Give your home a little love this year with a yearly home maintenance checklist that feels more like self-care than a chore. Tackling these essential tasks helps create a safer, cozier, and more energy-efficient living space for the year ahead. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll enjoy peace of mind all year long.

Safety First: Secure the Essentials

Test All Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be at the top of any annual home maintenance checklist. Replace old batteries, confirm alarms are loud enough to wake everyone, and review your family’s emergency escape plan. A few minutes of prevention can make a life-saving difference.

Sweep and Inspect Your Chimney

If your home has a fireplace, schedule a professional chimney cleaning at least once a year. This prevents dangerous soot buildup and reduces the risk of chimney fires. Installing a chimney cap also keeps debris and animals out while protecting your liner.

Maximize Comfort With Climate Control

Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and doors allow warm air to escape and drive up energy bills. Check for gaps around frames, fireplaces, and garage doors. Replace worn weather stripping and apply fresh caulking to keep heat inside and improve energy efficiency.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fans for Winter

Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer. Set them to rotate clockwise during colder months to push warm air back down into the room. This simple home maintenance tip can reduce strain on your heating system and lower utility costs.

Deep Clean and Refresh Major Appliances

Clean and Deodorize Your Washing Machine

Pull back the rubber seal to remove trapped grime and residue. Run a hot cycle with half a cup of bleach to eliminate detergent buildup. Never mix vinegar and bleach. Regular appliance maintenance keeps your laundry smelling fresh and your machine running efficiently.

Give Your Oven a Fresh Start

Remove oven racks and soak them in warm, soapy water. Apply an oven cleaner or natural baking-soda paste inside and let it sit overnight. The next day, wipe away grease and grime, clean the glass door, and reassemble. You’ve earned a night off—order dinner and relax.

Organize and Reclaim Your Space

Reset and Clean the Garage

Garages often become cluttered storage zones. Empty the space completely, sweep and clean the floors, and reorganize intentionally. This helps deter pests and extends the life of your garage surfaces while freeing up usable space.

Purge Expired Bathroom and Personal Products

Dispose of expired makeup, skincare, and toiletries that may harbor bacteria. Check medicine cabinets for old prescriptions and drop them off at a pharmacy for safe disposal. This step keeps your home organized, hygienic, and clutter-free.

A Well-Maintained Home Is a Happy Home

Completing your yearly home maintenance checklist doesn’t have to happen in one day. Break tasks into manageable steps and work through them over time. The reward is a safer, more comfortable home that’s ready for whatever the year brings.