The start of a new year is the perfect time to hit the reset button—not just for yourself, but for your home. After all, our homes are where we recharge, relax, and spend most of our time. 

At COIT, we believe in practical resolutions that help you create a cleaner, healthier, and more organized living space without feeling overwhelmed. We rounded up 16 resolutions you can actually stick to that will give your home the fresh start it deserves.

1. Declutter One Area at a Time

We get it—decluttering can feel like a monumental task, but breaking it down into manageable chunks makes it much more doable. 

Start small: focus on one area at a time, whether it's a single room, closet, garage, or even just one drawer. Set a timer for 15 minutes, and see how much you can get rid of. We recommend donating or selling what you no longer need, giving your items a new life instead of letting them collect dust.

2. Organize Your Entryway

The entryway is the first and last area you see every time you leave or return home, and a messy, disorganized entry can make coming and going more stressful. 

Start by adding a shoe rack, hooks for coats, and a basket for keys and mail. This simple setup can make a huge difference in keeping things tidy and making your home feel more welcoming.

If you’re like us and find yourself constantly losing track of your keys or mail, a dedicated "landing pad" for these items will change your life!

3. Create a Cleaning Schedule That Sticks

Cleaning schedules don’t need to be complicated. Whether you’re a fan of digital reminders or prefer an old-school wall calendar, commit to creating a routine that works for you. Break down cleaning tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly jobs so nothing gets missed.

For example:

• Daily: Wipe down kitchen counters and sinks.
• Weekly: Dust surfaces, vacuum carpets, and mop floors.
• Monthly: Deep clean the fridge and tackle your bathrooms.

Having a cleaning schedule helps you avoid last-minute scrambles when guests arrive and keeps your home feeling fresh.

4. Improve Air Quality with Regular HVAC Maintenance

Your HVAC system works hard to keep your home comfortable year-round. To improve indoor air quality, make it a habit to change your air filters every 2-3 months. This simple task ensures your system runs efficiently and helps keep allergens, dust, and other particles from circulating in your home.

If you’re unsure which type of filter to use, check the MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value). Higher MERV ratings (like 8 to 13) are more efficient at capturing smaller particles like pet dander and pollen. You’ll breathe easier, trust us.

5. Switch to Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

We’ve seen a growing trend towards sustainable living, and your cleaning routine is no exception. This year, resolve to switch to eco-friendly cleaning products that are just as effective as their chemical-heavy counterparts. Look for products labeled as non-toxic, biodegradable, or certified by organizations like EPA Safer Choice.

Not only are these better for the environment, but they also create a healthier home for you and your family—especially if you have young children or pets.

6. Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery

You wouldn’t believe the amount of dirt and allergens that hide in your carpets and upholstery, even if you vacuum regularly. Kick off the year by scheduling a professional deep clean for these high-traffic areas. At COIT, we specialize in removing built-up dirt and grime that regular vacuums can’t handle.

Trust us—nothing feels better than fresh, clean carpets under your feet.

7. Get Your Air Ducts Cleaned

If you or someone in your home suffers from allergies, it’s time to look into getting your air ducts professionally cleaned. Dust, pet hair, and other allergens can build up over time, reducing the quality of the air circulating through your home. Getting those ducts cleaned every few years will help keep your HVAC system efficient and your home’s air clean.

Pro tip: Make sure your ducts are inspected during the cleaning to catch any potential issues early.

8. Seal Tile and Grout

Over time, tile and grout in high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms can become stained and worn out. Adding a sealer can protect your surfaces from moisture, mold, and stains, extending the life of your tile and making it easier to clean.

You only need to do this once a year, but it makes a huge difference.

9. Upgrade to Smart Home Technology

Smart home gadgets aren’t just for tech enthusiasts— they can help you save energy, time, and money. Consider investing in a smart thermostat, which allows you to control the temperature from your phone and can help lower energy bills.

You could also look into smart lighting, which lets you adjust your home’s lighting remotely, or smart locks for added security. It’s one small upgrade that can have a big impact on how you manage your home.

10. Create a Home Maintenance Calendar

We all forget about those essential but infrequent home maintenance tasks—like checking the smoke detectors or cleaning the dryer vent. This year, stay on top of these responsibilities by creating a digital home maintenance calendar with recurring reminders. Whether it’s flushing your water heater or cleaning your chimney, these tasks help keep your home safe. 

Here’s a sample breakdown:

• Yearly: Clean the dryer vent, flush your hot water heater, clean the chimney, and inspect your fire extinguisher.
• Every Six Months: Replace smoke alarm batteries and clean your gutters.
• Monthly: Replace HVAC filters and clean range hoods.

With a few digital reminders, you’ll never have to wonder when you last checked the smoke detectors!

11. Simplify by Giving Away One Bag of Items Per Month

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a big, overwhelming event. A great way to ease into it is by filling one bag with items to donate or recycle each month. Whether it’s old clothes, electronics, or books you’ve outgrown, this gradual approach helps you simplify without feeling like you need to tackle everything at once.

The key is consistency. After 12 months, you’ll be amazed at how much lighter your home feels.

12. Invest in Storage Solutions

One of the best ways to combat clutter is by investing in practical storage solutions. Whether it’s under-the-bed bins, stackable containers, or floating shelves, having dedicated storage for your belongings makes it easier to stay organized.

If you find that things are constantly out of place, it’s likely because they don’t have a designated home. Make sure everything has its spot, and you’ll spend far less time tidying up.

13. Focus on Energy Efficiency

With energy costs on the rise, now is the time to make your home more energy-efficient. Start by checking for drafts around windows and doors, and seal any gaps with weather stripping or caulking. You can also install energy-efficient light bulbs or upgrade to ENERGY STAR appliances to save on your energy bills throughout the year.

Don’t forget about insulation! Proper insulation in your attic and walls will help keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.

14. Add Houseplants for Healthier Air

Houseplants can brighten up your space and help purify the air. Plants like spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants are excellent at removing toxins from the air, making your home healthier to live in.

Plus, taking care of plants can be a relaxing hobby. If you’ve got a green thumb—or even if you don’t—it’s worth giving houseplants a try.

15. Make Your Home Office More Productive

With more people working from home than ever, it’s important to create a space that fosters productivity. Start by decluttering your desk, organizing cables, and adding better lighting. A comfortable chair and an ergonomic setup will help reduce strain on your body, while a tidy, well-organized space will make it easier to focus.

Need help getting started? Schedule a deep clean of your home office with COIT to get rid of dust and allergens that can accumulate in your workspace.

16. Book a Professional Cleaning for a Fresh Start

After you’ve done all this hard work, why not treat yourself to a professional cleaning? COIT can help with everything from carpet and upholstery cleaning to air duct and tile cleaning. 

Whether you’re looking to refresh your space after the holidays or prepare your home for a busy year ahead, we’ve got you covered! We’re here to help you keep your New Year’s resolutions for a cleaner, more organized home.

Contact us today to schedule your professional cleaning and start the new year feeling fresh.