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A list of all things that should be done for a single-family home. Includes scheduled reminders for all of them.

Colder weather is coming. Do this quick check to be ready.

<a href="https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/green-living/eco-friendly/how-to-improve-your-indoor-air-quality/" target="_self">Check/Replace the furnace filter</a>

<a href="https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-bathroom-fixtures/" target="_self">Clean faucets and aerators</a>

Inspect tub and sink drains for debris; <a href="https://www.wikihow.com/Unclog-a-Bathtub-Drain" target="_self">unclog</a> if necessary

<a href="https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/home-security/how-to-test-smoke-alarms-in-your-home/" target="_self">Test smoke alarms</a>

<a href="https://brinkshome.com/smartcenter/how-to-test-your-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-detectors" target="_self">Test carbon monoxide detectors</a>

<a href="https://support.firstalert.com/s/article/Testing-Fire-Extinguishers" target="_self">Check fire extinguishers</a>

Safety Checks (Bi-annual)

Before the windows and doors close the air in for the colder months, do a quick review of these checks.

Annual <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTqjoWyH1Js" target="_self">spray silicon spray on springs </a>

Check gaps in garages door. Check <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/s/garage%2520door%2520bottom%2520seal?NCNI-5" target="_self">runner seal on bottom</a>.

Consider <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086BDFJHL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_self">Rodent traps</a> - along wall edges.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhu2h9G5mns" target="_self">Check for fluid leaks</a> on floor underneath car.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fs-qMF7tkY4" target="_self">Inspect Sewer line every 2-3 years</a>

Catching roots in your sewer line early can save you thousands $$$.

Not a ton of work - but doing these few things will keep things running (and smelling) properly

Run a Tub Clean cycle (<a href="https://www.target.com/p/clr-calcium-lime-and-rust-remover-28-fl-oz/-/A-13821647#lnk=sametab" target="_self">use 1/2 cup CLR</a> in detergent tray) - keeps the machine de-funkified. Prevents odors from creeping into your clothing.

<a href="https://www.lg.com/us/support/video-tutorials/lg-front-load-washer-cleaning-the-drain-pump-filter-CT10000012-20150206838321" target="_self">Check/Clean Drain Pump</a> filter - coins, hairpins, get caught by this trap. but you need to check and empty it every 3 mos or so.

Washing Machine - <a href="https://www.lg.com/us/support/help-library/lg-front-load-washer-maintenance-CT10000010-1400786418920" target="_self">Check/Clean Water Inlet Filter</a>. Grit, grains of sand and small debris can slow your inlet water flow. Easy quick check.

Inspect flashing, shingles, chimneys for - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddpfXA4vw6c" target="_self">a drone is great for this</a>. The video will make it easier to get an estimate.

Check screens for holes, tears. Patch, if need be or <a href="https://youtu.be/UMDuYmHTabU?t=13" target="_self">replace screens</a>.

Remove screens annually and vacuum spider eggs.

Pull tab face inwards for easy removal. Replace broken tabs.

You'll be happy you kept this up to date annually.

Keep cloud folder for all manuals, documents, records.

<a href="https://www.travelers.com/resources/weather/emergency-preparedness/home-inventory-checklist" target="_self">Video home inventory</a> for insurance at least annually. Send share link to insurance company. Keep 2 years of recordings.

Scan all items worth more than ~$500 with serial number, and warranty info. This would be required in case of loss due to fire, flood, etc.

Check under all sinks for any water leakage/damage

Store all your real estate inspection files, purchase records. This will really come in handy should you sell your home.

Check &amp; clear all gutters for debris. Make sure there are <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Amerimax-Home-Products-Universal-Aluminum-Leaf-Strainer-21348/303446742" target="_self">gutter screens</a> over all downspout drains

Inspect all caulk lines around toilets, tubs, shower. Repair any broken caulk.

Ceiling fans - reverse fan direction (Spring: <a href="https://www.hunterfan.com/blogs/hunter-blog/ceiling-fan-direction-for-summer-and-winter" target="_self">CounterClockwise</a>, Winter: <a href="https://www.hunterfan.com/blogs/hunter-blog/ceiling-fan-direction-for-summer-and-winter" target="_self">Clockwise</a>)

Ducts - inspect every 2-3 years, professional duct cleaning. They will vacuum out dust buildup. This makes a big difference in air quality.

Locate and label your Gas shutoff - in an emergency it will be much smoother if you drill this once per year.

Keep all product manuals in a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-storage-containers/" target="_self">plastic bin</a> in one place.

Keep a list of all active warranties, and expiration dates. Toss out the expired ones. Take advantage of the current ones.

A quick check and cleaning with a hose will make your A/C run better

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzDNFuiAESE" target="_self">Hose off outdoor AC fins every summer</a>

Label all circuit breakers on your electrical panel. How many times did you wish this was done?

<a href="https://www.kidde.com/home-safety/en/us/fire-safety/fire-extinguishers-for-home/#0" target="_self">Quick Review</a> that you have protection where you need it in your home

Best recipe for Window cleaner: 2/3 distilled water, 1/3 white vinegar, 2 drops liquid dish soap detergent in a spray bottle. Newspaper to wipe and clean. No streaks.

Wipe/Clean/Bleach inner door and rubber gasket to disinfect and deodorize.

Schedule Annual inspection - this is worth it before the colder months. They'll catch issues early - as well as test for any leaks in the duct work.

Vacuum Dryer Vent duct: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sealegend-Omnidirectional-Cleaning-Attachment-Adapters/dp/B09HH2CVG5?crid=FXUIWR5W22KY&keywords=dryer+vent+cleaner+kit&qid=1675544610&sprefix=dryer+vent+%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&smid=AOOV2R3RD55Z7&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyOTlXU1VEMFFXRUlRJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODY5NDM4UU1VSUUzOVg5NEUxJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA0OTk5NjMyMzhIMDBOVTk0TUkmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl" target="_self">Vent brush drill attachment</a> (too much lint in dryer duct causes 92% of all home fires)

Vent Hood: Check/<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFAvMCRk_FA" target="_self">Wash metal screens</a> in dishwasher

Vent Hood Carbon Filters: Soak/clean/replace (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=carbon+filters+hood&crid=1GPPQ5BZPP20D&sprefix=carbon+filters+hood%2Caps%2C235&ref=nb_sb_noss_2" target="_self">Carbon Filter Replacements</a> - confirm your compatibility)

Home Maintenance Checklist

follow this list to maintain a good level of security for your personal info. This is setup for US so copy this and adjust for locale

Setup - Do these things first to ensure you are as setup as you should be.

Apple users: <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204085?cmdf=icloud+keychain" target="_self">Setup iCloud Keychain</a>

<a href="https://1password.com/" target="_self">1Password</a> - the best way to store and share passwords with family

Get your free <a href="https://www.annualcreditreport.com/" target="_self">Annual Credit Report</a>

Setup logins at all 3 credit agencies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) - store in Password Manager

Protect paper mail- sign up for free USPS service “<a href="https://www.usps.com/manage/informed-delivery.htm" target="_self">Informed Delivery</a>”

Setup and secure password with <a href="https://www.id.me/" target="_self">ID.me</a> (official government service)

Enable <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-factor_authentication" target="_self">Multi-Factor Authentication</a> (MFA) on ALL online accounts (email, Amazon, Financial, etc)

Upload and verify identification documents

Documents: Scan a copy of your ID and other important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.) <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210336" target="_self">How-to for iPhone</a>. How-to for <a href="https://support.google.com/drive/answer/3145835?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&oco=1" target="_self">Android</a> save to your secure online storage (iCloud Drive, Google Drive, Dropbox).

Disable paper statements with all organizations - and switch to e-statements.

Use parental control to disable account changes to foil sim jacking

<a href="https://login.gov/" target="_self">Login.gov</a> - this will eventually replace ID.me for federal services so set this up as well (use MFA!)

Enable Passkeys on your <a href="https://blog.google/technology/safety-security/the-beginning-of-the-end-of-the-password/?cmdf=passkeys" target="_self">Google account</a>

If you have been a victim of identity theft, check out <a href="https://www.identitytheft.gov/#/" target="_self">IdentityTheft.gov</a> (official government site)

IRS - Setup an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin" target="_self">Identity Protection PIN</a>

Context your your wireless carrier and request they lock your account to <a href="https://www.ctia.org/protecting-against-sim-swap-fraud" target="_self">prevent sim swapping</a>

Login to all registered services to verify logins work

Review setup items above, and make sure your passwords and PINs are up to date in your password manager.

Review and confirm your online legacy settings (<a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208510" target="_self">Apple</a>, <a href="https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3036546?sjid=11960046634881140616-NA" target="_self">Google</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/help/1568013990080948?cmdf=facebook%20legacy%20contact" target="_self">Facebook</a>)

Login to all 3 credit agency accounts - confirm Credit Freeze is turned ON (<a href="https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html" target="_self">Experian</a>, <a href="https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze?cmdf=transunion+credit+freeze" target="_self">TransUnion</a>, <a href="https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/" target="_self">Equifax</a>)

Get your free <a href="https://www.annualcreditreport.com/" target="_self">Annual Credit Report</a>. Save PDFs of every report to a "Credit History" folder on your secure cloud storage.

Verify Login to <a href="https://www.id.me/" target="_self">ID.me</a> is working: ID.me is used by many government agencies to allow you a secure, single-sign on.

Protect your Identity (US 🇺🇸)

This list is updated frequently from local, state, and federal sources. This List will remind you annually in August to review and prep.

Pet emergency bag list

Remember: You may have to walk to safety, so pack your emergency supplies in <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gear-for-your-bug-out-bag/" target="_self">something that’s durable and easy to carry, such as a backpack or duffle bag</a>. For heavier items, such as food and water, using a tub or chest on wheels may make it easier to transport — but make sure it's still light enough to lift.

Vaccination and medical records, proof of ownership, a current photo, contact information for the pet's veterinarian

Family photos and other irreplaceable items

Personal computer information on hard drives and disks

<a href="https://www.redcross.org/store/survive-outdoors-longer-sol-emergency-blanket/0140-1222.html?utm_source=RCO&utm_medium=Referral&utm_term=1_emergency_blanket&utm_campaign=Anatomy_of_a_First_Aid_Kit" target="_self">Emergency blanket</a>, extra blankets or sleeping bags

Where should I keep my go bag and other essentials?&nbsp;

According to Cal Fire PIO Heather Williams, keeping your bag by your front door or in your car is best. Anywhere you can easily grab it and go.

<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/emergency-preparedness/#communication-and-power" target="_self">Extra chargers for cellphones, laptops, etc.</a>

Video record of home contents (include closets, drawers, &amp; garage)

Documents: Scan a copy of your ID and other important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.) <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210336" target="_self">How-to for iPhone</a>. How-to for <a href="https://support.google.com/drive/answer/3145835?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&oco=1" target="_self">Android</a>

<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-can-opener/" target="_self">Can opener</a>

A good idea to review this every 6 months

Items to take if time and space allow

Consider keeping original paper documents in a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08K34LMXP?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_self">Fireproof/Waterproff document pouch</a>

Map marked with at least two evacuation routes

<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/emergency-preparedness/#food-and-water" target="_self">Food: nonperishable, easy-to-prepare items</a><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/emergency-preparedness/#food" target="_self"> </a>(three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)

Water: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/emergency-preparedness/#food-and-water" target="_self">one gallon a person, per day (three-day supply for evacuation</a>, two-week supply for home)

Baby supplies, if applicable

<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/search/?s=Charging+cables" target="_self">Charging cables for your cellphone</a> and a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-battery-packs/" target="_self">portable cellphone battery pack</a>

<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/emergency-preparedness/#communication-and-power" target="_self">A portable radio and batteries</a>

<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/emergency-preparedness/#light-and-heat" target="_self">Flashlight</a>

<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/emergency-preparedness/#health-and-hygiene" target="_self">First-aid kit</a>

Cash in small bills (ATMs won't be working)

Eyeglasses or contact lenses

A change of clothes. Cotton clothes are safest to wear - burns less than synthetic fabrics.

Medications list: include all prescriptions and other important medical information

Medication, supplies and home-use medical devices

Remove all batteries when not in use. Batteries may leak after long periods. Check battery voltage with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Organizer-Storage-Removable-Batteries/dp/B01N80S2UX?crid=38U7GKSUF1L1C&keywords=battery%2Bcenter&qid=1690999005&sprefix=battery%2Bcent%2Caps%2C255&sr=8-1&th=1" target="_self">tester</a>.

Go Bag List

Travel

Turn pump on allowing it to pump out any remaining  water (about a cupful)

Open vent slightly to allow some air - but not rain to enter

Empty all food from RV - shelves, cabinets, fridge

Prop fridge door open for air circulation

Holding Tanks- lubricate dump valve shafts

Battery - Recharge and add water, if necessary

Store battery in cool, dry place. Trickle charge as needed

Cover windows with newspaper/cardboard to Prevent fabric fading

Cover range hood, fridge, furnace vents with plastic

Inspect all roof vents and replace if necessary

Supports and bri that metal parts should be cleaned and coated with silicon annually

Axle &amp; suspension should be inspected frequently

Battery terminals and cables cleaned and inspected.

Check Propanbe tank mounting supports are secure

LP Gas line checks - using solution bubble test

Rust check - Roof, Body, Underbelly every 90 days

Check/Infllate Tires Front 65psi, Rear 80psi

Shore line power cords - make sure 3rd prong is present! 10gauge 15Amp

<a href="https://youtu.be/DoLVxE3lvOs" target="_self">Water (38 gallons)</a>

RV Maintenance

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<a href="https://www.flightyapp.com/" target="_self">Flighty</a> - Pilot-grade flight tracking. For everyone.

<a href="https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-clean-a-hydration-bladder.html" target="_self">Sterilize hydro pack before and after</a>

<a href="https://kk.org/cooltools?s=travel" target="_self">Every item tagged Travel on CoolTools</a>

<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/travel-guide/" target="_self">Travel Guide on Wirecutter</a>

@rstephens

Public checklists by @rstephens