January is a great time to take on home projects that will help you start the year off on the right foot. Here are some ideas to consider:

Home

  1. Pack away holiday decorations: As fun as it is to unearth boxes of holiday decorations in November, there is nothing enjoyable about packing them all away again in January. Big box stores will have plenty of bins and containers to help you stash your holiday trimmings, but with a little planning and ingenuity, you can create your own DIY solutions that will work just as well.
  2. Shop the after-holidays sales: Many shoppers know that January is the best time to pick up discounted Christmas decorations, new TVs, or on-sale towels and linens. You may be tempted to stock up, but make judicious purchases. If you’re already testing the limits of your home storage, adopt a “one out, one in” policy. When buying new decor, identify an old or outworn item for it to replace. You’ll have less to organize and keep clean.
  3. Put your house on an energy diet: This month, as you make your resolutions to spend less, go on a diet, join a gym, learn a new skill, or perhaps just find more time for yourself, consider adding another goal for 2024: using less energy. If you want to keep your house trim and fit in the new year, adopt these 10 easy ways to reduce your energy consumption and costs.
  4. Plan this year’s renovations: Is it in your budget to redo the kitchen or bathroom this year? As you make financial plans for the new year (and start working on you 2023 taxes, take the time to plan for any upcoming remodels. Set a dollar limit now to help you decide whether to call a contractor or DIY.  Just be sure to set aside 15 to 20 percent as a buffer, because most remodeling projects go over budget.
  5. Build a better fire: Although many of today’s homeowners opt for the convenience of a gas fireplace, the traditionalists among us still prefer the smoky smell, crackling sound, and tactile ritual of a real wood fire. There is an art to building a fire, but it all begins with the right choice of wood –  and of course, a fireplace that has been properly maintained.
  6. Deep clean your home: January is the perfect time to give your home a thorough cleaning. Start by decluttering and organizing your belongings. Then, dust and vacuum your home from top to bottom. Don’t forget to clean your windows and mirrors for a sparkling finish.
  7. Organize your pantry: Take stock of your pantry and get rid of any expired or stale food. Then, organize your remaining items by category and label your shelves for easy access.
  8. Update your decor: Add some new decor to your home to freshen up your space. Consider adding some cozy blankets, throw pillows, or candles to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Garden

Start planning your vegetable garden: January is a great time to start planning your vegetable garden for the upcoming growing season. Consider what you want to grow and where you want to plant it. Make a list of the seeds you need to order and start preparing your garden beds for planting:

  1. Remove existing vegetation: Remove any existing vegetation from the area you want to plant in. This includes grass, weeds, and other plants that may be growing there.
  2. Prepare the soil: Once you’ve cleared the area, it’s time to prepare the soil. You can do this by adding compost or other organic matter to the soil. This will help improve the soil quality and provide nutrients for your plants.
  3. Test the soil: It’s a good idea to test your soil to see what nutrients it may be lacking. You can purchase a soil testing kit at your local garden center or online.
  4. Add fertilizer: Based on the results of your soil test, you may need to add fertilizer to your soil. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully.
  5. Create raised beds: If you’re planting in an area with poor soil quality, you may want to consider creating raised beds. This will allow you to control the soil quality and provide better drainage for your plants.
  6. Mulch the soil: Once you’ve prepared your soil, you can add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and prevent weeds from growing.
  7. Prune your trees and shrubs: January is a great time to prune your trees and shrubs while they are still dormant. This will help promote healthy growth in the spring.
  8. Plant bare root trees and shrubs: If you’re looking to add some new trees or shrubs to your garden, January is the perfect time to plant bare root varieties. This will give them plenty of time to establish their roots before the growing season begins.

I hope these ideas help you get started on your home and garden projects for January! If you are looking for a new Home project, call us at Pemberton Holmes Nanaimo 250-753-9688 or contact on of our helpful Realtors Nanaimo Real Estate Agents – Pemberton Holmes Nanaimo Office

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