During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is understandably a difficult time for many of us to find the motivation to plan ahead and commit to seeing through our resolutions for a healthier, happier and more productive 2022. 

Given the freezing temperatures and lack of sunlight, January can be the least productive month for many of us, leading to a period of hibernation that can last until spring. 

To help you overcome this, we want to focus on realistic and achievable ways you can have a more successful start to the year. 

Try something new 

It goes without saying that once we form comfortable habits or routines, it can be a challenge to push ourselves into trying something different. 

Comfort zones are the worst for stalling development, so why not try taking up a new hobby or focus on achieving a goal? 

It doesn’t have to be something wild like climbing Mount Everest, in fact, it could be as simple as baking a new cake each week to develop a skill. 

Treat yourself 

Life can sometimes feel as if it is going at 100mph, so it’s important to press pause and just live in the moment every once in a while. 

Even something as simple as unwinding by having a warm bubble bath once a week can be the key to recharging your batteries and getting you back on track. 

Explore your surroundings

Staying cooped up inside will have a negative impact on your mental as well as physical health. So, even if it's just for a 30-minute session, try and stretch your legs outside once a day.

If you are working from home but would normally be commuting to work, use that time to take a break outside instead. 

Start a new series with your loved ones 

Pick something to bring the family closer and pace yourself with one or two episodes each week, if you're able to wait that long. 

There’s really nothing better than getting cosy in blankets and looking forward to the next instalment!

Set “stick-able” resolutions 

Whilst it's commendable to set ourselves high goals for the new year – such as exercising every day of the week – you need to make sure those resolutions can be met. 

If you overreach, you'll quickly burn out of motivation and fail to make any progress. 

Strip it back and aim for somewhere achievable. That way, you’ll feel more fulfilled and see real change much faster, which will then incentivise you to keep going!

To make progress with your property plans this year, talk to our team. 

However, in light of Covid-19, we appreciate that it can seem more daunting than ever to imagine yourself taking that step towards homeownership. 

As your trusted local estate agent, with lots of first-time buyer experience, we have complied these tips to support your saving goals this January.

Plan ahead

During your property purchasing journey, it is crucial to identify any additional funds that you may need along the moving process.  

Likewise, being aware of your monthly income and outgoings is extremely important in order to create a timescale for your saving journey.

Move back home

If your parents or family are not in a position to be able to support you financially with your property purchase, there are other ways they can help. 

The vast majority of first-time buyers find it difficult to save for a deposit due to their monthly rental outgoings, so moving in with a friend or family member is a great option to reducing these costs.

Due to COVID, it is important that you check the most recent guidance before changing your living situation. 

  
Downsize

If your current rent price per calendar month is slowing your deposit saving down, and you can’t move in with a family member or friend, then downsizing may help. 

Looking for a property that is smaller could save you hundreds or even thousands over the span of your saving period.

Check your direct debits 

Especially at this time of year, many of us will take out various subscriptions without continuing to need them beyond the first month. 

As such, it is important to go over your direct debits and ensure that you are still using all of the services you are paying for. 

In 2019, Brits spent £4 billion on unused gym memberships – and with the average monthly fee being £35 per person – the cost really adds up.* 

This also goes for streaming services and club memberships that you may no longer use. 

Whether you have your deposit ready to go, or you’re looking to downsize to save some extra money, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today.
 
*Daily Mail