No one dreams of spending their Saturday cleaning the garbage disposal or resealing the deck (if you do, please come over to my house!). However, the reality is that your home is one of the biggest investments you have so maintaining it is a must. The trick for making these seemingly daunting chores more manageable is by following the natural flow of the seasons to keep on top of the small stuff so your house will continue to serve you well for years to come.  

 

Now is as good of a time as any to get the ball rolling. Plus, with all of us spending a lot more time at home these days, you don’t have to kill your weekend to tackle these projects. You can break them up into mini sessions so you can quickly get back to what’s important: binge-watching Netflix and learning how to do common core math so you (and your child) can get a passing grade on this week’s homework.  

 

Here is a good checklist as we head into the warm (and oftentimes HOT) days of late Spring & early Summer:  

  • Have the air conditioning system serviced 
  • Clean windows and door screens 
  • Power wash the deck, patio, and other key outdoor spaces 
  • Re-seal the deck or patio 
  • Remove debris from gutters and downspouts  
  • Lube mechanical parts like door hinges, window locks, and garage door tracks 
  • Repair or replace caulking and weather stripping around doors and windows as needed  
  • Check your sprinkler system and sprinkler heads, if applicable  
  • Prune trees and shrubs  
  • Fertilize your lawn 
  • Remove lint from the dryer vent and lint trap  
  • Clean refrigerator and freezer coils  

 

Plus, remember some items should be done monthly so be sure to add these to the list too: 

  • Clean or replace your HVAC system air filters  
  • Inspect your shower, tub, and sink drains for debris and unclog if necessary  
  • Clear the dishwasher drain and deep clean your dishwasher 
  • Look for any signs of leaks around toilets and sinks  
  • Check grout and caulking in the bathroom to help avoid potential seeping water damage 
  • Clean the garbage disposal  
  • Inspect and test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors 
  • Check electrical cords for wear and replace as needed  

 

Now that you have your to-do list, go forth and conquer! Having a game plan is half the battle.