As we move into the start of this new year, it’s a great time to pause and get in touch with some gratitude. As homeowners, it’s easy to get caught up with long to-do lists and household tasks, but there’s so much to be grateful for as homeowners in Chicago. And staying connected to that sense of gratitude can actually give you and your home a boost. Here’s how:

Staying Organized

When you’re grateful for your space, you’re more likely to want to keep it clean and organized. Whether it’s fixing up some of the organization systems you have in place now or investing in new ones, using gratitude to motivate you is a great way to stay on top of this organizing. Feeling that sense of appreciation for your home and all the things in it will make you want to keep it looking clean and tidy.

Keeping Up with Maintenance

Gratitude also reminds us to take care of our homes. It reminds us they’re not something we can take for granted. If we want to keep our home safe and comfortable, we need to put in the regular work to keep it that way. Going over basic maintenance checklists and ensuring that nothing slips off the radar is important for homeowners. When you realize just how much you have to be grateful for about your home, it’s only logical that these tasks are a part of caring for that.

Motivation for Projects

When you’re grateful for your home, it’s easy to get excited about all the potential it holds. Maybe you’re particularly grateful for your yard space. That’s perfect motivation for finishing up a patio design. Perhaps you're grateful for your kitchen. That can give you the energy you need to try out a new island set up. Staying grateful will also help you choose the right projects to invest in. Rather than being fueled by a feeling of comparison or frustration, your projects will be fueled by a true appreciation for your space.

Loving Your Neighborhood

Finally, gratitude reminds us to look at the area we live in with new eyes. For many homeowners, they’ve lived in their neighborhood for years now. When we think about all there is to be grateful for in our neighborhood and city, it can help us look with fresh eyes and truly appreciate the area we live in.

What’s your favorite part of your Chicago home or neighborhood? What kind of organizational tasks or other projects do you have planned for the next few months? We’d love to hear your thoughts!