72% had a better sleep.
While we know the many mental and physical benefits of having a clean and organized home, staying on top of home maintenance can be challenging. Especially if you don’t have a system in place. To make things easier on yourself (and your wallet), create a schedule or checklist covering all the prominent home maintenance areas.
This might include tasks like changing air filters, checking the smoke detectors, draining the water heater, or cleaning the gutters. Once you have your list, break it down into monthly, quarterly, and yearly tasks so you can better track what needs to be done and when. This way, you can ensure that nothing falls through the cracks and that your home is always in good working order.
3. Declutter For a Clean Slate
New year, new you, right? One of the best ways to start the new year on the right foot is by decluttering your home. Not only will this make your space more inviting and comfortable to be in, but it will also save you time in the long run. According to recent studies by Ikea, people spend almost 5,000 hours of their lives looking for things around the home.
Now, this doesn’t mean you have to get rid of everything you own, but getting rid of unused or unwanted items can give you a sense of relief. You may even find that you have more space and can better enjoy your things when they’re not cluttered.
If you need help figuring out where to start, try focusing on one area at a time, such as your closet or desk. Once you’ve decluttered that smaller area, take some time to clean it so that your home feels bright and new. Then, once that area is completed, you can move on to the next more easily.
Get Rid of Unused Items in a Sustainable Way
When decluttering your home, it’s essential to dispose of items sustainably. This means selling, recycling or donating items instead of throwing them away. For example, clothes that are no longer worn can be donated to charity or recycled into rags. Books that are no longer read can be donated to the library or sold online. By removing items sustainably, you’ll be doing your part to help the environment and the community while also creating a more a more organized and calming space.
Organize Your Home for Better Productivity
A cluttered home can be detrimental to your productivity. When you’re constantly looking for things or tripping over things that are out of place, it’s hard to focus on more essential tasks.
That’s why it’s vital to make time to organize your home. You don’t have to do a complete overhaul all at once— focus on one area at a time. And don’t forget to label things so you can easily find them when needed. A well-organized home will help you start the new year off on the right foot.
4. Make Your Home a Sanctuary
Home is where the heart is, and there’s no time like the present to make some resolutions for making your home somewhere you want to be. Not only will this help you create your dream home, but it can also be the first step in creating a lifetime of good habits and healthier well-being. Whether you’re looking to create a sanctuary, add some personality, or refresh your space, we’ve got some ideas to help you get started:
Create a Welcoming Environment
There’s nothing like coming home to a warm, welcoming environment. Whether you’re just returning from a long day at work or returning from a vacation, your home should be a haven where you can relax and feel at ease. Luckily, there are many ways to create a more welcoming atmosphere in your home.
One way is to focus on the senses. Make sure your home is well-lit and filled with pleasant smells. You might want to diffuser essential oils or light some of your favorite candle scents. Also, make sure there are lots of soft, comfortable fabrics and textures around the house to help make your space more inviting. This doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy all new furniture or completely redecorate. Instead, focus on adding little touches that will make your home more inviting.
Use Color to Influence your Mood
Believe it or not, the colors in your home can significantly impact your mood and mental health. If you’re looking for a little pick-me-up, consider incorporating brighter colors into your space. Kaiyo has recently published a blog specifically regarding this topic and explains how yellow is known for its happiness-inducing properties. So, this year, try adding some sunny accents throughout your home. You might be surprised by the outcome.
Or, if yellow isn’t your preferred color of choice and you want something a little more calming, opt for blues, muted greens, or lavender. Still, no matter what colors you choose, make sure they reflect your personality and make you feel good when you see them. By creating a space that reflects your values and needs, you can start the new year on the right foot and set yourself up for success.
Add Interesting Pieces that Reflect your Personality
One of the best ways to make your house feel like a home is to fill it with pieces that reflect your personality. Whether it’s artwork, books, knick-knacks, or furniture items, choosing pieces that you love will help give your home its own unique character. When selecting items for your home, take the time to really think about what speaks to you and makes you happy. These pieces will help turn your house into something you can call “home.”
Add Plants for a Fresh, Healthy Look
One of the easiest ways to add some life (literally) to your home is by adding plants! Not only do plants look great and add a touch of nature to your space, but they also have many health benefits. Studies have shown that plants can help purify the air, reduce stress levels, boost mood, and even improve sleep quality.
Invest in High-Quality Furniture and Accessories
Furniture and accessories are what really make a space feel like home, so it’s important to choose pieces that you love. That being said, it’s also important to choose pieces that are built to last. Regarding furniture, look for solid wood construction and high-quality upholstery fabrics. Also, purchasing beautiful and functional pieces. Items like ottoman footrests that can double as storage for extra throw blankets or a bed with hidden storage underneath can help significantly reduce clutter and disorganization.
5. Shop Kayio
If you’re looking for high-quality, sustainable home furnishings, Kaiyo is the place for you. We source our items from top-rated brands like West Elm, CB2, and Pottery Barn, at up to 90% off retail prices. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable sofa for your living room or a simple dining table for hosting guests over the holidays, you’ll be able to find it in our inventory.
And because we only sell secondhand items, you can shop with us knowing that you’re doing your part to reduce waste and protect the environment. We have already saved over 4 million pounds of home items from going to landfills, and we are committed to growing that number more and more yearly.
So, shop Kaiyo and start creating your dream home today!
