We all have the usual weekly jobs that keep the house ticking over, but there are bigger things you can do once or twice a year that make a huge difference. They’re not always fun, but getting them done can save you money, keep things running smoothly, and stop little problems from turning into expensive disasters. Think of it as giving your home a yearly health check.
Deep clean appliances
Your appliances work hard all year, and if you don’t look after them they’ll let you down. Pull your fridge away from the wall and clean the coils, clear out the lint trap in your dryer, and run a cleaning cycle through your dishwasher and washing machine. Not only will they last longer, but they’ll also run more efficiently, which means lower energy bills. A couple of hours of effort here can save you from having to replace a major appliance way too soon.
Check for water issues
Water damage is sneaky and usually expensive to fix, so a quick check once a year is worth it. Look under sinks, around toilets, and near your water heater for any signs of leaks. While you’re at it, keep an eye on slow drains because they can easily turn into a clogged drain that needs a plumber. Clearing them early with a simple home fix is usually all it takes. A little prevention here is a lot cheaper than calling someone out when the pipes are backed up.
Tidy up the garden
Even if you’re not a gardening pro, spending a day trimming back trees, clearing leaves, and checking fences goes a long way. Overgrown branches can damage your roof in a storm, and broken fences are pricey to replace if they collapse completely. Keeping things under control once or twice a year means you’re less likely to face big repair bills, and it keeps your outdoor space looking like somewhere you actually want to spend time.
Clean gutters and roof
Nobody gets excited about climbing a ladder to scoop out leaves, but clogged gutters can lead to water spilling into places it shouldn’t, which causes leaks and damage you’ll regret ignoring. While you’re up there, give the roof a quick once-over for missing tiles or cracks. Fixing small issues before winter weather hits is so much easier than dealing with a major leak later on.
Refresh safety checks
This is the perfect time to test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, swap out batteries, and check your fire extinguisher. These are the things you forget about until you actually need them, and by then it’s too late. Spending ten minutes on safety checks each year gives you peace of mind and keeps your family safe.
Declutter storage spaces
It’s easy to let cupboards, garages, and lofts fill up with stuff you don’t use. Once a year, pull everything out and be brutal about what you keep. You’ll free up space, probably find things you forgot you owned, and maybe even make some money selling unwanted items. Plus, the next time you need to find something, you won’t waste half a day digging through piles of junk.
