May Home Maintenance Checklist: 7 Tasks to Keep Your Home Running Smoothly
Because your house doesn't come with a “set it and forget it” button.
May brings warmer weather, longer days, and the perfect excuse to finally tackle the home tasks you’ve been side-eyeing since February. From fresh air to fresh filters, here's your essential May checklist—built to help you stay ahead, not overwhelmed.
🌿 1. Tame the Yard Before It Takes Over
Let’s face it—your lawn is growing faster than your to-do list. By mid-May, grass and weeds can explode into a full-on jungle if you’re not proactive.
What to do:
Mow and edge regularly (once a week is ideal).
Trim back bushes and hedges.
Inspect your irrigation system—broken sprinkler heads and leaks can spike your water bill fast.
Mulch garden beds to prevent weeds and help soil retain moisture.
Why it matters: Curb appeal aside, a healthy yard also keeps pests at bay and your foundation protected.
🪟 2. Wash Those Windows (Yes, Even Upstairs)
Remember what natural light looks like? After a long winter, your windows are likely wearing a coat of grime—and it’s not doing your home any favors.
What to do:
Clean windows inside and out with a gentle cleaner or a vinegar-water mix.
Don’t forget screens—give them a rinse and reattach properly.
Choose a cloudy day to avoid streaks.
Why it matters: Clean windows brighten your space, improve mood, and may even help with seasonal allergies by removing dust and pollen buildup.
🌀 3. Swap Out Your HVAC Filters
If you haven’t changed your air filter since football season, now’s the time. May means pollen, dust, and everything else floating through your vents.
What to do:
Replace your HVAC filter (every 1–3 months depending on your system and lifestyle).
Vacuum vents and registers.
Schedule a tune-up if your system hasn't had one in the last year.
Why it matters: Clean filters mean better airflow, lower energy bills, and fewer sneeze attacks.
Bonus: If you’re a FilterBuy subscriber, just pop in the fresh one that arrives like clockwork.
🔥 4. Get Your Grill and Patio Summer-Ready
Before you host your next backyard BBQ, let’s make sure your grill isn’t home to last summer’s leftovers.
What to do:
Scrub the grill grates and check for rust or buildup.
Test the ignition and check propane levels or clean out charcoal ash.
Wash patio furniture and inspect for any mold, mildew, or broken hardware.
Why it matters: A little maintenance now means you’re ready to roll when the grill-out mood strikes—and you won’t be fumbling with a propane leak at dinnertime.
🧯 5. Test Smoke and CO Detectors
This one takes two minutes but could literally save your life.
What to do:
Press the test button on each smoke and carbon monoxide detector.
Replace batteries if the chirping has already driven you mad (or before it starts).
Vacuum around detectors to remove dust that can affect sensors.
Why it matters: Summer activities like grilling, fire pits, and extra appliances all increase fire risk. Stay ahead of it.
🧹 6. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Spring showers are great—unless they’re rerouting straight into your crawl space because of clogged gutters.
What to do:
Clear out leaves, sticks, and other debris.
Flush downspouts with a hose to ensure good water flow.
Check for sagging or disconnected sections.
Why it matters: Water backup can damage your roof, fascia, and even your foundation. Gutters are your home’s unsung hero—treat them right.
🚿 7. Inspect Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Frozen pipes may be a winter memory, but May is when you’ll start using those outdoor spigots again—and cracks might be lurking.
What to do:
Turn on each outdoor faucet and check for leaks.
Watch for reduced water pressure, which could mean a burst pipe behind the wall.
Inspect hoses for dry rot or cracks and replace as needed.
Why it matters: A leak that goes unnoticed can cause major damage. A quick check now can save hundreds (and your weekend plans).
🎯 Final Thoughts
Owning a home means never really running out of things to do—but it also means you’ve got control. And with HomeLedger, staying on top of seasonal maintenance is less about scrambling and more about feeling like you’ve got it handled.
Want reminders like this automatically?
Download HomeLedger and let Joe, our built-in assistant, nudge you before your gutters overflow or your AC gives up mid-July.
