10 things to do before you're 40

You know the phrase, you only live once. And there's something about turning 40 which makes people question their life choices. Have I accomplished enough? Am I on the right path? As soon as 40, or even 30, approaches, our comfortable life becomes not so comfortable and for those of us lucky to escape the crisis, guess what – 50's right around the corner (sorry).

You've probably heard the usual 'travel the world' and 'quit the job you hate' a thousand times but I happen to think there are some things a whole lot simpler and closer to home that you wouldn't want to pass you by…

1) Make something with your hands

I'm talking spray painting furniture, making your own clock – whatever it is, take time out to make something by yourself. It may not be the best looking thing in the world but it matters.

2) Disregard ready-made items for the personal touch

Similar to number 1. Remember the days where getting the photo album out and flicking through was the norm? In the age of social media, it's all too easy to rely on Facebook to store all of your memories. But why not create your own photo collage to personalise your dining room table, or document a home project in a book you keep on your coffee table? There's something wonderful about reliving the moments spent making a house a home.

3) Stick post-it notes to your ceiling

To speed up travel plans, why not stick post-it notes above your bed to remind you of the places you want to go. Once you've been to a location, remove it. It's a great way of encouraging you to get moving – if only to give you your ceiling back.

4) Throw a party that everyone talks about in years to come

And by a party, I mean a party that's so good, you have to get a cleaner in the next day. Repeat after me, you only live once.

5) Learn not to care what people think

So you'd really like a black carpet but your friends have told you that it's not buyer friendly. You can't please everyone all of the time. Go for the black carpet – you can always replace it later on before selling.

6) Host a dinner party

Not to be confused with number 4, a dinner party is a civilised affair where your closest friends and their partners gather to talk about grown up things over a bottle of wine or 12. For maximum points, invest in a long rectangular table, reminiscent of Hogwarts' Great Hall.

7) Go on a hot tub weekend

Or get a hot tub in your own garden. Everyone should relax with bubbles (physical and of the drinkable variety) at least once in their lives.

8) Be kinder to the planet

Use the food bin for food waste, turn the lights off when you leave a room and look into the most efficient heating systems and insulation. Taking time to find out how you can be kinder to the planet will pay off and it'll leave you feeling good.

9) Live alone

I'm not talking forever but living by yourself for at least half a year will give you time to get to know yourself. Plus, you'll have more wardrobe space and no-one will judge whatever strange concoction you throw together in the kitchen. What's not to like?

10) Get on the property ladder

We're moving out from the family home at a much later age than our relatives before us and house prices play a huge part in that. It might seem impossible at times but keep saving, whether you're still at home or renting, and you'll be one step closer to getting your foot on the property ladder. Once on, there's no better time to tick off numbers 2, 4 and 5 if you haven't already.

In need of a cleaner after 'that' party, or want to look into heating solutions? Let us help and comment below with your suggestions of things to do before you're 40!

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