Your home is your sanctuary, but it needs refreshes now and then to keep it looking and you feeling good.

Many people include home renovation projects in their New Year’s resolutions so they can enjoy it more, but some of those projects take a while and can be costly. 

If you want to change your house, but a major home improvement project is too much to tackle, you can still do plenty. 

Here are eight simple projects you can take on to improve your home this year.  

1. Add Weatherstripping 

Both old and new homes can be victims of drafts. They can make you and your guests uncomfortable and force your heating and air conditioning systems to work harder–wasting energy and costing you more money throughout the year. 

You can eliminate these woes by taking a few minutes to install weatherstripping on any guilty doors or windows. These strips create a tight seal between the item and its frame, blocking outside air from entering.

Here’s how to install new weatherstripping. 

• Clean Your Frame - Use an appropriate cleaner to remove dust, dirt and debris from your window or door frame. 

• Measure It - You’ll need to measure the length and width of your frame to cut the right amount of stripping. Also, measure the distance between any door and its jam to determine how thick the strip should be.

• Cut the Weatherstripping - Once you have the right weatherstripping, cut strips based on the door frame measurements. You can hold them to the frame to ensure the right size.

• Adhere the Strips - Once you're confident in your measurement, install the weatherstripping according to its package instructions. 

2. Build A Flower Bed 

If you want to add natural beauty to your exterior, consider making a flower bed for your yard with a few easy steps. 

• Plan the Location - Your flower bed should be in an area with sunlight, laying as flat as possible on the grass. 

• Build the Frame - You can make your frame out of wood, stone or another sturdy material. 

• Install the Frame - Once built, your frame can go on loosened grass and dirt. 

• Mix-in Your Soil - Choose a soil designed for your hardiness area and the plants you wish to produce. Mix it in with the dirt in the ground to create a space ready for plants. 

With the new bed, you can gather materials and add bulbs or seasonal flowers throughout the year. 

3. Powerwash Your Exterior

Often, house siding needs to be addressed during normal home maintenance. Washing it this year can make it shine. 

A powerwasher is one of the most effective tools for cleaning your home’s exterior. Stand eight to 10 feet away from your siding when washing it. Start at the top and spray downwards on a low-pressure setting to clean the siding without pushing water underneath it and damaging your home. 

4. Upgrade Your Lightbulbs 

If you still have fluorescent bulbs in your home, it’s time to upgrade. 

Light-emitting diode bulbs can last for up to a decade, are environmentally friendly and are cool to the touch. 

They’re recommended by the United States Department of Energy thanks to their energy-saving power that also saves you money. You can find them in almost any big box or home improvement store. 

5. Install Vinyl Tiles 

Consider installing vinyl tile if you want to give your floor a new look. Connect the planks along your floor to make them look like they were there all along. 

Ensure that you clean your floors and let them dry completely before taking on this project to ensure a clean finish. 

6. Clean Your Carpets 

One of the easiest ways to deep clean your carpet is by renting a carpet shampooer from a local hardware store. You could also use a steamer to get a deep and sanitary clean. 

If you don’t have those machines at your disposal or just don’t want to spend the money, there is a natural, more affordable way to clean them. 

• Combine equal parts of borax, salt and vinegar until it forms a paste. 

• Spread the paste on your carpet, focusing on stains.

• Let it dry on the carpet before vacuuming it off. 

Regardless of the method, cleaning your carpets is a great way to refresh your home. 

7. Polish Your Hardwood 

Hardwood floors are an excellent option for any home, but they can look dull without the right care. 

Here’s how you can make them shine this year. 

• Sweep away any dust or dirt.

• Prepare your floor cleaner based on its instructions. 

• Dampen your mop with the solution before running it over the floor, gently scrubbing at stains. 

Once you allow the floor to dry, use a flat mop to spread the right polish onto it. By restoring your hardwood to its original beauty, you can transform the look of your house this year. 

Improving Your Home This Year

When it comes to your home, you don’t need to dedicate weeks or months to a home improvement project to rejuvenate it. 

By completing simple projects throughout the year, you can improve your home’s quality for years to come.