Different seasons bring different home care needs. Staying on top of seasonal tasks prevents problems, keeps your home comfortable year-round, and means you're not scrambling when weather changes.
This guide breaks down what to do each season to maintain your home properly.
Spring: Refresh and Renew
Spring is traditionally deep-cleaning time. The weather warms up, you can open windows, and you're ready to shake off winter.
Spring Cleaning Tasks
- Open windows and air out the house
- Wash windows inside and out
- Clean curtains and drapes
- Vacuum or wash window blinds
- Shampoo carpets or hire professional cleaning
- Wipe down walls and baseboards
- Clean under and behind furniture
- Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and air vents
- Declutter and donate items you didn't use all winter
Spring Outdoor Tasks
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Inspect roof for winter damage
- Power wash exterior surfaces (patio, walkways)
- Check and repair window screens
- Service air conditioning before summer
- Clean outdoor furniture
- Trim trees and bushes away from the house
- Check exterior for needed repairs or painting
Spring Wardrobe Transition
- Pack away winter clothes and bring out spring/summer items
- Donate or discard items you didn't wear all season
- Check summer clothes for stains or needed repairs before storing winter items
Summer: Maintain and Protect
Summer is about maintaining what you cleaned in spring and keeping your home comfortable in heat.
Summer Indoor Tasks
- Change air conditioning filters monthly
- Keep curtains/blinds closed during hottest parts of day
- Use ceiling fans to circulate air
- Deep clean refrigerator and freezer
- Organize pantry and check for expired items
- Vacuum refrigerator coils for efficiency
Summer Outdoor Maintenance
- Water plants regularly in hot weather
- Maintain lawn and garden
- Clean and organize garage or shed
- Keep gutters clear of debris
- Check exterior paintwork—summer is good for touch-ups
- Clean BBQ grill regularly
- Maintain decking or patio areas
Summer Energy Efficiency
- Use fans instead of AC when possible
- Cook outdoors to avoid heating the house
- Close doors to unused rooms
- Ensure windows and doors seal properly
Autumn: Prepare for Winter
Autumn is preparation time. Get your home ready for cold weather before it arrives.
Autumn Indoor Preparation
- Have heating system serviced before winter
- Replace furnace filters
- Check and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
- Replace batteries in detectors
- Reverse ceiling fan direction (clockwise pushes warm air down)
- Check windows and doors for drafts; add weather stripping if needed
- Clean chimney if you have a fireplace
- Deep clean before you close up for winter
Autumn Outdoor Tasks
- Clean gutters of autumn leaves
- Store outdoor furniture or cover it for winter
- Drain and store garden hoses
- Shut off exterior water taps to prevent freezing
- Rake leaves and clear garden debris
- Trim back perennials
- Check roof and make repairs before winter weather
- Seal cracks in driveway or walkways
Autumn Wardrobe Switch
- Pack away summer clothes, bring out autumn/winter wardrobe
- Check winter coats, boots, and accessories
- Replace or repair items as needed before cold weather hits
Winter: Maintain and Monitor
Winter is about maintaining warmth, preventing problems, and indoor projects.
Winter Maintenance
- Change heating filters monthly
- Check for drafts and seal as needed
- Prevent frozen pipes by keeping home heated and letting taps drip in extreme cold
- Clear snow from walkways and driveways promptly
- Check roof for ice dams after heavy snow
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas
- Keep humidity levels reasonable (use dehumidifier if needed)
Winter Indoor Projects
- Organize closets and storage areas
- Deep clean and organize kitchen cabinets
- Tackle indoor repair projects
- Declutter one room at a time
- Organize photos and paperwork
- Plan home improvements for spring
Winter Safety
- Keep emergency supplies on hand (torch, batteries, candles, blankets)
- Have heating system inspected if you notice issues
- Never leave space heaters unattended
- Keep carbon monoxide detectors working properly
- Clear snow from vents and exhaust pipes
Year-Round Quarterly Tasks
Every three months, regardless of season:
- Check and replace HVAC filters
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Clean refrigerator coils
- Check for water leaks under sinks
- Clean range hood filter
- Organize one major area (garage, loft, basement)
- Declutter and donate unused items
Creating Your Seasonal Calendar
Don't try to remember everything. Create a simple calendar:
- List tasks by month in a notebook or digital calendar
- Set reminders at the start of each season
- Spread tasks throughout the season rather than doing everything at once
- Adjust timing based on your climate—spring comes earlier in some regions
Hiring Help for Seasonal Tasks
Some tasks are worth hiring professionals:
- Chimney cleaning (annual)
- HVAC servicing (annually or bi-annually)
- Gutter cleaning if you're uncomfortable on ladders
- Window cleaning for multiple-story homes
- Tree trimming near power lines
- Carpet deep cleaning
Budget for these services and schedule them in advance before busy seasons.
Final Thoughts
Seasonal home care prevents small problems from becoming expensive repairs. You don't have to complete every task every season, but staying generally on top of things keeps your home in good condition.
Focus on tasks relevant to your home and climate. A flat in London has different needs than a house with a large garden. Adapt this guide to your specific situation and commit to addressing at least the most important seasonal tasks each year.