After the chaos of Christmas, the post-holiday period provides many individuals with the time to sit, back, relax and think about what they want to achieve in the new year. It can be the time to think about things like a career change, or starting a bit closer to home and giving your home a spruce up. Thinking up a list of things you want to achieve is a great way to start the year off with good intentions.
If you’re thinking about the latter, you’ve come to the right place. January is a great time to have a clear out, and we are here to help you with some tips on how you can overhaul your house in 2020. From de-cluttering to re-decorating, here’s what you need to add to your to-do list if you are wanting to give your home a makeover.
Clear out everything you don’t need
This year, don’t be afraid to get rid of things. It can be hard to let go of certain items, but over the course of our life, we tend to pick up things that become totally unnecessary. So, it’s time to throw them out! That cable for your phone that you haven’t used in years? Get rid of it. The jumper that you haven’t worn since you were a teenager? Donate it. You’ll be surprised at just how many items you could donate, sell or recycle, so grab some boxes, label them up and get to work on each of your rooms. Once you’re done, decide which of it can be sold at a car boot sale, which of it can be taken to the charity shop and which of it might not be of use to anyone anymore.
Do a deep clean
Taking all the pillows off the sofa to vacuum, reaching on top of the wardrobe to dust and making your oven sparkle again are all things that make the to-do list, but don’t get done as regularly. So why not start 2020 with a deep clean? Bring in a steam cleaner for the carpets, use a leather conditioner on your furniture and check that your washing machine doesn’t need a freshen up. Worktop to bottom and get stuck into every room in the house. When it’s finished, you can truly admire your work.
And don’t forget the windows!
Your windows need to be cleaned just as much as your house does, so ensure that you don’t neglect them in your post-Christmas tidy up. Wash your windows with a glass cleaner and microfibre cloth for a streak-free finish. And don’t forget to dust any blinds and window sills to finish off the clean.
Sort out your pots and pans
If you have cooked for your family over festive holidays, the chances are that your pots and pans did a lot of hard work. Ensure that they are in tip-top condition and free of any stubborn spots by searching the internet for advice on how to make them gleaming again – every material is different.
Get decorating
If you have lived in your home for a number of years, it’s normal for it to be looking a little worn out. However, a little bit of paint can change that in an instant. In order for your home to feel fresh again, why not re-decorate some of the rooms you’re not as happy with? Change your deep red hues to lighter shades of grey for an instant chic look. Add some gorgeous furniture to the bedrooms such as a full-length mirror like the ones from Cox & Cox and a new wardrobe, or spruce up your walls with some beautiful artwork. These little differences can really make a difference.
Upcycle
If you have had some pieces of furniture for many years that are too nice to throw out, yet not your style anymore, choose to upcycle them. For inspiration on how you can overhaul your old chest of drawers or coffee table, head to YouTube for DIY videos. There is so much content on there, you won’t know where to begin! Transform dark mahogany dining chairs into white distressed pieces and give your kitchen a new look immediately.
Don’t forget your garden
While you might not be spending much time outside in the winter months, there is nothing wrong with beginning to prepare for the summer early. If you’re unhappy with your outdoor furniture, or fancy hanging new lights outside, have a look for pieces in the post-Christmas sales, because you could pick up a bargain. Then you can be ready for the better weather and spend your evenings outside.
So there you have it – a list of everything you can start doing in order to get your home back to its best condition. Ensure you’re ready to tackle anything that gets thrown at you this year by tackling your haven first.
