Staying on top of home maintenance is crucial, but can be tricky, and usually gets pushed to the bottom of our-to-do lists. This leads to a lot of small jobs, a big headache, and a hefty bill when inevitably a maintenance issue needs repair. A well-structured and comprehensive checklist serves as a great guide to stay ahead of tasks and know what needs to be done. As a professional organizer and declutter expert, there are 25 things I’ve found that clients should do to maintain their homes.
Structural Maintenance
- Inspect the Roof: Look for missing shingles, leaks, or damage at least once every six months.
- Clean Gutters: Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage.
- Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect pipes and faucets for leaks.
- Service the HVAC System: Have the heating and cooling systems examined annually. This ensures that they are running as efficiently as possible.
- Test Smoke and CO Detectors: Replace batteries twice a year and test the alarms every month.
- Inspect the Foundation: Check for cracks or signs of settling and address any issues immediately.
- Seal Windows and Doors: Inspect and replace weather stripping and caulk to prevent drafts and improve energy efficiency.
- Clean Chimney: Have the chimney examined and cleaned yearly to prevent fire hazards.
- Service Water Heater: Flush the water heater annually to remove sediment and improve effectiveness.
- Pest Control: Schedule regular pest inspections and treatments to keep your home pest-free.
Maintenance Room Essentials
- Organize Tools: Keep tools organized and easily accessible on pegboards (Amazon CA, Amazon US) or in labeled drawers.
- Maintain Power Tools: Frequently clean and lubricate power tools, and replace parts as needed.
- Store Seasonal Items: Keep seasonal maintenance items (e.g., snow shovels, garden hoses) easily accessible and neatly stored.
- Check and Refill Essential Supplies: Make sure you have a stock of supplies like light bulbs, batteries, filters, and cleaning products.
- Label Everything: Using a label maker (Amazon CA, Amazon US),clearly label shelves, bins, and drawers to make finding items easy.
- Store Hazardous Materials Safely: Keep chemicals, paints, and flammable materials in a secure, ventilated area.
- Maintain Lawn Equipment: Service lawn mowers, trimmers, and other lawn equipment regularly.
- Inspect Fire Extinguishers: Ensure they are fully charged and readily available.
- Test Sump Pump: If you have a sump pump, test it regularly and ensure it is working properly.
- Inspect and Clean Dryer Vents: Clean the dryer vent often to prevent fire hazards and maintain effective use of your dryer.
General Home Maintenance
- Clean Appliances: Regularly clean kitchen appliances, including the oven, refrigerator coils, and dishwasher.
- Change Air Filters: Replace HVAC air filters every 1-3 months to ensure clean air circulation.
- Clean Windows and Screens: Clean windows and screens inside and out at least bi-anually.
- Inspect Insulation: Check attic and wall insulation to ensure it is adequate. Replace or add more if necessary.
- Regularly Paint and Caulk: Touch up paint and caulk to maintain the home's exterior and interior appearance.
Conclusion
By following this checklist step-by-step, you can be sure that all of your home upkeep is taken care of, headache-free. Assigning one family member with overseeing this checklist and delegating tasks to other family members is a good way to ensure that tasks get done, with nothing slipping through the cracks.
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Megan Golightly, Professional Organizer and Founder of Simplifed
Known for her popular Instagram handle @gosimplified, Megan Golightly has been inspiring people to declutter, organize, and simplify their lives since 2008. Megan and her dedicated team tackle organizing projects of all sizes, transforming homes and empowering families along the way. With a background in psychology and a keen interest in neuroscience, her innovative tips, practical guides, and impressive before-and-after transformations have captivated an online community of hundreds of thousands of followers, all eager to embrace a simpler, more organized life.
