Things to do on the first Sunday of 2015

Every year when January rolls around you vow to lose weight, save money or spend more time with family and friends. But what goals do you set for your home? It’s the first Sunday of the new year so it’s only fair you include your ‘nest’ in this list.

From decoration to cleanliness, and from maintenance to improvement, you must chalk out a plan this year around. Gathered by Time magazine, money.usnews.com, and boldsky.com, we’ve put together an inspiring list of home management goals you can accomplish today.

Streamline the stuff



Each year most of us purchase heaps of stuff. Without some regular purging, cabinets and drawers get crowded and it becomes almost impossible to locate the things you use and enjoy the most. In addition, the clutter makes your house look dated and dirty, designers say. “This year resolve to go room-by-room periodically clearing anything that you don’t use, wear or love and donate it. After that, think twice about what you bring in,” says Antoinette Nue, an Atlanta consultant. “Fill your home with the things that raise your energy level and make you feel good, and get rid of the things that drain your energy or are broken,” she says. Clear your wardrobes and counters of everything you don’t use on a daily basis. And get ready to breathe a little easier in your own home.

Deep clean



With the strong gusts of winds, floors can get very dusty in Pakistani winter. Dust collects in between every carpet fibre, and the floors take on an unpleasant dust coat. To combat this, take the time to steam clean your carpet and scrub the floors. Dust your home’s surfaces from top to bottom to help keep the dust to a manageable level. Don’t forget ceiling fan blades, the tops of window sills, and the tops of books — all of which are often overlooked and can collect dust easily.  Also, give your lighting fixtures a good dusting. Dust easily collects on them during the winter, and can make your indoor light look dingy. This will make a big difference in brightening things up. To even out the hygiene and wear and tear on your mattress, Martha Stewart, founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia recommends that you both flip and rotate your mattress at least once each quarter. Also don’t forget to check mattresses, comforters and blankets for fungus and mould.

Focus on the kitchen



Pakistanis and spices go hand in hand. This time around, please part with some of them. Go through your pantry and throw away those that are expired or have just a teeny bit left in the bottom. Spices like haldi and cayenne pepper have a long shelf life but they can get soggy after sometime, and that’s when it’s time to toss them. This Sunday, labels your spices with the date they were bought and discard them after six months, which is when most dried spices lose their oomph. To make life easier, return them to the rack in alphabetical order, making retrieval much easier. Apart from the pantry, clean out the most overlooked and contaminated places in the kitchen. The refrigerator door handle, kitchen ceilings and exhaust fans collect the most germs and bacteria but are least cleaned.

Winterise the kids



With the short winter vacations in places like Karachi, it is essential for kids to be prepped now than later for the cold season to avoid sickness and allergies during the academic year. Schedule dental checkups and annual visits to the doctor and various specialists (eye doctor, orthodontist, etc.), if you don’t have an appointment already scheduled. With all of the bugs that go around during winter time, making sure you have the necessary medicines, such as cough syrups and cold lozenges, to avoid untimely trips to the pharmacy. Fleecy pyjamas, socks, and thermals, are a must for cold days. Make sure when dressing children in winter gear that it’s not too tight, you don’t want to cut off circulation but let it be just snug. It’s also important to keep kids hydrated with low sugar drinks and plenty of fruit to pack in antioxidants for a stronger immune system.

Look into interiors



Each year most of us are determined to spend more time with family and friends. So why not give the areas you entertain in a little update? You don’t have go broke investing in a total lounge re-model. All it takes to get a fresh new look is a little bit of rearranging, says interior designer Shane McCormick. One easy update that makes your home seem more ‘finished’ is the addition of plants, he says. “They bring in new energy and help clean the air,” she says. “And it’s a great way to decorate if you’re on a budget.” Pulling out a new accent colour from your existing decor can make the whole room seem fresh. Pick an underused colour in the room and add more of it in the form of a new pillow or throw to revise your look, McCormick advises. A colourful rug can also help anchor your space and emit a more welcoming vibe. Lastly, take some time to rearrange your furniture so it is not just facing the television. That just might up your chances for real conversations and connections in the New Year.

Compiled By: Umnia Shahid

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2015.

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