A new year has begun and is the time when we are all jotting down our New Year’s resolutions to make this year our best year yet – start a new hobby, do more charity work, spend more time with family and friends, etc. One of the most popular resolutions people make in the New Year is to be more active and to get into shape. This is a great goal to have – and props to you if you stick to it – but have you ever thought about what you could do in the New Year to keep your house in shape?

Continuing regular maintenance on your home can help you avoid major home misfortunes before they even happen. For example, regular upkeep on your air conditioner will not only prolong its lifespan, but can also save money on energy costs. Similarly, consistently checking on the exterior of your home can help you be proactive on home projects instead of reactive after a problem arises. Items on the outside of your home you should always be keeping an eye on are:

• Roof shingles – are any shingles missing? Are all lined up properly?
• Gutters/downspouts – making sure they are clean and clear of debris
• Siding – depending on what kind of siding you have will determine the maintenance required to prevent water damage, i.e. wood siding requires you to paint it to prevent water damage
• Windows and doors – check caulking
• Foundation
• Decks and/or porches

Another chore to consider to keep your house in good shape is deep cleaning kitchen appliances. The winter season is a great time to give everything in your kitchen a good scrub, inside and out. The kitchen is a great place to utilize some natural, homemade cleaners – you can easily DIY your own natural cleaners with a few simple ingredients that you probably already have stored in your pantry! For example, Kristen Hudson over at the Huffington Post suggests the following recipe for an easy fridge cleaner:

• 2 cups hot water
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 10 drops of your favorite essential oil

For an all-purpose spray, she suggests:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 2 cups water
• 5 drops essential oil of your choice

Now may also be a good time to clean your fireplace, which is something that should be cleaned annually. This might be a job you’d consider bringing a professional in for. Additionally, if you have a pool, take some time to change out your pool filters. Or, if possible, simply clean the ones you already have. Make sure to check the information for your specific pool to learn about the filters and how often they should be replaced.

Other various tasks to work on are:

• Checking your irrigation system
• Storing supplies you won’t be using in the near future (gardening tools, grills, etc)
• Inspecting your driveway and walkways for cracks and/or holes (you don’t want anyone tripping and getting hurt!)
• Checking smoke detectors, fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

To help you stay on top of your home maintenance labors, I’ve put together the following checklist with tips on what you can do this winter to keep your home in the best shape possible.

Home Maintenance Checklist – Winter REV