New Year Home Refresh (Unsexy Swaps That Actually Matter)

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Okay friends, it’s a new year. Which means we officially get to leave the heartbreaks of 2025 behind and step into a fresh season of life where we’re ousting things that no longer serve us. Spoiler alert: one of those things is your shower liner.

If you’re craving a full home refresh for the new year, this list is for you. These aren’t the latest design trends or decorative tchotchkes. These are the simple, practical swaps that make your home feel cleaner, healthier, and quietly put together—so you can step into 2026 like the responsible, refreshed queen you are.

Replace Your Pillows (Yes, Really)

Let’s be honest—when was the last time you replaced your actual pillows? You might be washing your sheets and pillowcases regularly (gold star), but what’s happening under there?

If you’re anything like me—a chronic drooler (I cannot believe I just admitted that on the internet)—your pillows may be hiding stains that look like something from the last true crime documentary you watched. You’re not alone, so don’t feel bad. But replacing your pillows every 1–2 years is important for hygiene. Even with a pillowcase, pillows collect bacteria, dead skin cells, and allergens over time.

Right now, I’m using the Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows, and they genuinely make my bed feel like a fancy hotel. Don’t underestimate this swap—better sleep has a way of improving everything, including your mood, energy, and patience for other people.

Change Your Shower Liner (This Is Non-Negotiable)

Now listen. You have to replace that shower liner—and while you’re at it, wash your shower curtain too.

Over time, plastic liners collect soap scum, grime, mold, and mildew. None of which you want to be inhaling while manifesting your glow-up year. The good news? This is one of the cheapest and fastest home refreshes you can do.

A stain- and soap-scum-resistant plastic shower liner costs under $10 and instantly makes your bathroom feel cleaner. It’s not glamorous, but your lungs will thank you.

Clean Behind and Inside the Things You Ignore

Stick with me, because no one wants to do this—but it makes a huge difference.

Once a year, you should clean inside and behind your major appliances. A dryer vent cleaner and lint brush makes this unpleasant task faster and safer. Built-up dryer lint doesn’t just make your appliance work less efficiently—it’s also a real fire hazard.

And once you’ve cleaned your dryer, don’t stop there. Pull out your refrigerator and vacuum the coils. Dust buildup forces your fridge to work harder, shortens its lifespan, and can eventually lead to spoilage issues. Ask me how I know. (Actually, don’t.)

Change Your HVAC Filters

If you’re a renter, your landlord may have replaced your HVAC filter before you moved in—but if you’ve been there longer than a year, it’s time to check. Filters should typically be replaced every 3–6 months, depending on thickness and usage.

I won’t pretend to be an HVAC expert, but I can tell you that the filters we order from Amazon work well, are easy to replace, and make a noticeable difference in air quality. This is one of those “boring but important” tasks that pays off long-term.

Add (or Upgrade) Air Purifiers

Air purifiers go hand in hand with fresh HVAC filters for a truly clean, refreshed home. If you don’t already have one, I highly recommend it—especially if you have pets, kids, allergies, or asthma.

I’ve been running PuroAir HEPA Air Purifiers in my home for nearly two years straight. I’m allergic to dust (yes, it’s real) and have asthma, so these are non-negotiable for me. They run quietly, don’t add overstimulating background noise, and noticeably improve air quality.

Even if allergies aren’t an issue for you, cleaner air makes your home feel calmer and more comfortable overall.

A Refresh That Actually Lasts

None of these swaps are flashy. You won’t find them on a design mood board. But together, they create a home that feels cleaner, healthier, and more supportive of real life.

If you’re craving a new year home reset without redecorating or overspending, start here. These are the unglamorous upgrades that quietly set the tone for a better year—and honestly, that’s the kind of energy we’re bringing into 2026.

If you’re also craving a visual refresh, I shared easy ways to incorporate Pantone’s Color of the Year 2026 without repainting or renovating—perfect if your home needs a lighter, calmer feel.