Making sure your home stays in beautiful shape relies on thorough organization. We find the most effective method is to plan a maintenance routine that accommodates every season. It spreads the tasks evenly throughout the year. An annual checklist should help you spot household problems before they become troublesome. It helps home maintenance chores seem like a breeze.
Spring - A Fresh Start to the Year
Spring is one of the most inspiring seasons for organizers. It's the time when traditionalists love to clean away the dust and cobwebs of winter. Your backyard should also be bursting into life with spring flowers such as daffodils and tulips. We usually recommend starting at the top of the house and working your way down.
Take one room at a time and repeat the same steps in each. Clean away dust from the ceilings, light fittings and around appliances. Use a natural cotton cloth wrung out in soapy water to wipe over doors, skirting boards and window frames. Clean the glass until it sparkles. This is the season for brand-new window dressings that let the spring sunshine flood in.
Polish furniture and shampoo carpets
Service air conditioning units ready for summer
Check brickwork is still reliable, especially on chimneys
Ensure outdoor taps still work in preparation for watering vegetables/flowers
Install a new patio or decking
Cut down perennial plants and prune shrubs such as buddleia davidii
Summer - Make the most of Outdoor Spaces
The summer's a great time for having major repairs done. The hours of daylight are generous. You can enjoy your backyard while builders take over your home. Tasks such as checking your kitchen appliances should be done now. Defrost your freezer and clean the inside before restocking.
Appoint a professional to service your boiler and check your electricity circuit is safe and functional. Wiring can easily burn out at any time, making it a fire hazard. An annual inspection keeps you and your family safe.
Remove excess lint from the vents of washing machines and tumble driers
Check faucets in your bathroom and kitchen for leaks
Replace any worn-out bathroom fixtures such as toilets and showerheads
Check drains and arrange professional jet washing for blockages
Clean out your barbecue
Prune spring flowering shrubs and fill containers with summer bedding plants
Fall - Time to Prepare Ahead
Fall can be very atmospheric depending on which state you live in. Fallen leaves, autumnal colors, bonfires and Halloween legends can influence your organized home maintenance. The darker evenings should make you want to complete outdoor maintenance ahead of winter.
It's your last chance to check for loose roof tiles and leaky guttering. If necessary have a new roof fitted. Pay particular attention to flat roofs that might become flooded in winter. On mild days, declutter the garage in case you want to use it to shelter your vehicle over winter. Your backyard will need plenty of attention this season.
Check out your home heating system
Install new insulating jackets on hot water tanks
Paint exterior woodwork and repair ill-fitting windows
Check doors, hinges and locks are in working order
Mow the lawn and service your lawnmower before stashing it away for the winter
Collect spent plants and fallen leaves for your compost heap
Winter - Make it a Cozy season
Winter in the north of the States can be very harsh. However, wherever you live, winter can be a cozy season, especially with Christmas festivities to look forward to. At the very start of the season, make sure you have insulated outdoor pipes and faucets. If you have an electric car, check the area around the EV charger is protected from forthcoming snow and ice.
You can still make the most of the interior of your home. Now's the time to consider a new Smart lighting system. Saving energy is a priority and being organized with the latest energy-efficient LED lighting can save money while adding beautiful lighting.
Service heating units at the start of the season
Check carpets particularly on staircases for worn patches
On cold, wet days, enjoy decluttering closets, drawers and the attic
Always visually check the exterior of your home after a winter storm
Store garden furniture in a shed for winter
Check and repair fencing so it can withstand winter gales
Conclusion
Maintaining your home is easy with a seasonal guide. It helps if you're organized and think ahead for what each season might bring. Always leave major remodeling tasks for the summer months. Winter can be much more bearable if you plan to make your home secure.
By dividing up your household chores throughout each season, they become manageable. It also spreads the cost of repairs. Never forget to have appliances serviced annually. It's how you'll keep your family and home safe.
Author Bio:
Diarmuid Hennessy is the Operations Manager of HomeCheck. Since 2016, they have been providing property survey services to homeowners throughout Ireland.
