Make up your mind to cross things off your home improvement wish list.

Eliminate the old and introduce the new. Maybe you've set some personal goals for 2023, but let's not forget your family's goals. We all spent a lot of time at home last year, and you may have made some improvements to your home during the quarantine. So you know, there's no denying that renovating and updating a home can make it feel more comfortable, more stylish, and more accurately reflect your tastes.

Just like your personal goals, your family goals may take a while to complete, so now is the time to make a list and set some actions and completion dates.

Step 1 -- Make the list short and actionable

Choose a few home improvement projects that will bring you the most happiness and value. Start by taking a walk around your home. Bring a notepad or type notes into your phone.

Start outside. The holiday decorations are gone, and things can seem a little sad this time of year. Let's spice things up and find some ways to increase your curb appeal. Everything - from your landscaping to your mailbox to your siding - needs to be considered.

Some things might just need a coat of paint, like the mailbox, or a new color for the front door. Newer lights and street numbers can also bring freshness. Consider replacing the entrance door, perhaps a wooden front door with side and beamed Windows. Of course, new shutters and siding can freshen up a home. Adding a new deck, porch, or patio can increase the livability of your home and the enjoyment of your family.

Inside, consider reducing clutter, opening up space and updating some fixtures. If your kitchen or bathroom faucet is getting old and leaking, replace it with something more attractive and match it with some new cabinet knobs and handles. In the kitchen, repainting cabinets, adding a backsplash, or installing garden Windows on the sink can make a big difference without spending too much money. Updates that do not require a change in the footprint of the house are more practical and affordable.

Step 1 -- Make the list short and actionable

Consider replacing the curtains or eliminating them altogether. Installing new Windows is an easy way to save energy in winter and summer, and replacing aging sliding patio doors with hinged French doors can add to the indoor-outdoor appeal.

When you think about updating, consider what each room will actually be used for. Maybe it's time to transform the guest room into a home office, or finally clear out the "cluttered room" and organize it into a pleasant space.

Of course, color is one of the easiest and most affordable updates that can make a huge impact. Consider creating an accent wall with a bold color to highlight the artwork, or consider painting the end wall of a narrow hallway dark gray or black to make the space seem endless. If replacing or restoring the sofa is not possible, try cleaning it with a rental carpet cleaner and covering it with a bold, comfortable throw pillow. Pro tip: Buy multiple sets of throw pillows and change them according to the season to keep your home decor fresh; In the summer, when your home is wintering, you can replace bright colored pillows with a comfortable faux fur set.

Step 2 - Set your budget and ideal schedule

Keep in mind that home improvement is more of a marathon than a sprint. You need time to think about priorities and a reasonable plan to save money or the ability to fund improvements.

Before you commit to a major project, such as replacing Windows in your home or installing a new garage door, be sure to consult an expert for information on pricing. Hidden costs can be a hindrance, and experts can often share money-saving tips about tasks you can do yourself. Finally, for DIY projects, stay in your own cockpit. It's not fun to quit halfway and find that you've already accomplished something you couldn't.

Step 3 - Be proud of what you've accomplished

Whether your update came about through your own efforts or you hired a home improvement expert to get the job done, take the time to congratulate yourself for having the vision to set goals and stick to them to provide gentle care for your home. Well deserved. It's easy to let these tasks get away from us. But making up your mind in 2023 and implementing them immediately can make a huge difference to the daily enjoyment of your biggest investment - your home.