Digital Calendars Are Your New Best Friend

Many people rely on memory alone to know when something needs to be checked, cleaned or replaced around their home. But our brains can fail us. That evaporator coil that should be replaced every 3-6 months? Who can truly remember the last time they completed that, without help?

This is where creating maintenance reminders in a digital calendar you regularly reference comes in super handy. Google Calendar, Cozi, Outlook, or even paper calendars can visually display upcoming maintenance deadlines.

For example, if your furnace filter needs swapped out four times a year, schedule those dates out in advance. Set the third Monday of January, April, July and October as “Furnace Filter Reminder” with a notification to change it the weekend prior.

Likewise, set seasonal annual reminders - clearing gutters in fall, removing window ACs in winter, checking for termite swarmers in spring. Referencing your calendar makes staying on schedule effortless.

Set Custom Reminders and Alerts  

Beyond a calendar noting seasonal tasks, many helpful apps and devices enable setting customized maintenance tips. Here are some easy ways to stay on schedule:

- Smart home hubs like Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit can give audible reminders. For instance, “Alexa, remind me to seal the deck in 6 months”.

- iPhone users can utilize built-in location-based reminders. Arriving home triggers a notification like “Take out trash and recycling tonight.”  

- Apps like Todoist or AnyList easily allow creating recurring to-do lists with custom reminders. Never forget to check the sump pump monthly again!

- Program reminders directly into appliances if they offer that capability - your washer might remind you every 6 months to run an empty cleansing cycle.

- Write reminders directly on appliance surfaces with dry-erase marker if needed. Scribble “replace filter” on your furnace when you change it.

Staying on top of home maintenance no longer means relying solely on your memory. Embrace notifications and digital calendars to prompt completing important periodic home care tasks that keep your biggest investment protected. No matter how hectic life gets, you’ll have an automated system making sure nothing slips through the cracks!

by Nicole Azzi Williams on Feb 16th, 2024