Hoping to spruce up your house in 2018? Fortunately, you don’t have to plan a major home renovation to upgrade your abode. From energy saving tips to cosmetic fixes, here are 10 simple ways to improve your house in the new year.

#1 Add fresh paint

What better way to make a fresh start in the new year than by adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls. Not only is it one of the easiest ways to improve your home, but it’s also a great way to make your home appear bigger and brighter. For smaller projects, such as powder rooms and bedrooms, try painting these rooms yourself. For larger projects, such as painting an entryway, staircases and living spaces, I strongly recommend hiring professionals to handle the job. Tip: those looking to sell their homes in the future should stick to neutral colors, such as light grays and beiges.

#2 Invest in smart home devices

Outfitting your home in smart home devices is one of the best ways to improve your home in the new year. Adding smart home features to your new home can save you money in energy bills, improve your place’s security and make your life easier, overall. Several smart home devices to consider adding in 2018 include Philips Hue Bulbs, a Nest Learning Thermostat, automated window shades, a smart doorbell and a robot vacuum.

#3 Organize your closet

One of the best ways to welcome in the new year is to finally get organized! To kick off the decluttering purge, start with bedroom drawers and closets. Sift through your belongings and ask yourself these questions: Have I worn this lately? Is it in style? Does it have sentimental value? Does it fit? Is it in good condition? If the answer to any or all of these questions is a resounding “no,” place the clothing item in either a donation pile, sell pile or trash pile. To donate gently-used clothing and accessories, head to Goodwill. To sell them, use either an online marketplace, such as Poshmark or a mobile app, such as LetGo. You can also head to a nearby consignment store. By eliminating excess clothing, shoes and accessories from your closets and drawers, you’ll be freeing up room for new trends and attire in the future.

#4 Clean out your pantry

Speaking of organizing, it’s not a bad idea to clean out those pantry and kitchen drawers as well. This includes throwing out old spices, expired foods and unused cookbooks. Oftentimes, kitchen drawers become junked up with old receipts, worn out dish rags and unused utensils. To cut down on clutter and improve your home, I recommend throwing anything out that no longer serves a purpose. To keep kitchen drawers organized, try limiting each drawer to one or two item categories. For instance, one drawer could be designated for dish towels only, while another could be used exclusively for utensils.

#5 Service your chimney

Planning on using your chimney this winter? I highly recommend having it serviced in the new year. Chimney maintenance helps to prevent home fires, soot build up and carbon monoxide poisoning. For this job, it’s extremely important that you hire qualified and certified chimney sweep professionals. Be sure to check the company’s BBB rating, as well as various online reviews.

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10 Ways to Improve Your House in the New Year