With the New Year approaching, many of us are racking our brains for our next resolutions. Will this be the year I finally do the thing and am happy? Let’s challenge ourselves to set some goals that we can actually meet. Ones that aren’t too ambitious, but are achievable and will bring greater peace to our lives.
Let’s look at 5 New Year’s apartment resolutions we all should be making.
1.) If your belongings aren’t a “heck, yeah,” they’re a “heck, no.”
Minimalistic is all the rage. I bet you have heard variations of this tip. In dating, there’s the rule that if you aren’t SUPER excited about someone and/or they aren’t SUPER excited about you, then what’s the point? Then there’s the KonMari method of asking if your clothes bring you joy (and getting rid of them if they don’t). In both of these, the sentiment remains the same: if things (tangible or otherwise) in your life aren’t wonderful, let them go. In terms of apartment belongings, what are you holding onto? How can you declutter? Is it time to make a move to a new place? What about a new roommate? Ask yourself what feels unnecessary and make changes accordingly.
2.) To reduce clutter, do the tasks that take you under 5 minutes.
I can’t be the only one who doesn’t always make my bed and tends to leave some dishes in the sink. Maybe you are super organized all of the time and don’t need this tip, but if you could minimize the clutter at all in your life, this tip is a simple one. I got it from Gretchen Rubin, a happiness writer. She suggests not putting off tasks that will be quick. For example, if it will take 3 minutes to make your bed in the morning, just do it. If it will take less than 5 minutes to do your dishes before bed, go ahead and get them done. The happiness that comes from these brief tasks outweighs the effort and these small achievements add up!
3.) Create a “zen den” in your space.
I’m crunchy (and admittedly a Buddhist), but my startup recently built a “zen den” during one of our hackathons and it has been cool to see the effect it has on people! A zen den doesn’t need to be an entire room, but it can be a space that is dedicated to slowing down and unplugging for it. We all could use that after the holidays, but even all year round. In my apartment, I’m building a meditation corner with books and trinkets that bring me peace. What will you put in your zen space?
4.) Weigh your food options and experiment to find what works.
There’s a huge upward trend in food delivery. Especially with millennials; more and more value is seen in the ability to buy back time. Weigh different options to bring food into your apartment (and your belly). Is it most practical to go to the grocery store every week and cook your own meals? Should you invest in grocery delivery services like Instacart? Or, have you looked into meal prep services like Blue Apron? Perhaps eating traditional takeout is the lifestyle for you right now. Make an intention to try different methods to see what works for you. I personally like a mix of methods and my crockpot is my best friend.
5.) Improve the aesthetic of one space in your home.
You don’t have to be a Pinterest expert or have a ton of money to spruce up the look of your apartment or house. Feng Shui is a type of interior design that is practiced to bring balance, restoration, and joy to your living space. Some fun examples are: you should be able to see the door from where you sleep and light should fall at the end of your bed from a nearby window. Even simple touches like adding fairy lights to a wall in your place can change the feel of it all.
These are a few resolutions to bring more peace and happiness into our lives this year. Isn’t that what we’re all looking for? What resolutions are you making this year?