When the kids are gone, the pace of life shifts. You suddenly have more space to travel, work, and enjoy your home in a new way—but the house still needs attention. What we’ve learned is this: if you don’t keep up with basic maintenance, little things can quickly turn into big, expensive problems. And nothing ruins a weekend or trip like an unexpected repair.
The biggest lesson we’ve learned is that maintenance works best when you break it into seasons. It feels less overwhelming, and it spreads out the cost and effort. Instead of losing a whole weekend to a pile of repairs, you chip away at small things before they snowball. That way, your home is ready for you—not the other way around.
Spring Home Maintenance: Fresh Start, Proactive Steps
- Clear gutters and inspect for leaf blockages to prevent water backups. The Spruce
- Inspect roof, siding, and driveways for cracks and wear after winter’s freeze. AHACrossCountry Mortgage
- Trim overgrown shrubs and trees, especially near your home exterior. House Reimagined
- Service your air conditioning system and change filters—summer starts soon! Better Homes & GardensMaking Lemonade
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. We do this every April and October.
- Pest spray: Hire a company to take care of this, or use a spray that is mailed to your door and spray on your own like we do with a service like Pestie.
Summer Home Maintenance: Maintain and Enjoy
- Clean and repair decks, patios, and screens. Summer is the best time to prep your home and outdoor spaces. Making LemonadeHouse Reimagined
- Reverse ceiling fans to push cool air down and improve efficiency. Better Homes & Gardens
- Replace HVAC filters regularly to keep air quality high and keep consistent with this as it makes a huge difference to your HVAC.
- Clean dryer vents and garbage disposals, often overlooked but essential. My Frugal HomeHippo
Fall Home Maintenance: Prep for Coziness (and Cold)
- Rake up the yard, aerate the lawn for spring readiness. The Spruce
- Seal gaps in windows and doors, reverse ceiling fans, and change filters.
- Service the heating system, including bleeding radiators before winter. Woman & HomeThe Spruce
- Insulate outdoor faucets and pipes, and know where your main water shutoff is. The SpruceWoman & Home
- Store outdoor gear. Bring in cushions, cover grills, and pack away hoses before freezing temps.
- Stock the basics. Lightbulbs, furnace filters, and salt for icy paths (if you live where it snows).
Monthly Home Maintenance Habits
Not everything needs to wait for a season to change. These little monthly habits keep your home running without becoming a burden:
- Swap or clean filters. HVAC, vacuums, and range hoods all work better when filters aren’t clogged.
- Walk your home with fresh eyes. Look for burnt-out bulbs, loose doorknobs, or cords stretched across walkways.
- Run water in unused spaces. Flush tubs and sinks in guest bathrooms so drains don’t dry out.
- Test safety gear. Push the test button on smoke and CO detectors—it takes seconds.
- Check storage spaces. Peek into attics, basements, or closets for leaks, pests, or musty smells.
The truth is, home maintenance doesn’t go away when the kids move out—it just shifts. Instead of fixing the chaos that comes with family life, it’s about keeping the house running smoothly so it stays comfortable and ready for the life you want now.
The thing about homeownership is that it’s never really “done.” But by staying on top of the basics, you put yourself in control instead of waiting for the next emergency. For us, that means more weekends spent traveling, cooking, or just relaxing—not calling repair people. A little effort goes a long way, and it’s worth it for the peace of mind it brings.
Check out more at: how to create a cozy home for two.
