2024 checklist: Tasks to start the new year off right

Undertake important health checks

The new year is a perfect time to review your health goals and tick off check-ups that you might have missed. Make those dental and optical appointments, book in for a skin check, and see if your health insurance makes you eligible for a health review. It's a great time to ensure you're getting a good night's sleep by updating your pillows, duvets and other bedtime essentials.

Consider your home insurance

The start of the year is a good time to consider your home and contents insurance to reflect changes to your lifestyle over the past year.

Were you given any Christmas presents of high monetary value that need to be covered? Did you undertake any home renovations this year? Or did you downsize your home and contents? Perhaps you forgot to insure some items last year?

If your circumstances changed, think about if your home insurance coverage is adequate.

Update your calendar and plan time off

Whether you use digital or physical calendars, sitting down with your household to enter important dates can help you stay organised year-round. Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and events or travel that you’ve already booked can all be written in. If you’ve gone digital, consider syncing important dates across your calendars.

You could also use this time to consider travel and holidays for the year, so you can apply for leave early and nab some great travel deals, whether you want to enjoy a quick getaway close to home, see more of Australia or even travel internationally.

Top outdoor new year tasks to do

Do a home maintenance check

When it comes to general home maintenance, the new year is a good opportunity to clean your gutters before autumn foliage, check that your smoke alarms work effectively, and inspect your home for signs of mould.

Always take the necessary safety precautions when completing household tasks on a ladder, such as using gloves and non-slip shoes. Alternatively, leave these jobs around the home to qualified professionals.

Check your home security

It's important to be vigilant about burglaries and break-in offences during the summer holiday period. Victorians are urged to review their home security by burglar-proofing the home, keeping garage doors closed and checking the effectiveness of locks.

Download the free How Safe Is My Place app to learn where your home might be vulnerable to burglary and the actionable things you can do to feel safer.

Consider renewable energy

Smart investments around the home can help reduce your energy bills and consumption such as solar panels, a solar battery, heat pump hot water system or LED lighting.

In addition, the new year is a great opportunity to review your energy provider. Make sure that you're getting a good deal - it never hurts to shop around, or to contact your provider to see what they can do for you.

Give your car some love

Your car deserves some attention too as we start the new year. Check that your car insurance and roadside assistance are both up to date, with the right level of cover for your needs.

Get any outstanding vehicle damage repaired – although if you only have minor cosmetic scratches, you can learn how to fix car scratches yourself. You should also consider booking your car in for a service if it’s been a while, or before departing on summer road trips. 

Finally, treat your car to a thorough declutter and clean so it looks as good as it drives.

^{The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.}