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If you’re like most homeowners, you probably have a list of chores you do every day or every week. Adding extra tasks to this standing chore chart can seem overwhelming! Fortunately, there are certain tasks you only need to do once a year. This guide details eight jobs you can tackle on an annual basis.

Clean the garage, basement, and attic

While you should try to keep your garage, basement, and attic organized throughout the year if you use them regularly, the only need to be deep cleaned annually. While you are going through this process, it’s a good idea to have these spaces professionally inspected for mold and other issues.

Deal with your linen closet

Take everything out of your linen closet once a year to clean and vacuum the shelves, refold all of the items, and throw away or donate anything you no longer use. You might also want to add some lilac sachets or other potpourri pouches to keep your linens smelling great until you clean the closet again next year!

Purge documents and files

Starting each new year by organizing your paper and digital files from the previous year is an excellent idea. Some items may need to be thrown away, others may need to be filed, and still, others may need to be sent to your accountant for the upcoming tax season. Even if you’ve stayed organized throughout the year, it’s a good idea to give all of your documents and files a once-over in January.

Clean kitchen cabinets, drawers, and pantry space

The best time of year to throughout clean all of the cabinets and drawers in your kitchen is early November before the holidays arrive and you have guests in your home frequently. Throw away any expired items you run across, clean all of your shelves, and dust out each drawer. Keep an eye out for any spider webs or other insects that might require professional attention.

Carpet and upholstered furniture

The end of summer is the ideal time to clean all of the carpeting and upholstered furniture in your house. During the warmer months of the year, people are in and out often, bringing in pollen, dirt, and other debris. During the winter, however, everyone is likely to be engaging in more indoor activities, so cleaning soft furnishings in late summer ensures everything is clean and ready to be enjoyed. While you can rent an upholstery cleaner and tackle this job yourself, the best option is to hire professionals, so you can rest assured the job will be done right the first time.

Outdoor furniture

Ideally, you should clean your outdoor furniture at either the start or the end of summer. If your furnishings have been covered all winter, cleaning them at the end of the year is best. If, however, they’ve been left out in the elements, you should do your cleaning at the start of the outdoor entertaining season. Most outdoor furniture materials, including wicker and teak are easy to clean with gentle soap and water. It’s also a good idea to apply ScotchGuard to all outdoor cushions every year.

Fireplace and chimney

If you don’t already clean your fireplace and chimney as part of your normal spring cleaning routine, you should start now. You can clean the inside of your fireplace and necessities like the poker with a mixture of vinegar, water, and, if you choose, essential oils to remove odors. You should, however, hire a professional to clean your chimney if you want to avoid any potential problems and make sure everything is safe for the following fall and winter.

Gutters

The majority of homeowners know that they should have their gutters expertly cleaned once a year. Blocked gutters can lead to a variety of problems, including ice damming in the winter.

Doing these tasks every year will keep your house safe and healthy for you and your loved ones! If you need a reminder, print this list and hang it somewhere you will see it at the start of each new season.