10. Digitally Declutter
Physical clutter is more obvious; the pile of junk mail on the coffee table is hard to miss. Digital clutter is easier to ignore, but it is just as important to organize.
“During the last week of the month, empty your phone pictures (and your regular digital camera) onto your laptop or computer,” says Giaquinto. “Organize them into folders, so you’re not overwhelmed with endless photos.”
11. Evaluate Your Finances
“Take a bird’s eye view of your finances to see where you spent your money, how well you budgeted, and how well you saved,” Giaquinto says.
Benefit Why It Matters
Prevents overspending It is very easy to spend without purpose
Reduces stress Knowing where your money went does wonders for your stress level
Supports future planning Monthly financial planning helps you stick to a home renovation budget when the time comes
12. Inspect Sinks and Tub Drains
“If you notice that your sinks or tubs are not draining as quickly, there may be a buildup causing a blockage,” says Kyle Gesuelli, a home improvement expert at handy.com.
How to Clear Drains
Step Action
1 Try to remove anything obstructing the pipe manually using a pipe cleaner
2 Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain
3 Follow with hot water
This should clear things out before the clog becomes a problem. Unclog kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, bathtubs, and any other drains before the clog becomes a problem.
13. Clean the Garbage Disposal
“The best way to clean out your garbage disposal is with baking soda and white vinegar,” says Gesuelli.
Step-by-Step Disposal Cleaning
Step Action
1 Put ½ cup baking soda and 1 cup white vinegar down the sink
2 After a few minutes, pour boiling hot water down
3 Fill the drain with ice cubes and add 1 cup of salt (removes debris)
4 Add lemon halves to the disposal
5 Keep both the water running and the garbage disposal on
The lemon halves leave your kitchen with a refreshing scent.
14. Clean Your Range Hood Filters
“The purpose of the range hood filter is to collect grease, so over time, it will become less effective as the grease builds up,” Gesuelli says.
How to Clean Range Hood Filters
Step Action
1 Remove filters
2 Place in a sink filled with hot water, dishwashing liquid, and baking soda
3 Leave to soak for 10 to 15 minutes
4 If needed, scrub remaining grease off with a brush
5 Rinse clean
6 Dry with a paper towel before replacing
15. Keep a Monthly Home Maintenance Calendar
“Staying on top of all the preventative maintenance tasks throughout each month of the year is important to reduce energy costs, avoid early replacement costs, and keep the home healthy and safe for the family,” says Bodrozic.
Tool Benefit
HomeZada app Creates these tasks and many others automatically for homeowners
Paper calendar Simple visual reminder
Digital calendar Set recurring monthly alerts
Remember your yearly home maintenance, too. It can be helpful to break it up by season for spring, summer, fall, and winter home maintenance tasks.
Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist (Quick Reference)
Task Frequency Why It Matters
Track electricity costs Monthly Manage usage; identify energy hogs
Inspect attic for leaks Monthly (especially rainy seasons) Prevent mold and insulation damage
Check HVAC filters Monthly Maintain air quality and efficiency
Test garage door safety shutoff Monthly Prevent injuries
Lubricate garage doors Monthly Smooth operation; prolong lifespan
Trim shrubs around A/C unit Monthly (growing season) Maintain airflow; prevent damage
Clear snow from vents Monthly (winter) Prevent carbon monoxide buildup
Clean refrigerator grille Monthly Prevent compressor burnout
Organize refrigerator Monthly Reduce waste; maintain cleanliness
Digitally declutter Monthly (last week) Manage storage; reduce overwhelm
Evaluate finances Monthly Prevent overspending; reduce stress
Inspect sinks and tub drains Monthly Prevent clogs
Clean garbage disposal Monthly Eliminate odors; prevent blockages
Clean range hood filters Monthly Maintain efficiency; reduce fire risk
Maintain a maintenance calendar Monthly Stay organized; prevent costly repairs
Final Thoughts
Monthly home maintenance is not about perfection—it is about prevention. Small, consistent actions today prevent large, expensive problems tomorrow.
Choose one or two tasks from this list to start with this month. Next month, add another. Before you know it, these habits will become second nature—and your home will thank you.
