12 New Year’s Resolutions for a Happier, Healthier Home in 2026

January: Design a home gym to help you reach your fitness goals

If getting fit is on your list of New Year’s resolutions for 2026, setting up a home gym can make it much easier to stick with it. Start by decluttering that catch-all room first, then turn it into a motivating workout space by adding these must-have features:

• Get a mirror with safety backing to keep an eye on your form and your progress.
• Invest in some shock-absorbent rubber flooring.
• Install an industrial fan to stay cool during high-intensity workouts.
• Set up a smart TV for digital subscriptions and free YouTube workouts.
• Purchase gym equipment specific to your fitness needs.

According to HomeAdvisor, building a home gym costs an average of $7,750. But don’t let the sticker shock fool you: A home gym practically pays for itself. Working out from home can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars a year, considering the average fitness membership costs $120 to $2,400 annually.

February: Upgrade your windows to improve your home’s insulation

A warm home is a happy home. Make a new year’s resolution to replace drafty windows. While upgrading your windows in frigid February might seem counterintuitive, it’s easier to book this project and secure a good deal in the industry’s off-season. Energy-efficient windows are better insulated and can save you up to 13% annually on your energy bills or $200 to $600 every year on average, depending on your location.

Plus, new windows increase your home’s value and marketability when it’s time to sell. This added value, combined with off-season installation savings, makes replacing your home’s windows one of the smartest investments you’ll make all year.

For optimal insulation, determine your home’s climate zone on EnergyStar.gov and purchase windows with a matching Energy Star label.

March: Boost your productivity with spring cleaning and decluttering

Over the years, you’ve accumulated a surplus of personal belongings: home decor, spare linens, and duplicate kitchenware. While personal touches help make a house feel like home, too much stuff can hurt your productivity and take a toll on your overall well-being. Seize on the spring cleaning spirit and declutter your living space following these top tips:

• Declutter one room at a time.
• Designate a “maybes” box and set a reminder to go through it in a few months to make the final cuts.
• Check the expiration date on products and perishable goods, and throw out expired items.
• Review your wardrobe seasonally and donate or toss any unwanted garments.

Believe it or not, a decluttered, organized home can help you progress towards your other New Year’s resolutions, such as saving money and living a healthier lifestyle.

For instance, a deep clean creates a healthier environment by removing dust and other irritants from the air that cause allergies. Decluttering also helps you save money as you rediscover forgotten items and avoid buying duplicates.

Improve indoor air quality

Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up. It’s the perfect time to breathe easier at home. Replace or clean your HVAC filters, dust hard-to-reach areas, and consider using air-purifying plants to reduce allergens.

Regularly ventilating your home and keeping humidity levels in check can also make a noticeable difference. These small steps create a fresher, healthier environment for you and your family all year long.

April: Build a three-season room to increase your living space

Enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of your home by building a three- or four-season room in April. Top real estate agent Mark Deering, who works with over 83% more single-family homes than the average agent in Grand Rapids, Michigan, shares that sunrooms are a trending home upgrade as homeowners seek affordable ways to increase their square footage.

“We’ve personally added another three-season outdoor space just so that we’ve got another spot to go sit and relax,” he shares.

The average cost to add a sunroom runs between $22,000 and $75,000, depending on your home’s location, the size of the room, and the quality of materials. Thankfully, this project yields a healthy return on investment (ROI), typically recouping 49% of project costs.

Rearrange furniture for comfort and efficiency

If your sunroom feels underused, sometimes all it takes is changing the furniture layout to make it a favorite spot again. Try moving pieces to improve traffic flow, maximize natural light, or create cozy conversation areas.

You can give other rooms in your home a fresh feel by simply rearranging the furniture. This simple shift can also enhance heating and cooling efficiency by allowing air to circulate more freely. It not only gives your space a new look but can make your home feel more functional and inviting.

May: Organize your home records to stay on top of maintenance

You’ve made it to May, and it’s time to check in on your New Year’s resolution to stay organized — starting with your home maintenance records.

Collect printed and digital home records, including instruction manuals, appliance warranties, home improvement records (like the receipts for that sunroom addition you just put in), and repair invoices. Then organize and save the documents in a physical or digital file.

By organizing these documents, you can review and reflect on the investments you’ve made to improve your home. You can better plan future repairs by taking note of maintenance that’s upcoming or overdue. Plus, when it’s time to sell, you can easily justify your asking price and present records of significant upgrades to the appraiser.

June: Boost curb appeal to make better first impressions

Often, New Year’s resolutions revolve around improving our personal image, particularly how we present ourselves to others. Why not channel that resolution into your home by upgrading its curb appeal? A beautiful exterior welcomes guests to your home and attracts buyers when it’s time to sell.

July: Schedule a plumbing check-up

A yearly check-up on your home’s plumbing system from a master plumber can save you money and heartache by preventing problems before they spiral out of hand. Once your home’s plumbing is in good health, keep it that way by regularly checking for common sources of leaks:

• Check your water heater: Check your water heater once every two months for signs of aging or leaks.
• Test your main shut-off valve: Be sure you know how to operate the main shut-off valve for your plumbing system in case of an emergency. What’s even more crucial is knowing that it works. Remember to test your shut-off valve once a month in the summer and twice a month in the winter when pipes are prone to bursting.

August: Boost efficiency and appeal with smart home technology

Adding smart home features is an easy way to improve how your home functions while also making it more appealing to future buyers. These upgrades can simplify everyday life and add modern value to your space. Some smart renovations worth considering include:

September: Plan your home’s future remodel

If you want to add value to your home, Deering recommends remodeling your kitchen or primary bathroom. A mid-range kitchen remodel costs an average of $28,458 and recovers 113% of project costs at resale. With a sizable price tag, you’ll want to plan this remodel well in advance to ensure you get all of the details right.

Draft up a home renovation plan:

• Find inspiration on Pinterest and Houzz.
• Get quotes from general contractors.
• Create a savings plan to finance the project.

Deering also recommends consulting a local real estate agent on what finishes and materials sell best in your market.

“Ask your local real estate agent, who has a lot of experience, which projects are going to help in your neighborhood. You’d be surprised that 50% of the projects homeowners think they want to go after might not make any difference in the value of their home or make any difference in the sale.”

October: Cut down your energy bills with LED light bulbs

The arrival of fall means shorter days and longer nights. It also means more time spent indoors with the lights on — and higher energy bills. Save a buck by changing to energy-efficient LED light bulbs.

According to the Department of Energy, LED lights use a whopping 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. For the average homeowner, this translates into approximately $225 in savings each year.

Whether you cut your incandescent cold turkey or start the LED transition process slowly, consider these smart LED light bulb options as you improve your home’s energy efficiency.

November: Get ready for the holidays with a fresh coat of paint

As the holidays approach, you might want to tighten your home improvement budget to spend on presents, but that doesn’t mean giving up on your home improvement resolutions. Deering has a simple, cost-friendly solution: “I would say the least expensive thing that people can do to give their home a fresh touch would be paint.”

An average-sized bedroom, about 120 square feet, will cost between $240 and $720 to have professionally painted, or you can go the DIY route to cut out the labor costs. If you’re planning on selling in the near future, choose a neutral color like Agreeable Gray or Accessible Beige by Sherwin-Williams.

If you’re in your forever home, experiment with some color therapy on an accent wall or in a powder room. Not only is a fresh coat of paint an affordable renovation, but it’s also a great talking point for guests at your holiday parties.

December: Meditate on your home maintenance resolutions

As 2025 comes to an end, take some time to congratulate yourself on the hard work you put into your home throughout the year. This type of positive encouragement actually increases your ability to keep up your good habits.

And trust us, good home habits are worth the effort. Proactive maintenance can increase your home’s value by 1% annually. Now that’s an accomplishment worth clinking glasses for!

Header Image Source: (David Papazian / Shutterstock)