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Home Improvement Hacks to Start Your Year Organized

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The new year has arrived, which only means one thing —it’s resolution season!

From starting a garden to designing the home office space of your dreams, these mini projects combine everything resolutions are all about: Increasing productivity, trying something new, and getting those creative juices flowing.

Here are five home improvement resolutions to make for 2018 that your future self will definitely thank you for.

Organize Your Shelves

organize fridge htl

(Photo Credit: Chris Warnes)

Start with the spaces you use the most: Organize your fridge, clean out kitchen cabinets, declutter your bookshelves, and go through your closets. Now is the time to curate those shelves and go crazy with your label maker.

Try arranging books by color or investing in a collection of mason jars. Not only will the spaces look more visually pleasing, but having everything in an easy-to-navigate system will save you time and minimize stress — especially if kids are in the mix.

Start a Garden

organize garden htl

(Photo Credit: Claire Takacs)

Start small — a vegetable patch, vertical herb garden, or compost pile are great for beginners, especially if you have kids.

If an outdoor garden doesn’t suit your lifestyle, consider low maintenance indoor plants that are hard to kill such as a lush lady palm or statement making yucca.

Decorate Awkward Spaces

awkward spaces htl

(Photo Credit: James Henry)

Whether it’s an awkward space under the stairs or a narrow hallway, pay a little more attention to the spaces in your home that have been forgotten or neglected.

Small spaces can often accommodate a nice table or bench — add a stool and transform an awkward space that looks great and adds functionality.

Restore Old Furniture

organize mirror htl

(Photo Credit: James Henry)

Save money, recycle, and give your home a truly unique touch by restoring old furniture. Sometimes all you need is a new coat of paint and some updated hardware.

eBay and garage sales are great places to find unique items that can be transformed with a little creativity. The vanity pictured above was an old antique. It was easily updated by inserting a bowl and modern tap ware.

Optimize Your Home Office

home office htl

(Photo Credit: Andrew Finlayson)

Whether it’s a tiny nook or a dedicated study room, utilize areas with plenty of natural light. If you find yourself doing the brunt of your tasks here after dark, invest in pendant lighting and decorative desk lamps.

Never skimp on seating — get a chair that is stylish, functional, but above all, comfortable. You should also get a desk with plenty of space.

Lastly, organize your storage space, mark your yearly calendar with important dates, get the label maker out, and tackle paperwork. Your future self will thank you come tax season.

This post was written by Nikki Chowdury. For more, check out our sister site Homes to Love.

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