It’s that time of year again. With a new year on the horizon, many people, especially new homeowners, are experiencing a deepened sense of aspiration for the upcoming 365 days we will spend traveling together around the sun. That means New Year’s resolutions are already being mulled over within many households, and people are setting life changing goals to improve their lives in the new season.

For the new homeowner, this motivational time often means setting goals for getting situated comfortably inside their house and community. If that’s you, and you’re scratching your head about what goals to set for 2017, just sit tight, sip some holiday eggnog, and consider these resolutions for brand new homeowners.

Friendship Initiator
A new home also means a new community. Moving to a new city or even a different part of town can make it more difficult to spend time with your old colleagues and friends. It can often take months to establish your family comfortably within a new friend group, so it’s best to take the initiative and meet new people early on.

One way of stepping out of your comfort zone to make new friends is by turning the task into a New Year’s resolution. Set goals that encourage you to knock on a few neighbors’ doors, introducing yourself to the families around you. This is equally helpful for discovering fun places to spend time that you might have not found on your own — which brings me to my next suggestion:

Lay-of-the-Land Expert
Once you’ve unpacked a few boxes, maybe then it’s time to discover the hidden gems that surround your new house: I mean restaurants, eclectic stores, and the classiest wine bars. Eventually you’ll get to know the area near your home like the back of your hand, but to move that process along more quickly, establish a New Year’s resolution that urges you to experience more local shops or dining areas sooner rather than later. Not only will you discover local favorites, but you’ll also support your new community by investing in local businesses.

Designer Extraordinaire
Even the most picture perfect homes can use a few personal design touches to make them feel more like home. This year commit to implementing one of those projects. This might mean budgeting for the project, or even getting right to work painting, resurfacing, or adding inventive touches to your house. Projects like these can often even add value to a home, so reach into your creative toolbox and give the place your personal, artistic touch.

Culinary Opportunist
This year bring something new to the table — literally! There is no better time to learn new recipes for your family than in the fresh atmosphere of your new home’s kitchen. Perhaps you can even purchase for yourself a new recipe book or find a website you like. You’re the chef; experiment a little.

Lifestyle Revitalizationist
Similar to the transition into a new year, transitioning into a new home is a remarkable opportunity for a revitalizing fresh start. As you unpack your belongings and get to know the neighbors, make resolutions that make both the new home and the new year a time when your habits are used to invest more healthily into your family, community, mind, body, and home than any year or home prior. It’s never too late to make your lifestyle reflect your dreams. Happy New Year!

[cf]skyword_tracking_tag[/cf]