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The start of a new year is a joyous occasion, filled with hope and promises to do better than we did last year. However, after the ball drops and the confetti is swept away, many are left not quite sure how to fulfill those resolutions to which they passionately committed. So, if you have resolved to be more productive and responsible this year, allow us to offer some helpful tips for where to begin.

With the craziness of the last few years, now more than ever, your apartment should be your safe space where you can rest and relax. So, if you have resolved to make 2023 better than ever, why not start there?

Here are 7 New Year’s resolutions for apartment renters in 2023:

1. Clean that thing you have been putting off cleaning, yes that one. We all have that one chore we dread doing, often resulting in procrastinating doing so for much longer than we would freely admit. Whether it is cleaning the stove or finally emptying out your fridge and freezer, delaying the inevitable isn’t doing anything but prolonging your suffering. So be brave, empty out that freezer, and remind yourself that a clean fridge will keep you healthier. As an additional bonus, a clean freezer means there is now much more room for ice cream!

2. Declutter your space. Out with the old and in with the new (within reason of course)! Why not set a challenge for yourself and try a “declutter one thing a day” method? You can make up and modify your own rules, but in general:
3. 1. Get rid of one unused item a day.
   2. You can get rid of two things one day, and none the next.
   3. Listing something for sale or donation counts as getting rid of the item, even though it is technically still in your possession.

3. Rearrange your furniture. An impact on your environment, such as one that occurs when furniture pieces are placed in a way that pleases you, can lift your mood and provide satisfaction. Rearranging your furniture and apartment is also a simple way to add clarity to your space and to your mind. As you declutter one item a day, give thought to the furniture that you have and ensure that it is serving you as much as possible. Just because most people have a couch against a wall doesn’t mean that you must! This is your space to be creative and free.

Be bold and move your furniture and decorations around to see what you like. The worst thing that can happen is that you get a good workout in while moving them back.
 

4. Automate your bill payments. Sign up with TenantPay and never miss a rent payment again. Is your memory not your strong suit? Not to worry, you are not alone. You can now set up a recurring monthly rent payment to make sure you never have the sinking realization that you are late on a rent payment again.

Property Management companies such as Panoramic Properties use TenantPay to make payments simpler and easier for their tenants. All you need to do is log into your existing banking website or app and make a payment. Your Property Manager will provide you with a tenant number of that you send your payment to. Once you send the payment, it is immediately deposited into the Property Manager’s account. Want to make it even easier? You can set up a recurring payment for the first of each month.

While you are in your bank account, might as well automate any other recurring bill payments that you have. Life is complicated enough, remembering to pay your bills on time doesn’t have to be.

5. Save more money. You work hard for your money and should make sure you are saving as much of it as you can. Budgeting apps such as Mint and You Need a Budget (YNAB) can help you track how you are spending money and aid you in setting budgeting goals for yourself.

Another way you may be unintentionally spending money is in pesky, forgotten auto-renewing service fees. Whether you have an Android or an iPhone, you should check your phone to make sure you aren’t paying any unnecessary subscription fees. Open your Settings and look under Subscriptions to ensure that you are only paying for services you use.

6. Spruce up your place with some plants. Science shows that having indoor plants in your apartment has many benefits. Some of these include reduced stress, a greater ability to concentrate, improved air quality, and a boost in productivity. Research studies even show that plants may help you recover from illness faster!

Here is a list of some of the most apartment-friendly plants. Just make sure that if you have pets or children you choose plants that are non-toxic to them.

7. Master a new recipe. Browse the New York Times’s list of their “20 Most Popular Recipes of 2022” to find your next signature dish. Whether entertaining guests or cooking for yourself on a night in, having a go-to comfort dish can be a game changer. Not only can it inspire you to skip the food ordering apps in lieu of home cooking, but it can also grow your cooking confidence. This means you can save money while having complete control of the ingredients and sauces used.
    

These are just a few examples of changes that you can make in 2023. As Newton wisely said, “objects in motion stay in motion” and the same applies when developing positive habits. You just need to start. Once you begin to see that you can do it and you can take control and complete these tasks, it is easier to keep going. In the process you may even develop and add more resolutions to your routine and, hopefully, you will have fun while doing so!