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| Image Credit: Alice Simkin/Unsplash |
Before deciding on any big changes in 2026, try starting with the bedroom.
Long before Jordan Peterson was telling young men to “make their bed,” wise matriarchs were imposing this “rule for life” on their households for ages. It’s a good rule, but particularly this time of year, as we enter 2026 and start thinking about lofty goals and resolutions. I’d suggest — just as your mother might have — before deciding on any big changes, to start with your bedroom.
The New Year presents itself as a chance for us to turn the page, to change the things we don’t like about ourselves, and that can be overwhelming — to the point that many people don’t even make New Year’s resolutions for fear of failing at them or forgetting about them by MLK Day. Only 31 percent of American adults even planned to make a New Year’s resolution in 2025, according to a YouGov poll.
So before you pledge to run a marathon or make some other seismic change come January, the first thing you should do is make your bed. This is the best way to ward off the sense of being overwhelmed or fear of failure for two reasons. The first is the practical benefits.
Clean Sheets, Clear Mind
Leila Marie Lawler, the anti-feminist, mother of seven, describes this concept in practical terms. She writes clear and encouraging instructions for stay-at-home moms with lots of children on how to keep a “reasonably clean house” (a difficult task), but I think her counsel is helpful for anyone overwhelmed by all the things we need to do on a given day, not just housewives.
Lawler explains that some people think getting your life together should start in the kitchen. A sink full of dishes is quite paralyzing in itself after all, and the kitchen tends to collect more clutter due to more traffic, especially in big families. But Lawler is right to ask, “If you start in the kitchen, will you ever leave?” The answer is no. In a few hours, you’ll start making another meal in there, and you’ll be back at square one.
“What good does it do to have, as so many families do, a fancy living room, a gleaming kitchen, a curb with appeal, a wide-screen TV and wet bar — but chaos, piles of laundry, dust, and dreariness in the bedroom?” Lawler observes. --->READ MORE HERE
A new year always inspires a fresh start, and for homeowners, as it's the perfect time to reset, reorganise and invest in the long-term health and comfort of your home but not all resolutions are equal.Instead of the usual vague intentions to 'fix stuff' and 'keep the house tidier' that fizzle out by February, Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty shares 10 practical and impactful New Year's resolutions that will improve your home's efficiency, boost property value and help you enjoy a more organised, stress-free lifestyle in 2026.
1. Finally Declutter- But Do It Systematically
Decluttering is one of the most popular resolutions, but most homeowners tackle it haphazardly and often give up hallway because it ends up creating more confusion and clutter.
In 2026, aim for a room-by-room purge using a simple rule: if it hasn't been used in 12 months and holds no sentimental value, let it go. Break the task into manageable chunks- one drawer shelf, or cupboard per day. Donate, recycle, or sell items that are still in good shape.
A decluttered home doesn't just look better; it's easier to clean, reduces stress and creates a calmer living environment. Once finished, maintain it by adopting a "one in, one out" rule for new purchases wherever possible.
2. Create an Annual Home Maintenance Calendar
Home maintenance is often neglected simply because homeowners forget what needs doing and when and, long term this can lead to huge repair bills or even affect your home's value. Next year, commit to setting up a 12-month maintenance calendar that includes essential tasks such as:
- Servicing the geyser
- Cleaning gutters
- Checking roof tiles and waterproofing
- Testing smoke detectors
- Seasonal pest control
- Pool and irrigation system checks
Set digital reminders on your phone or laptop calendar so nothing slips through the cracks. Consistent upkeep prevents expensive repairs and extends the lifespan of major home systems.
3. Reduce Energy Use with Small, Smart Changes
With rising utility costs and increasing emphasis on sustainability, this is the year to get intentional about energy use. You don't need to convert your entire home to solar to make an impact. Start with simple actions:
- Replace old bulbs with LEDs
- Install timers or smart plugs
- Seal gaps around doors and windows
- Switch appliances off at the wall
- Adjust the geyser temperature to 55-60°C
These small upgrades can significantly reduce monthly electricity bills whilst lowering your household's carbon footprint.
4. Invest in One Major Value-Boosting Upgrade
Instead of scattering your budget across dozens of small décor buys, choose one meaningful upgrade that adds real value to your home. In 2026, popular upgrades include:
- Renovating an outdated bathroom
- Converting a spare room into a home office
- Replacing old flooring with vinyl or engineered wood
- Installing energy efficient windows
- Updating the kitchen splashback and cabinetry
A single well-chosen project often adds more resale value- and more enjoyment- than multiple small disconnected updates or décor items.
5. Establish an Emergency Fund for Home Repairs
Every homeowner eventually faces unexpected repairs such as a burst pipe, broken gate motor, leaking roof or faulty wiring. Avoid the panic by setting up a home repair emergency fund separate from general savings. Aim to set aside 1-2% of your home's value each year. Even if that goal seems big, starting small is better than not starting at all.
By the end of 2026, you'll feel far more secure knowing you have a buffer for whatever surprises your home throws at you.--->READ the Rest of the Resolutions HERE
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