Taking care of your home isn’t just about keeping it looking nice—it’s about making sure everything runs smoothly, lasts longer, and stays safe for you and your family. Keeping your property in tip-top shape can save your head a lot of aches and dollars down the road. No matter whether you’re a new owner or have been living in your residence for years, following are a few simple yet effective tips for taking care of your home that can make a big difference.
Keep Your Home Clean (Without Losing Your Sanity)
Nobody wants to spend a whole weekend wiping down shelves and mopping floors, but a tidy living environment is key to a healthy and cozy living environment. The trick is to do a little bit every day so things don’t pile up.
Start with the basics—wipe down kitchen countertops daily, vacuum and sweep a little every two days, and don’t let dishes sit in the sink overnight. If you have kids or pets, you know how quickly messes can build up, so a little routine cleaning goes a long way. Don’t forget out-of-the-way problem spaces such as ceiling fan blades, air ducts, and under furniture, for that matter, too.
Stay on Top of Minor Repairs
A small leak, loose door handle, or squeaky board will not sound significant today, but when not repaired, such minor defects can become expensive to fix in the future. In case a leak in a faucet is detected, have it repaired when it will start wasting gallons of water. In case grout in a bathroom is starting to develop cracks, seal it in a timely manner to prevent water damage.
Also, listen to your house—really, I mean, actually, pay attention to your house. Don’t ignore your pipes, your appliances, and even your walls when they make an unusual sound. They can mean a problem that will have to be taken care of. The sooner you address these little issues, the less opportunity they have to become a big issue.
Make Your Appliances Last Long
Your home appliances work tirelessly day in and day out, and a little maintenance can have them working effectively for years to come. For example, your refrigerator will have its coils cleaned out regularly in an attempt not to overheat. Your washing machine will have a longer life when not overloaded, and your dishwash will work effectively when its food filter is cleaned out regularly.
Another biggie: your HVAC unit. Clean out your air one to three times a month to preserve freshness and to ensure your unit doesn’t overheat. Get a tune-up professionally at least a year, and spare yourself an expensive and nasty shock when your AC takes a big one in the middle of a hot summer.
Prevent Plumbing Woes
A clogged sink or backed-up toilet isn’t anyone’s buddy. To best avoid plumbing disasters, pay careful consideration to what you’re sending down your pipes. Grease, coffee grinds, and food particles don’t ever go down your sink in your kitchen. In your restroom, hair and soap scum plug most plugged drains—drain strainer can stop them.
If your water pressure falters or your pipes make unfamiliar gurgling noises, don’t wait—those can be precursors to a larger issue with your pipes. And in case your house is older, knowing the location of the shut-off valve can save your life in a leak emergency.
Keep Your Home Secure and Safe
Home maintenance isn’t all about fixing and cleaning—safety comes into it, too. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regularly to make sure it’s working. Get a new battery at least once a year and run a test alarm to make sure that when it comes down to it, it will work.
If you have a security system, make it operational and have operational locks in all doors and windows. Outdoor lights can discourage trespassers and make your smart home safer during dusk and at night. Also, do invest in decent homeowners insurance, as that will cover a range of potential expenses—home damage, theft, injury lawsuits, etc. Buying a good plan is easy too, and you can even buy homeowners insurance online.
Tackle Seasonal Chores with a Pro
Every season brings its own specific maintenance work for your property. In the fall, gutters have to be cleaned out in case leaves plug them up. In winter, check for any gaps and have your heating system in working order. In spring, deep cleaning is a necessity, and in summer, check your roof and seal any cracks in your driveway and your foundation.
If you keep up with seasonal maintenance, you’ll prevent a lot of bigger issues down the line and keep your home in top shape year-round.
Don’t Forget About Outdoor Space
Whether you have a patio, a backyard, or a mere front porch, maintaining your residence’s exterior is significant, regardless of your property’s size. Remove overgrown trees and shrubs to prevent them from damaging your roof and closing off passageways. Water your lawn and weed when weeds are small in an attempt to prevent them from overgrowing your lawn.
If you have a deck, check for boards that have become loose and for any indications of rot, and in case your siding is dingy, a quick washing with a pressure sprayer can make your home new again. Keeping your exterior not only keeps your property in its best shape but can even prevent larger maintenance headaches in the future.
Parting Thoughts
Keeping up with maintenance at home doesn’t have to break your bank. By fixing little things in a timely manner, you will save yourself costly big-ticket jobs, save your pocketbook, and have your home maintain its warm and secure haven atmosphere. Home care can become part of taking care of your investment and keeping your life simple.
So, the next time a leaky faucet, dusty vents, and a loose doorknob cross your path, spare a minute and fix it. Your future self (and your bankbook) will thank you for it.