New Year’s Resolutions for Your Mobile Home

New Year’s resolutions have gotten a bad rap in recent years, with mental health professionals noting that – whatever the positive, life-enhancing motives behind them – our January wish lists are rarely rooted in reality. The result is that too many people are plunged into depression when they realize they will not achieve a favorite, albeit unachievable, goal. Personal resolutions are a no-win situation.

That said, there is something about having a fresh start each January 1 that feels good and exciting. Perhaps the answer lies in pursuing something smaller and more manageable than pledging to read a book a week or taking up skydiving. Owners of manufactured homes, for instance, can convert their self-improvement impulse into a home-improvement one. Here is a list of realistic resolutions manufactured homeowners might want to consider pursuing in 2023.

Paint Job: Nothing says “nothing’s changed” than seeing the same color on your walls year after year. The start of 2023 provides the perfect moment to significantly upgrade your environment by updating your home’s color scheme. You’ll be surprised how much a fresh coat of vibrant paint makes your home feel newer and look cleaner.

Landscaping: Once the interior of your unit is sparkling and fresh, it’s time to turn your attention to the exterior. Consider adding some bushes or flowers to the front of your home to make it look more appealing and welcoming. You’ll be glad you did come spring and summer.

Neglected Chores: You will find these around every home – important maintenance to-do’s no one has taken the time to do. (And who can blame them?) The new year offers just the incentive you need to get going on that list by repairing that weather stripping, cleaning out your dishwasher or donating those old clothes to a favorite non-profit.

Get Efficient: Make the commitment to make 2023 the year you increase your unit’s energy efficiency. This can be done in ways large (adding mobile home roof insulation) and small (changing your light bulbs to more efficient models). The costs incurred in the process will be more than outweighed by lower utility bills year-round.

Emergency Preparedness Kit: Americans in recent years have seen repeated examples of how climate change is impacting our weather. Massive wildfires, increased tornado activity, deadly hurricanes – climate change is here, it’s real and it poses a particularly acute threat to manufactured housing. The turn of the year provides just the moment you need to assemble an emergency preparedness kit complete with such necessary items as flashlights, batteries, toilet paper and basic first aid. And while you’re at it, create and being practicing a family emergency escape plan.

Join Your Neighborhood Watch: While not a home improvement project, participating in a neighborhood watch can increase the safety of your home and community. It’s also a great way to get to know your neighbors better.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.