5 Home-Happy Habits You Can Start Right Now

Every big endeavor starts with a simple step--so if you're looking to enjoy your home more in 2017, why not get started with one of these five home-happy habits?

Take a look below to learn more.

Make a schedule

One of the best ways to ensure a safe, happy home is to make a schedule--not of all the things you have to do on a given day (though that can certainly be helpful!), but a schedule of home safety. For example, you can make the first of the month the day you regularly test your smoke detector, and replace the batteries every year in February (or any time that you can easily remember). Just like you have a schedule for school drop-offs and everyday activities, this kind of schedule can keep you, your family, and your home safe and secure.

Follow the two-minute rule

It's hard to feel at ease in an overly-cluttered space. To help combat the everyday clutter, why not try out the two-minute rule? The rule suggests that if something takes two minutes or less, you should do it right away. Whether it's a few dishes in the sink or a cluttered tabletop, following this handy rule can allow you to do more in what seems like less time. It's also a great way to motivate yourself to do even bigger tasks--once you're up, you may decide to finish up other chores while you're at it.

Plan for pileups

Piles of clutter and assorted items are bound to happen in any household--but when you plan for them ahead of time, you can prevent these piles from creating an eyesore in your space! Keep a handy mail tray near the front door so bills and the occasional junk mail don't fall through the cracks or clutter your hall table, or repurpose an old key hook to hold everything for Fido--his leash, plastic bags, and anything else you might need for afternoon walks.

Make mealtime meaningful

If you've fallen into the habit of skipping dinner or rushing your lunch, it's time to rethink your routine and make mealtime more meaningful! Get into the habit of sharing a meal with family when you're all home, even if it's just sandwiches and a quick snack. You'll appreciate those few minutes of downtime, and it's a great way to feel more at ease right at home.

Plan for family fun

Your best intentions can't make family fun and time together happen--it's something you have to seek out and plan for! Keep a family calendar on a wall or on your refrigerator and keep a running list of activities you'd like to do--trips to the mall, time outside, cannonball contest, etc. The next time everyone's experiencing afternoon boredom, you can pull out your list and pick out a special activity to enjoy.

We hope that these tips help you enjoy your home to the fullest in the year ahead!