Home maintenance often gets overlooked. I might remember to clean an appliance or replace a filter, but other tasks only come to mind when something stops working.
It also outlines practical upkeep tasks such as replacing HVAC filters, testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, checking water heaters for leaks, and arranging chimney inspections and cleaning when needed.
I grouped these jobs by how often they need to be done. Some are worth checking monthly, such as looking for leaks under sinks and testing smoke detectors.
I also set aside space for less frequent jobs, such as arranging air conditioner servicing, checking windows and doors for worn seals, and inspecting areas that could develop water damage.
I have also been adding more later as I discovered other things that needed attention.
I use Tasks in Calendar for routine maintenance
Track recurring chores
I didn’t want every maintenance job to block out time on my calendar. Some tasks need to be done regularly, while others involve booking a professional or setting aside a few hours.
Tasks work best for jobs I need to remember and mark complete, even if I don’t get around to them on the scheduled day.
I set up recurring reminders to clean appliance filters, check for leaks, and inspect gutters as the seasons change. I give each task a due date so it appears on my calendar, and I can mark it complete when I am done.
To create a task, open Google Calendar, tap the plus icon, and select Task.
You can choose the repeat option and select a suitable frequency, such as monthly or annually.
If I miss a deadline, I can find overdue tasks under Pending tasks in Google Calendar and reschedule them.
I also add instructions to a task and attach a relevant Google Drive file, such as an appliance manual. That way, I have the information I need alongside the reminder instead of searching for it separately.
Google Calendar events are for scheduled work
I block out time for repairs and professional servicing
Credit:Â Lucas Gouveia / Android Police | Google
Some home maintenance jobs need more than a reminder to get them done. When I schedule regular air conditioner servicing, book a plumber, or arrange a pest control inspection, I use a Google Calendar event to record the appointment.
I add the date, time, location, and relevant details, so I know exactly when the work will happen. If a technician sends me a quote, I attach the Google Drive file to the event for easy access.
Events are handy when I want to set aside time for larger tasks, such as cleaning out a storage area or for seasonal maintenance.
For regular maintenance tasks, I create recurring events, but I adjust the dates as needed to match the technician’s availability.
A simpler way to stay on top of home maintenance
I don’t need a complicated home management app to track routine upkeep. By using Google Tasks alongside Google Calendar, I schedule recurring jobs, get reminders when they are due, and mark them complete when I am done.
I also keep maintenance jobs on their own task list and add instructions or relevant manuals, so I don’t have to search for information when it is time to get started.
The biggest benefit is that I no longer must rely entirely on memory to remember what needs attention around the house. I can spread tasks throughout the year, adjust the schedule when necessary, and keep upcoming maintenance work visible alongside my other commitments.