"I Resolve…"

By Bob De Wit

‘Tis the season to make and break New Year’s resolutions. Lose weight? I think not. Learn another language? Non, Monsieur. World peace? Next year.

No, this year I resolve to set goals that are achievable and not only good for me, but good for the community too. Here are a few house–related resolutions that I’m hoping will make for a healthier, happier home in 2014.

1. Make my home safer:
There are many ways to make our homes just a little bit safer without a ton of effort. For example, to avoid electrical shocks and fires, place covers over all outlets and tie up or unplug cords so they don’t dangle temptingly in front of toddlers or pets. Inspect appliance cords and immediately replace any that are worn, old or damaged. Keep clothes, curtains and other potentially combustible items at least three feet from all heaters. In the event that there is a fire you’ll need to get out, so your home’s windows need to be accessible. Make sure they are not nailed or painted shut, and if they have guards, security bars, grilles or grates, test the release mechanism to make sure it works.

2. Be a little greener:
There are many ways to ‘green’ our homes that also save us money. Here are a couple of suggestions that you may have heard before and one that might be new to you. On the list of usual suggestions: replace your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents, or if you’re really keen, go even further and buy LED lights. If you invest in LEDs make sure you get help from the vendor selling you the bulbs: not all LED products are created equal, so make sure you ask about which brand the vendor sees returns on most frequently. On the list of unusual suggestions: make sure you change your furnace filter regularly. A dirty filter will make the furnace work harder to regulate the temperature and will cost you money. Replaceable filters are often inexpensive and reusable ones are easily cleaned and represent an easy way to save energy and money at the same time.

3. Find a better home for your stuff :
Finally, forget spring-cleaning, winter is the best time to empty the garage and move along old clothes, blankets and furniture because now is when the greatest need exists among those in greatest need. Donating your unused items to charity could be a lifesaver for homeless or needy families. If it’s in good condition, your out-of-style or outgrown clothing could keep a family warm during the cold weather months. Many local charities also accept donations of household items that are in working order. That lamp, toaster or set of dishes gathering dust in the garage could help furnish a home for a needy family or provide revenue for a worthy charity. 

So go ahead and make those resolutions, but make sure they’re achievable like the ones above so that 2014 is the best year yet. We can wait until next year to deal with World Peace!

Source: New Home Guide