Bob Vila's 10 "Must Do" Projects for January

January is the month to take stock, plan ahead, and start fresh. That’s why my "Must Do" projects this month include everything from adopting some home-focused resolutions for energy saving, tips for organizing your home (and life), taking on a project or two and preparing for the snow, ice and cold of winter.

As fun as it is to unearth boxes of holiday decorations in November, there is nothing enjoyable about packing them all away again in January. Big-box stores will have plenty of bins and containers to help you stash your holiday trimmings, but with a little planning and ingenuity, you can create your own DIY solutions that will work just as well. 

Although many of today’s homeowners opt for the convenience of a gas fireplace, the traditionalists among us still prefer the smoky smell, crackling sound, and tactile ritual of a real wood fire. There is an art to building a fire, but it all begins with the right choice of wood—and, of course, a fireplace that has been properly maintained.

January is the month for fresh starts. In our busy lives, any new beginning should include clearing out the clutter that has a habit of taking over our homes—and lives. Start with the closets (keep what you use and shed what you don't), then tackle the drawers and organize your cupboards—where you may find items that you can repurpose into useful storage containers. The journey begins here: We've put together a plan to get you clutter-free in 30 days!

Now that winter's come, you'll be spending more time indoors. Put your home time to good use by making something fun and creative. For example, even with a minimal amount of DIY skills, materials, tools, and time, you can create a one-of-a-kind headboard. Candidates for repurposing include unused doors, salvaged shutters, or a piece of plywood cut into a distinctive shape and coated with chalkboard paint. Check out these other nine "dreamy" headboards you can make. 

Unlike Christmas presents, gingerbread cookies, and wrapped gifts, holiday plants—poinsettias, amaryllis, paper whites, and Christmas cacti—can let you exercise your green thumb, even during the dormant winter months. While there’s no guarantee these plants will bloom again next year (they can be a little persnickety), you can certainly try. Here are some tips for getting amaryllis and poinsettias to rebloom. Good luck!

If you have the money to hire a handyman for every household woe, go ahead. But if you want to hang on to your cash and exercise some self-sufficiency, check out these clever products that solve a million and one little problems around the house. Go now!