If you drive to a train station and commute to work, should you park in an outdoor or covered parking lot in the winter months? If you can, park in a covered garage. Since your car will be outdoors in the harsh elements for the better part of the day, by keeping it in a covered garage you're actually keeping the car a tiny bit warmer. This extra protection from the elements helps you bring the engine to the optimal temperature much faster, which means better fuel efficiency for your car.

January is National Radon Action Month, which is a good time to test your home for the dangerous and odorless gas. Radon gasses soar during the winter months, and since we spend the colder months with our windows closed, it can create a dangerous combination in a home. Most home improvement stores sell radon gas detection kits; you just open the kit and set it in place. Seal it up and mail it in to get your radon gas results. The kits are inexpensive and accurate, too. Since 1 in 15 homes have high levels of radon, this is a great way to ring in the new year.

Are you traveling somewhere far for a long period of time and need a really big piece of luggage for your journey? If it bothers you that you need to buy something new when you think you're going to use it only once, consider renting luggage. Rentluggage.com makes it easy. All you have to do is select a bag from their large assortment, book it for as little as three days or as long as four weeks and have it shipped to you. When you're back from your adventure, all you have to do is put it back in the same box it shipped in and return it. It even comes with a prepaid shipping label so you can send it back free of charge. Don't worry if you decide to travel longer than you'd originally planned: Extended rentals on the luggage can be added at a nominal charge.