Your Year-Round Home Maintenance Guide: Monthly Chores to Keep Your House in Top Shape

Maintaining a well-organized and properly functioning home requires regular care and attention. By staying on top of seasonal chores, you can create a comfortable and efficient living environment while preventing potential issues from escalating. From deep cleaning and decluttering to outdoor maintenance and system inspections, this comprehensive guide will take you through the year, month by month, offering valuable tips to keep your house in top shape. Get ready to embark on a year-round home maintenance journey that will ensure a well-maintained and stress-free living space for you and your family.

If you are new to the blog, welcome! I blog about cleaning, decluttering, and organizing. You can find more free printables to help you get organized in the drop down menu under the Printables category.

Looking to get your home repair records organized? Get my free printable home maintenance record. You can find that here. Today, we will look at the month to month year-round home maintenance tasks that will keep your home well maintained every season. Here is a brief seasonal outline. I will also break down the tasks into monthly sections below.

In months January to April – Kickstart the Year with a Fresh Start by doing the essential tasks for the first few months of the year, including deep cleaning, decluttering, and inspecting and servicing key systems in your home.

In months May to August – Embrace the Warmth and Tackle Outdoor Maintenance by doing the tasks outside during the summer months, such as cleaning and organizing outdoor spaces, maintaining the lawn, and addressing any repairs or improvements.

In months September to December – Prepare for Cooler Weather and the Holiday Season by doing the important chores to complete in the fall and winter, such as inspecting and maintaining heating systems, organizing storage areas, and preparing the house for the holiday season.

Now, let’s look at the Year-Round Home Maintenance guide broken down into monthly tasks.

Your Year-Round Home Maintenance Guide: Monthly Chores to Keep Your House in Top Shape

January:

• Deep clean and declutter after the holiday season.
• Organize and store holiday decorations.
• Check and clean air vents and ducts.
• Inspect and clean the fireplace and chimney.
• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Service or replace furnace filters.

February:

• Inspect and repair any damage to the roof.
• Check for leaks in plumbing and repair as needed.
• Deep clean carpets and rugs.
• Check and clean kitchen appliances.
• Clean and organize the pantry.

March:

• Clean windows and screens.
• Clear out gutters and downspouts.
• Inspect and repair outdoor fences and gates.
• Service and tune up the air conditioning system.
• Prune trees and shrubs before spring growth.

April:

• Clean outdoor furniture and prepare for use.
• Check and repair any cracks in the driveway or walkways.
• Service and sharpen lawn equipment.
• Fertilize the lawn and begin regular mowing.
• Start planting flowers, vegetables, and herbs.

May:

• Clean and inspect the outdoor grill.
• Clean and organize the garage.
• Replace worn-out weatherstripping on doors and windows.
• Pressure wash decks, patios, and siding.
• Inspect and clean the dryer vent.

June:

• Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures.
• Inspect and repair sprinkler systems.
• Clean and organize the basement or storage areas.
• Check for signs of pests and address as necessary.
• Trim hedges and bushes.

July:

• Clean and organize closets.
• Service and maintain the swimming pool.
• Check and clean outdoor lighting fixtures.
• Clean and inspect the washing machine and dryer.
• Deep clean mattresses.

August:

• Clean and organize the attic.
• Inspect and repair caulking around windows and doors.
• Clean and organize children’s rooms before the new school year.
• Declutter and organize the digital files on your computer.
• Clean and sanitize garbage cans.

September:

• Inspect and clean the gutters.
• Clean and store outdoor furniture and cushions.
• Service the heating system.
• Clean and organize the pantry.
• Plant fall flowers and vegetables.

October:

• Clean and organize the kitchen cabinets and drawers.
• Check and replace weatherstripping on doors and windows.
• Prepare the fireplace for use.
• Clean and store summer clothing.
• Inspect and clean dryer vents.

November:

• Deep clean carpets and rugs.
• Clean and organize the garage.
• Inspect and repair any cracks in the driveway or walkways.
• Test and replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Clean and organize the refrigerator and freezer.

December:

• Deep clean the oven.
• Test and replace batteries in flashlights.
• Clean and organize holiday decorations.
• Insulate pipes to prevent freezing.
• Clean and sanitize frequently touched surfaces.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and your specific home and climate may require additional or different tasks. Adapt the list to your needs and prioritize tasks based on your situation. Happy home maintenance!

You can find more info on Home Maintenance Tasks You Should Do Every Year here. Here are 20 Chores You Only Have to Tackle Once This Year.

By following this year-round home maintenance guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and strategies to tackle essential tasks each month, ensuring that your home remains organized, functional, and inviting throughout the year. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to home maintenance, so set aside dedicated time each month to focus on these chores. Whether you’re decluttering after the holidays, preparing your outdoor spaces for summer gatherings, or getting your house ready for the colder months, this guide will help you stay on track. Embrace the sense of accomplishment that comes with a well-maintained home, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your living space is in top shape. Start your year-round home maintenance routine today and create a comfortable and welcoming haven for you and your loved ones.