As a homeowner, it’s important to stay on top of maintenance tasks to keep your space in tip-top shape and ensure your investment lasts for the long haul. Think of your home as a living, breathing entity that needs regular care and attention – and, just like us, different aspects of our homes require unique check-ins at different times of the year. To help you stay organized, create a home maintenance calendar to keep track of tasks and break down the overwhelm that can come with homeownership.

So, where to begin? Let’s break it down season by season, with must-do tasks to tackle and some you can outsource if your budget allows.

**Spring:**

After the cold winter months, spring is the perfect time to give your home a refresh, inside and out. Start by deep cleaning your space, opening windows to let in fresh air, and giving your home a top-to-bottom scrub. It’s also a great time to tend to your yard, with gardening tasks like weeding, planting, and mowing taking center stage. For your home’s maintenance, now is the time to inspect and repair your roof, gutters, and downspouts after the winter thaw, ensuring they’re ready for the coming spring rains.

**Summer:**

With warmer weather comes a focus on outdoor living spaces and your home’s exterior. Summer is the time to power wash and repaint exterior surfaces, clean and repair decks or patios, and ensure your outdoor living areas are safe and comfortable. It’s also a good idea to service your air conditioning unit to keep it running efficiently during the hot summer months. If you didn’t get to it in the spring, you can also tend to any remaining gardening tasks, like pruning trees and shrubs.

**Autumn:**

As the leaves turn and the weather cools, it’s time to focus on preparing your home for the coming winter. This includes tasks like cleaning the chimney and fireplaces, ensuring they’re safe to use during the colder months. You’ll also want to winterize your outdoor faucets and irrigation systems, and if you have a pool, now is the time to close it for the season. Don’t forget to clean your gutters again, as they’ll be full of autumn leaves, and inspect your roof for any damage that may have occurred during summer storms.

**Winter:**

The colder months are a great time to focus on indoor maintenance tasks. Test and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and ensure your fire extinguishers are in working order. It’s also a good time to give your interiors a fresh coat of paint and tend to any needed repairs, like fixing creaky doors or dripping faucets. If you’re feeling crafty, you can also take on some indoor improvement projects, like building new shelves or updating your backsplash.

Now you have a year-round guide to home maintenance, helping you stay organized and on top of tasks to keep your space in great shape!