Buying, selling and letting - New year resolutions

New year’s resolutions – every year we make them… and almost every year we break them.
So this year, instead of the usual promises to lose weight, get fit or quit smoking, why not ring the changes - and pledge to do something a bit different to benefit your home?
But remember, it’s important to choose realistic, actionable goals and reward yourself for your achievements – that way you’ll help to ensure your resolutions become real successes.

Leading housebuilder George Wimpey South Midlands has compiled its top ten new year resolutions for the home that everyone can follow in 2006:

·    Clear out the clutter. Chances are that if you haven’t needed an item since the last time you made your new year’s resolutions, it’s just taking up space that could be used for something else. Bin it, car boot it, or give it to charity.
·    Be environmentally friendly. Resolve to help the planet by recycling your paper, glass and cans – and saving gas and electricity by taking steps to make your home more energy efficient.
·    Add a touch of colour. Paints, wallcoverings and furniture come in a huge variety of colours and designs - so make this the year to give your home a new look.
·    Get to grips with DIY. We’re all guilty of leaving some household jobs half finished – or even failing to get started despite our good intentions. The new year is the perfect time to tackle those DIY chores we put off in 2005 – especially with the January sales offering bargain power-tools and cut-price fixtures and fittings.
·    Safety first. Nearly three million people go to hospital each year after accidents in the home. Either invest in a home first aid kit or, if you already have one, make sure it’s regularly replenished.
·    Get organised. Imagine how much time you’ll save during the year if you can find everything you need straightaway.
·    Be secure. Review your home security - not just an alarm, but also window locks and security lighting. All too often it’s one of those jobs we put off – until it’s too late!
·    Alarm bells. Get smoke alarms fitted and, if you’ve already got them in your home, be sure to test them regularly. It’s also a good idea to have a fire escape plan so that everyone knows the quickest and safest routes out of your home in the event of a fire.
·    Delegate. Lighten the load this year by delegating the household chores to ensure every member of the family does their share.
·    Clean sweep. Why wait until the spring to give your home a thorough once-over? The new year is the perfect time to deep clean carpets and curtains, wash windows and generally give your home a tidy.

Jason Colmer, George Wimpey South Midlands’ Sales and Marketing Director, says: “Every new year we make resolutions to try and improve our lives – but seldom do we consider what we can do to improve our homes.

“Most of our suggestions are simple and inexpensive but, by making a new year’s resolution to get them done, means we can all look forward to a happier, safer year in 2006.”