Ring in the New Year and begin 2016 with a clean, safe home! This is the perfect time of year to prepare for a fresh start by completing home projects and preparing your home for a fresh new start. The following checklist will help you and inspire you to get things done. Get your cleaning products, tools, and service guide manuals ready and get started today!

• Declutter – Begin by organizing and decluttering your home. First, go through your home and search your closets for items that you no longer use or need. Donate these items to a local charity for those who will actually get use out of them. Next, you will want to organize the remaining items in your home that you decided to keep. Everything needs to have a place to call their own. If you find that you do not have enough space for your belongings, consider installing book shelves and purchasing storage containers.

• Complete Pending Projects – Home owners often begin their new year thinking of all the changes and improvements they want to make to their home. Sometimes the projects get halfway completed and sit dormant for quite a while. Finish all pending home projects.

• Clean the Outside of Your Home – South Florida experiences summer weather conditions almost all year. The rain and sunshine can cause damage to the exterior of your home. Homeowners often find mildew and mold that has formed on their patios, sidewalks and pool areas. Steam clean all surfaces to remove dirt and grime. Also, have any broken tiles or stones replaced immediately.

• Complete a Safety Check – Test all smoke detectors and alarms throughout your home. Replace batteries and conduct tests to assure everything is working properly and your family is safe.

Depending on the task and your ability to complete the projects, there might be times when you need to hire a professional. If you don’t know what you are doing, it is best to consult with someone who can guide you properly. Always take precaution and have a plan before beginning any project. Get started checking off your list so you can have your home ready for the New Year!