Take account of your home
Keep track of your spending and planned projects
Working with a plan is the most important rule of Homemaking.
The year is 25% done. Are you?
The first quarter of the year has come and gone. As the leaves start turning and the mornings grow crisp, take a minute to check in on your check lists.
When we started 2025, we spoke about planning your home renovation year and sorting out your maintenance routine. We even spoke about your home making resolutions. We are now halfway to halfway, and it’s time for an honest discussion on what you have done so far.
Start with the positives.
Think about yourself like you would about a child you love. Instead of focussing on your failures, rather ask – What have I done so far?
Now is not the time to be dismissive of your victories.
If your new years resolutions included decluttering a specific surface, or sorting out one drawer in your kitchen, and you have successfully done this, write it down on your “DONE” list! Even the smallest victory that has an influence on your home and lifestyle matters.
Sort out your admin
Follow up on quotes requested, and decide which, if any, you can afford to accept. If you trialled a new furniture configuration, planting or decorating style, think about its practicality long and hard before making your final decision about sticking to it. Get rid of a new feature or piece of décor that just doesn’t work (maybe a Christmas present from someone who doesn’t know you).
Take the grudge out of “Grudge buy”
Take particular care with your routine maintenance list. We know that things like roof repairs and plumbing upkeep can be grudge purchases when you would rather be spending that money on personal luxuries. But the moment that water is pouring in or not draining out, all the personal luxuries in the world won’t be worth more than emergency plumbing and roof repairs.
Stop this crisis in its tracks and spend the money where you know it should be spent.
Now is the time to invest in a new project.
The grind of January and February is over, and balance is creeping back into your bank balance. Once you have a grip on what is happening with your finances, you can start planning for any big expenses. Before you investigate your cashflow we suggest you set up a Wishlist of home improvements that you want to achieve in the next 18 months. With this list in hand, look at your budget, get quotes and get building! (And don’t forget to enjoy the process…)
Don’t be short sighted
Focus on more than immediate, seasonal improvements. Just like summer bodies are made in winter, summer homes are built in winter. Swimming pools, patios, braai areas and lawns in general can’t simply be ignored until September.
On the flip side, you could also be looking back at the past few months with satisfaction. Maybe you did reach all your homemaking goals. Perhaps you found your aesthetic, upcycled what you could and made your home your own one designs choice at a time. In this case – Congratulations! You deserve a moment of relaxation before you jump back into action. Because you WILL have to jump back in.
It is never ending, but it also never ends.
The work, planning, stress and budgeting of having a place to call home is never ending, but if you keep on top of it, the joy of having such a place never ends.
The first term of each year is a learning term. If you look back now and realise that you need to pay more attention to your home, all is not lost yet! Simply put your head down, plan better and be accountable.
By doing the work now, you can still pass the year with flying colours!
