Claim it with us — 2024 is going to be our year! Let’s give our lives the glow-up we deserve by creating a productivity-conducive, healthy environment for setting (and achieving!) our goals. Read on for home improvement tips to help you complete your New Year’s resolutions.
Getting Organized
A typical New Year’s resolution is to declutter. With all the budols we’ve accumulated over the years, it’s time for us to look at our things Marie-Kondo-style. Start your organization journey by going through each room in your home and deciding which things you do or do not need. Ensure that you’re filling your home with things that uplift you! If you find that the vibes just aren’t vibing anymore, then it’s safe to say that you can do without those items. 2024 na — ’wag na tayo masyadong ma-attach. Charing!
When you’re done sorting through your things, invest in storage solutions to keep your house looking clean and tidy. For a serene living space, you can consider using wardrobe organizers, stackable bins, and desk organizers to keep your shelves and surfaces kalat-free. If you have a garage, you can invest in quality racks and overhead storage to free up space.
Take a cue from Kapitbahay Luis, who did an excellent job maximizing small closet space. Utilizing stackable closet drawers, they instantly created more room for foldable clothes while maintaining tidiness.
In the same vein of decluttering, we can all do some digital cleaning as well. Going through and deleting unnecessary files, organizing photos, catching up on emails, and clearing our digital spaces from apps and programs we may not use can lighten our mental load and make room for our future needs.
Boosting Productivity
Our workspaces, whether simply a desk or an office space, are more impactful in our lives than we think. They’re where we sit most of the day if we work from home. They’re where we can build up our hobbies and interests. That’s why having a dedicated space away from your relaxation zones is always a great idea to get into a productive mindset.
Boost your workspace with things that make you both comfortable and happy — after all, ilang oras ba tayo nakaupo lang sa desk? Invest in items that support your body and work with it, not against it. You can consider ergonomic pieces like desk chairs, computer mice, additional back support, and wrist rests. If your body is constantly aching, you can consider adjustable standing desks for extra movement throughout the day.
Invest in a monitor if you find your mind swimming with all the open tabs on your computer. Having two screens instead of one is a great way to improve workflow and efficiency.
We also recommend getting desk and wire organizers to keep your workspace tidy and easy on the eyes. You can also hang up pegboards for both decor and more organization. Add things that make you smile (display niyo na mga K-Pop photocard at Smiski niyo!) for a personalized touch to lift your mood.
Are you looking for desk inspiration? Check out our article on aesthetic desk setups to get you inspired!
Staying Fit
Walang biro; totoo na talaga — we’re hitting our fitness goals this year! Whether you’re aiming for that beach bod or simply want to live a healthier lifestyle, you can upgrade your home with workout equipment to help you stay on track.
Getting exercise equipment will be an excellent help for tipid days and busy schedules. Basic equipment, such as weights, exercise bands, kettlebells, pull-up bars, or a yoga mat, would be good additions to your budding home gym.
For those who want to go the extra mile (and have the extra space), investing in quality equipment such as exercise bikes or treadmills can encourage you to get moving, even if you don’t have the time or energy to head to the gym.
You can also draw inspiration from Kapitbahay Andie, who recommends having a mechanical and foldable treadmill/walking pad (and lost several kilos because of it!). Since it’s foldable, it’s perfect for compact homes or condos, as you can quickly put it away after use. You can adjust the incline level to suit your running or walking needs.
Enhancing Creativity
If you haven’t put up art in your home, now is the time! Not only does art elevate any room, but it’s a great way to get your creativity and imagination going. A decorated space can make a house feel more homely, making it a more comfortable and exciting environment.
If you want to start getting crafty in 2024, you can explore the many establishments holding creative lessons, such as pottery making, painting, and more. Or, if you already have a creative hobby that you love, you can allot some space in your home for said hobby. For example, if you like painting, having a designated painting area with an easel and an organized space for all of your tools would help tremendously in getting your imagination rolling.
Fostering Connections
If connecting with loved ones is on your New Year’s resolutions list, consider revamping your communal spaces at home. Having a home that’s cozy and fun to hang out plays an incredible part in maintaining and growing your relationships with your family and friends — plus, less gastos pa!
Adding little tweaks, such as extra seating or comfy couch pillows, can make a big difference when having people over. Consider creating outdoor lounging or dining areas for more intimate vibes if you have a balcony or yard.
Saving Money
In the era of endless budols and add-to-carts, we know it’s getting harder to save money. However, cutting some energy usage around the home can be a great way to help boost our bank accounts while reducing our carbon footprint.
Typical advice we can sometimes overlook can significantly help lessen our monthly bills. Simply ensuring that we turn off unused lights, use a timer for our AC units and fans as much as possible, take less time using the shower heater, maximize natural light over our indoor lights, and unplug electronics after use are good starting points.
You can also ensure you’re being efficient with your energy consumption by adding insulation to your home, sealing any air leaks, and switching out old bulbs and appliances to more energy-efficient models. If it’s within your budget, you can also explore installing solar panels to save more money in the long run.
Check out the Home Buddies blog for more tips, tricks, and all home-related things!