Heading into the new year, making resolutions has become a significant summer pastime like test cricket, days at the beach and family barbecues.

But for most people, New Year’s resolutions are often tossed out the window even before we even make it to Australia Day. So, this year to give yourself a better chance of keeping some of your pledges, focus them on making improvements to your home and financial position. Here are some resolutions that could make for a happy 2021. 

1. Make the most of your floor plan

The first month of the year is the perfect time to shake things up at home. Start by moving your furniture around to create a better use of space. Through this small change, you can improve the flow of the house, your mood and even encourage productivity if you’re working from home.

1. Declutter room by room 

If you've resolved to sell the property in 2021, then decluttering is a must. If a sale isn’t on the horizon purging your home of ‘stuff’ can give the property a low-cost and straightforward makeover.

Start with cabinets, cupboards and drawers that often get so jam-packed it's impossible to find the things you use and enjoy the most. Moreover, too much clutter makes a property look dated and even a bit grubby. Go room-by-room systematically clearing anything that you don’t use, wear or love and perhaps consider donating these preloved items to the Salvos or Vinnies.  

1. Upgrading your lights can save money

If you replace old lights with new energy-efficient lights such as LEDs, you can trim your electricity bill by hundreds of dollars a year[i]. So, why not make 2021 the year you make a significant and positive change to your home and the environment whether its double glazing for the windows, improved ceiling insulation or cost-effective LED lighting. 

1. Get ahead on your home loan

Once you’ve made sure you’re getting the best deal possible on your mortgage with the help of a financial specialist such as Our Broker, aim to get ahead on your repayments in 2021. By paying a bit extra off your home loan each month you can save many thousands of dollars over the term of the mortgage. Moreover, if you have a redraw facility or offset account, you can even access those extra funds in the case of an emergency.

If you are considering selling your home in 2021, be sure to add a call to your local Raine & Horne agent to your list of New Year’s Resolutions.