1.
Restock your guestroom and bathroom. Now that holiday travelers have
come and gone, make note on your next grocery list what items need refills and
backups – hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, new toothbrush packages,
candles, and the like. Do that now, and
you will be set for your next set of guests without the last minute rush to
prepare their space.
2.
Frame the family. Despite the prevalence of photos mainly online,
framed family photos are still nice at home.
If you had a stand-out Christmas card photo taken or now have a good
group shot after the holidays, print a large version and frame it to display on
the mantel or as the center to a grouping hanging on a wall.
3.
Revamp the pantry. Without all the extras you hauled in for your
plethora of recipes last month, your pantry may need a little makeover to get
it straight and organized. And if 2012
is starting out on a health kick, now is a good time to purge the sugary treats
now off-limits and stock with go-to meal options. Why tempt yourself?
4.
Try a new living room arrangement. If “the more, the merrier” in
December showed you your home could use a new arrangement or traffic flow,
enlist the help of some heavy lifters and try out new orientations with your
seating and tables in your living areas for a fresh start.
5.
Clean up the desk. The thought of delving into 2011 taxes may be
too taxing so early. But you could give
yourself a head start by ensuring your most recent files are in order and you
have a refilled supply of office necessities like pens, paper, stamps, and so
forth.
6.
Back up the family computers. While you’re at it, use an exterior hard
drive to back up every family member’s computer or laptop. Name your hard drive folders with the
computer owner and “January 2012,” and be assured you’re covered should there
be any system failure in the near future.
Doing this quarterly is a safe idea to secure your important files.
7.
Cash in those gift cards. Do not let your Christmas gift cards go to
waste or be forgotten. Make a list of
things you want to replace, update, or add, and get shopping. General gift cards can get you great new
sheets, throw pillows, wall art, and contemporary accessories on someone else’s
dollar.
8.
Set the table. If your dining table now looks pretty sparse,
put together a centerpiece that will carry you through spring. Use natural elements like branches, stones,
moss, and water for simple and easy décor.
Or focus on the next holiday and pepper your table with some pink and
red as you look ahead to Valentine’s Day.
9.
Highlight your front door. Minus wreaths and yard decorations, the front
entry can look a little bare in January.
Arrange some taller potted plants or topiaries around your front
door. Throw down a general welcome
mat. Maybe even give your door a new
coat of paint to spruce up your curb appeal.
10. Make your
own list and check it twice. Santa’s on
vacation. Put pencil and paper to planning
ahead for your spring cleaning. Take
stock now of projects you could work in over the next few months so you can
prepare a budget and set aside time.
Consider things like adding to your spring flowerbeds, getting your
carpets professionally cleaned, fixing any household repairs in need, and
painting inside or out.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star January 15th.
