Resolutions for a more livable home

The holiday rush is over and the decorations are put away, but you still have plenty of New Year's resolutions to make. Besides the diet, here are 10 resolutions that will make your home a better place to live in 2010.

1. Change the batteries on your smoke detectors
Rather than waiting for your smoke detector to go off in the middle of the night when the battery goes out, get in the habit of replacing the batteries the first weekend of each year. If you have a fireplace or gas appliances, it would also be wise to install a carbon monoxide detector to avoid deadly leaks.

2. Update your insurance policies
Many people buy new items over the course of the year, especially at the holidays. If you have purchased a new computer, jewelry, art, or other major item, check with your insurance company to determine whether you need to increase your insurance. Review your policy to determine if you have "full replacement value" coverage. If your policy doesn't have this coverage and you experience a major loss, the insurance company can give you the pro-rated value of your appliances and other items. The net effect is that you will lack the funds necessary to restore your home to its original state prior to the loss.

3. Take pictures and/or video
If you haven't done so already, take pictures and/or video of every nook and cranny in your home. Store this in a safe deposit box away from the property. (It's also smart to save it online). If you do experience a major disaster, you have proof of the quality and the condition of your home prior to your loss.

4. Eliminate toxic cleaning materials
You can clean most of your house with vinegar, water, baking soda, and a microfiber cloth, according to the Spring Cleaning Guide at HouseLogic.com. The orange-based cleaners also work well. Use microfiber on your stainless steel appliances to make them shine. Best of all, not only will you save money, you will avoid mixing your food with toxic chemicals.

5. Change the filters on your heating/air conditioning systems
During the winter, we generally don't have the luxury of leaving our windows open to air out our homes. Changing your filters not only helps your system work more efficiently, it also reduces allergens and other irritants. ...CONTINUED

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