Home Improvements: New Year's Resolutions for 2026

As the New Year begins, it's an ideal moment to set new goals for your home. Think of "new year, new home" as an opportunity to transform your living space into a more organized, energy-efficient, and comfortable place. By making thoughtful changes, you can create a sanctuary that promotes peace, harmony, and efficiency throughout the year.

Organize and Plan for a Better Home

The start of a new year brings a fresh opportunity to set new goals for your home. By planning and organizing, you can transform your living space into a comfortable and efficient environment. Whether it’s managing finances, reducing clutter, or preparing for unexpected events, a thoughtful approach can make your home more enjoyable and less stressful.

Create a Home Budget

A solid budget helps reduce financial stress and maintain peace of mind. Here’s how to create a budget that works:

• Set Financial Goals: Define short-term and long-term goals, such as paying off debt, saving for a vacation, or building an emergency fund.

• Compile Financial Details: Gather information on income, expenses, and debts, including monthly bills, loan payments, and other financial obligations.

• Classify Expenses: Separate your spending into fixed expenses (e.g., mortgage, insurance, loan payments) and variable expenses (e.g., groceries, entertainment, dining out). Make sure to budget for home maintenance and repairs.

• Distribute Funds: Allocate a specific amount for each category based on your income and spending habits, keeping total expenses lower than your total income.

Tip: A Sears Protect Plan helps manage home maintenance and repair expenses, covering HVAC maintenance and unexpected repairs throughout the year.

Manage Time Wisely

Managing time effectively can reduce stress and make handling home maintenance easier. Consider these strategies:

• Utilize a Home Repair Service: A Sears Protect Plan allows for easy management of home repairs through the Sears Protect Home Hub.

• Schedule Maintenance Tasks: Set reminders on your phone or smart device to keep up with regular maintenance for HVAC systems and appliances, helping to prevent last-minute repairs and save time.

Upgrade to Smart Appliances

Smart home appliances can streamline daily tasks, increase security, and create a more efficient living space.

• Explore Appliance Options: Visit the Sears.com website to find smart appliance bundles from top brands like Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, and more.

• Look for Discounts and Financing: Find special discounts on appliance bundles and financing offers on the Sears website for a hassle-free appliance replacement. Quick delivery options are also available for fast installation.

Prepare for Unexpected Events

Preparing for unexpected situations is important for every home. Here are some steps to get ready:

• Update Your Home Emergency Kit: Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with supplies for severe weather and power outages.

• Install a Whole House Generator: If possible, install a whole house generator to keep your home powered during outages.

Save Energy and Lower Costs

Making your home more energy-efficient not only benefits the environment but can also help reduce utility bills. Small changes, like upgrading insulation or using energy-saving appliances, can make a significant difference.

Schedule a Home Energy Audit

A home energy audit provides a detailed analysis of how much energy your home uses and where improvements can be made. A professional audit helps identify areas where energy is wasted and suggests upgrades that can save money over time.

• Tax Benefits: Completing a professional audit can qualify for a tax credit under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
• Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Consider energy-efficient upgrades, such as installing a new heat pump, which may qualify for additional tax credits.

Tip: Always consult with a tax professional to understand eligibility for tax credits.

Improve Insulation

Proper insulation is key to maintaining comfortable temperatures and reducing energy use throughout the year. Here are some ways to improve your home's insulation:

• Seal Attic and Walls: Sealing and insulating your attic and walls can help prevent heat loss. The EPA estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by air sealing and adding insulation to their homes.
• Hire a Professional: If your home feels drafty or your energy bills are high, consider hiring an insulation contractor to evaluate and upgrade your insulation.

Reduce Daily Energy Use

Simple actions can lead to big energy savings over time. Here are some tips to reduce energy use every day:

• Lower Water Heater Temperature: Set your water heater to 120°F to reduce energy consumption while still providing hot water for daily needs.

• Adjust Thermostat Settings:

  • Lower the thermostat in winter and raise it in summer to balance comfort and energy savings.
  • Consider wearing extra layers or using thicker blankets to stay warm in cooler temperatures.
  • Use smart thermostats that adjust automatically when you leave the house, potentially saving up to 10% annually on heating and cooling.

• Turn Off Lights: Make a habit of turning off lights when leaving a room. Use solar-powered outdoor lights to save energy while maintaining safety at night.

Use Smart Plugs and Power Strips

Many devices continue to draw power even when turned off. Smart plugs and power strips can help cut down on this "phantom" energy use:

• Remote Control: Smart plugs allow you to remotely control appliances and electronics, shutting off power when they are not needed.
• Voice Commands: Integrate smart plugs with your home hub for easy voice-controlled energy management.

Optimize Laundry Routine

Optimizing how you use your dryer can also save energy:

• Dry Back-to-Back Loads: When your dryer is still warm from a previous load, it uses less energy for the next one. This helps save money and shortens drying time.

Using less energy benefits both the environment and your budget. Every small change adds up, contributing to a larger impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By making energy-efficient choices, you join millions of households working towards a more sustainable future in 2026.

Choose the Right New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home

Setting goals for your home can lead to a more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable living space. Whether you’re looking to save energy, organize better, or improve your home’s overall functionality, focusing on practical resolutions can make a big difference throughout the year.

Focus on Energy Efficiency

Boosting your home's energy efficiency can reduce utility costs and contribute to a greener environment. Here are a few ways to make impactful changes:

• Upgrade Key Home Features: Consider upgrading your roofing, siding, doors, and windows to improve insulation and reduce energy loss.
• Maintain Appliances and HVAC Systems: Regular maintenance of your appliances and HVAC systems ensures they operate efficiently and last longer. Visit our appliance and HVAC maintenance section for more details on keeping these essential systems in top shape.

Organize and Declutter

A well-organized home is easier to maintain and more enjoyable to live in. Decluttering can free up space, reduce stress, and make your home feel more welcoming.

• Start Small: Begin with one room or area, sorting items into categories like keep, donate, recycle, and discard.

• Create Storage Solutions: Invest in shelves, containers, and organizers to help keep everything in its place. Labeling boxes and bins can also make it easier to find things.

Plan for Future Improvements

Planning ahead for home improvements can help you manage your budget and time effectively.

• Set Priorities: Decide which projects are most important and plan them out over the year. This might include minor repairs, new paint, or larger renovations.

• Budget Wisely: Allocate funds for each project, considering both materials and labor costs. Sticking to a budget helps prevent overspending and financial stress.

Commit to Sustainable Living

Incorporating sustainable practices into your daily routine can reduce your environmental impact and promote a healthier lifestyle.

• Use Eco-Friendly Products: Choose cleaning supplies, paints, and materials that are environmentally friendly and safe for your family.

• Reduce Waste: Recycle, compost, and opt for reusable products whenever possible to minimize waste.

Personalize Your Home Resolutions

Tailoring your home resolutions to fit your needs and lifestyle ensures they are achievable and meaningful. Reflect on what changes will make the most significant impact on your daily life and set realistic goals for the year.

By making these thoughtful changes, you create a home that supports your well-being and reflects your values. Take the time to plan and implement these resolutions, and enjoy the benefits of a more comfortable and efficient home in 2026.