The Annual Home Reset Checklist

Written By Ruth

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR HOME, SEASON BY SEASON / CHECKLIST

January 13 2026

Well built homes still need considered care. Weather, wear and everyday life all leave their mark over time. This seasonal checklist is designed to help you stay ahead of maintenance, supporting the longevity of your home while keeping it feeling calm, functional and ready for real family life.

Looking after your home does not need to feel overwhelming. A few regular checks, timed with the seasons, can prevent larger issues down the track. This checklist breaks home care into manageable moments across the year, focusing on the structural details and everyday spaces that keep your home comfortable, safe and beautifully lived in.

 
 

Why this matters

A well built home still needs attention. Not constant, not overwhelming, just regular, thoughtful care. The kind that keeps water out, air flowing properly and structure doing what it was designed to do.

Cleaning helps a home feel good. Maintenance helps it last. When the two work together, homes age calmly and predictably, without urgent repairs or uncomfortable surprises.

This guide is written for Australian homes and Australian conditions. Heat. Storms. Moisture. Long summers and sudden downpours. Use it as a rhythm for the year, not a rigid rulebook.

 

Ongoing checks

Monthly home maintenance and deep cleaning

These are the quiet resets. The things that stop build up, wear and small issues becoming big ones.

  • Clean or replace air conditioning and heating filters

  • Clean inside the microwave, dishwasher and washing machine

  • Degrease rangehood filters using hot water and a mild degreaser

  • Clear dryer lint traps after every use and check vent paths monthly

  • Wipe ceiling fans and light fittings

  • Vacuum skirting boards, vents and behind furniture

  • Spot clean walls, doors and high touch areas

  • Wash interior windows

  • Treat mould prone bathroom and laundry zones early

  • Declutter pressure points like the pantry, entry bench or mudroom

  • Test smoke alarms and clean dust from vents

  • Check garage door auto reverse function

  • Look under sinks and around toilets for early signs of leaks

Every three months

  • Vacuum refrigerator condenser coils

  • Check fridge and freezer temperatures

  • Clean laundry exhaust vents thoroughly

  • Rinse dryer screens and filters

  • Run water and flush toilets in rarely used bathrooms

  • Check external taps and hoses for leaks

  • Review basic safety items including alarms and filters

 

Seasonal care, made simple

Each season includes two parts. A practical cleaning reset and a structural home care checklist.

 

Summer | December to March

Long days, heat and sudden storms place real pressure on Australian homes. Ventilation, drainage and sun exposure matter most now.

Summer cleaning checklist

  • Clean ceiling fans, air vents and filters

  • Deep clean outdoor entertaining areas

  • Clean BBQs and outdoor kitchens

  • Wash outdoor cushions, slipcovers and entry mats

  • Clean behind and under large appliances

  • Stay ahead of dust and sand through entry points

Summer structural home care checklist

  • Inspect roof sheets or tiles after heatwaves or storms

  • Clear gutters and downpipes to manage summer downpours

  • Check decks, balconies and stairs for cracking or movement

  • Inspect external timber for splitting or coating breakdown

  • Check windows and sliding doors for smooth operation and intact seals

  • Observe drainage during heavy rain and address pooling early

 

Autumn | April to June

Autumn is preparation season. The aim is to set the home up properly before winter moisture arrives.

Autumn cleaning checklist

  • Deep clean carpets and rugs, steam if possible

  • Wash or dry clean curtains, comforters and heavier bedding

  • Rotate and vacuum mattresses

  • Clean and organise storage areas

  • Store summer items properly

Autumn structural home care checklist

  • Clear leaves from gutters, valleys and stormwater grates

  • Inspect roof flashing, penetrations and junctions

  • Check and refresh sealants around windows and doors

  • Test smoke alarms, safety switches and RCDs

  • Service heating systems

  • Inspect hot water systems for leaks or corrosion

 

Winter | July to August

Winter exposes moisture issues quickly. Condensation, reduced airflow and cold surfaces need close attention.

Winter cleaning checklist

  • Clean bathrooms thoroughly to prevent mould

  • Wash winter bedding, blankets and throws

  • Ventilate rooms daily, even briefly

  • Clean exhaust fans and dehumidifiers

  • Scrub and reseal grout where needed

Winter structural home care checklist

  • Inspect ceilings, cornices and walls for staining or bubbling

  • Check subfloor or underfloor areas where accessible

  • Inspect window frames and weather seals for moisture

  • Check external timber stairs and decks for movement

  • Inspect fireplaces, flues and heaters and service where required

  • Plan repairs or upgrades for spring

 

Spring | September to November

Spring is the reset. Clear winter wear, refresh the home and prepare for another long summer.

Spring cleaning checklist

  • Wash interior and exterior windows

  • Deep clean hard floors and rugs

  • Declutter wardrobes and donate unused items

  • Clean outdoor furniture and shaded areas

  • Wash entry mats and high traffic textiles

Spring structural home care checklist

  • Clear gutters and downpipes after winter rain

  • Inspect roof tiles, metal roofing and ridge capping

  • Check stormwater drainage and surface flow

  • Inspect decks, pergolas and external stairs

  • Repair or replace damaged window screens

  • Book air conditioning servicing before peak season

  • Arrange termite inspections where recommended

 

Room by room reset

Use this section as a reference when one area needs attention.

Kitchen

  • Clear and wipe benches before returning essentials only

  • Clean sink, drain and dishwasher filter

  • Wipe cabinet fronts and handles, especially around cooking zones

  • Degrease cooktop, splashback and rangehood filters

  • Clean inside the microwave and oven door

  • Edit the fridge and freezer, discarding expired items

  • Check under the sink for moisture or leaks

  • Sweep and mop floors, including kickboards

Bathrooms

  • Clean toilet, including hinges and base

  • Descale shower screens, tiles and fittings

  • Scrub grout lines and inspect sealants

  • Wipe vanity cupboards and drawers

  • Clean mirrors and tapware

  • Wash bath mats and towels

  • Clean exhaust fan covers

  • Mop floors, drying edges thoroughly

Bedrooms

  • Change and wash all bedding

  • Vacuum mattress surface and rotate if needed

  • Dust bedside tables and light fittings

  • Vacuum under the bed and along skirting boards

  • Reorganise wardrobes and store out of season items

  • Wipe window sills and clean interior glass

Living and dining areas

  • Tidy surfaces and storage zones

  • Dust shelves, joinery and light fittings

  • Vacuum sofas, cushions and under furniture

  • Spot clean walls in high contact areas

  • Clean glass, mirrors and screens

  • Vacuum and mop floors, lifting rugs where possible

Entry and hallways

  • Clean doors, handles and switches

  • Shake out and wash entry mats

  • Organise shoes, bags and outerwear

  • Vacuum skirting boards and corners

  • Mop floors thoroughly

Laundry

  • Run washing machine cleaning cycle

  • Wipe appliance seals and detergent drawers

  • Check hoses and connections

  • Clear lint traps and vents

  • Clean sink and surrounding surfaces

  • Mop floors

 

A final note

Good maintenance is rarely visible, but its absence always is.

Homes that are cared for consistently remain comfortable, safe and resilient. They cost less to run, less to repair and far less to worry about.

Seasonal attention protects structure, value and everyday living.

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