Being a mom can be described by many, but the best phrase is being a jack of all trades. Between school drop-offs, meal prep, and keeping those endless to-do lists managed, it might feel like there’s little time for much else—let alone home maintenance. In truth, though, tending to that stuff saves oodles of time, stress, and dollars over time. Here are some easy, quick, and cheap tips that will have any busy mom doing DIY home maintenance in no time.
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Start Small but Stay Consistent
Large projects can be overwhelming, and house repairs don’t have to become an all-or-nothing proposition. Spend 15-20 minutes every single day implementing one thing that needs to be done. Maybe this is the day to take care of the loose cabinet handle in the kitchen; maybe tomorrow, the dead light bulb will be replaced. Small, consistent efforts keep one’s home in good shape without chipping away at a tight work schedule. Besides, after all, crossing tasks from a list feels remarkably comfortable.
Master the Basics
You don’t have to be a DIY wizard to know how to handle basic home maintenance. Learning to fix that squeaky door hinge, patch a small hole in the wall, or clean out the dryer vent goes a long way. YouTube is your best friend here; there’s a tutorial for everything, and most fixes are easier than they appear. Don’t be afraid to involve the kids! Let them “help” by handing you tools or learning alongside you. It turns maintenance into a mini family bonding session.
Make It a Monthly Habit
Other tasks don’t need your attention all the time, but they are worth being checked on. Think about cleaning the gutters, checking the HVAC system, or testing the smoke detectors. The idea is that by setting one weekend morning every month aside for these jobs, it can save bigger headaches down the line. And if there was something big you’ve been putting off, such as roof replacement, it is worth considering before the colder months hit—better now than when stormy seasons come!
Keep the Right Tools Handy
Having the tools of the trade on hand levels the playing field. A base toolkit with things like your basic hammer, screwdriver set, measuring tape, and set of Allen keys solves most minor repairs. Add one cordless drill and some duct tape to the mix—you are ready for almost all tasks. Keep your own tool kit in one central, accessible place so you’ll spend no time hunting them down come fix-it time.
Don’t Forget About Preventive Care
One of the easiest ways for saving time is preventing any issues before they start. Regular cleaning of appliances, especially those in high use like the dishwasher or washing machine, will go a long way toward extending their life. Also, check for drafts around windows and doors and protect your energy bills with a little weatherstripping. An occasional check under the s
ink can catch leaks in that area before they escalate and turn into expensive water damage.
Being a mom already equates to a full-time job, and the last thing you need is for home maintenance to overwhelm you. Breaking tasks into small, doable chunks and focusing on prevention are part of the keys to having your house run smoothly without really consuming your time—or sanity. You know, every little bit really does help, and you already are doing an amazing job keeping your household together.