Spring
Air the house out after the heating season, wash the windows, check the seals, the balcony and window sills outside, and put warm things away.
a home by the calendar: a seasonal guide to home care and comfort
Kissdesign: a home by the calendar
Every home has its own yearly rhythm, even if we rarely notice it. In spring you want to throw the windows open and wash everything that has gone dull over the winter; in summer the house asks for shade and a cross breeze; in fall it's time to think about warmth; and in winter, about dry air and condensation on the glass. We have gathered these seasonal chores into a calm, practical guide: what to inspect, what to do yourself, what to hand off to a professional, and how to turn scattered tasks into a calendar that makes sense.
A home doesn't ask for heroics, just a little attention at the right time.
Your home through the seasons
Summer
Light textiles, shade on the sunny side, repairs that are easier with the windows open, and a tidy balcony.
Fall
Getting windows ready for the cold, checking radiators and valves, cleaning vent grilles and, in a house, the gutters.
Winter
Short, thorough airing, an eye on humidity and condensation, small indoor jobs and a plan for the year ahead.
Guide sections
- Materials
The guide's main topics and which household tasks belong to which season, plus our article catalog.
- Ideas
Seasonal interior ideas: light and warm textiles, furniture closer to the light, storing seasonal items, drying winter clothes and a summer balcony.
- How-to
How to get windows ready for winter, clean the range hood filter and vent grilles, and test a smoke detector.
- Planning
A yearly home plan: which jobs to leave for spring, summer, fall and winter, how to keep a chore list and how to share tasks as a family.
- Tools
What to keep on hand for seasonal home care, from a stepladder and brushes to weatherstripping, a flashlight and a hygrometer.
- Care
Caring for windows and doors, ventilation, plumbing, radiators, floors, the balcony, the roof and gutters, by season and by situation.
- FAQ
Answers about the guide, seasonal home tasks and safety when working at height, with windows and around electricity.
Example: a seasonal walk-through in one evening
Windows and seals
Open and close every sash and see whether it closes snugly and whether the rubber seal has any cracks. On a windy day, run your hand along the frame: a draft gives itself away right away.
Ventilation and range hoods
Hold a thin strip of paper up to the vent grille in the kitchen and bathroom. If it isn't drawn toward the grille, the opening may be clogged with dust; the duct itself is cleaned by professionals.
Gutters and window sills
If you live in a house, check the gutters and exterior sills from the ground: look for leaves, sagging sections and streaks on the wall. Don't climb onto the roof to do it.
Radiators and valves
Check that valves and joints aren't dripping and that furniture isn't blocking the radiators. If a valve won't turn or is leaking, don't force it; contact your building management.
Smoke detectors
Press the test button on each detector as its manual describes and make sure the alarm is loud. A weak or missing signal means it's time to replace the battery or the detector itself.
The essentials
Are you a property manager or a home service company?
No. Kissdesign is an independent guide. We don't maintain homes, take requests or send anyone out to do work; we explain how to notice small seasonal issues yourself and when to call in a professional.
When is the best time to wash windows?
On a dry, overcast day without strong wind. In bright sun the glass dries too fast and leaves streaks, and in rain or freezing weather the job is almost pointless.
Do I really need to test my smoke detectors?
Yes, regularly and as the manufacturer's instructions say. Pressing the test button takes a moment, and a faulty detector will stay silent exactly when you need it most.
What should I do before leaving on vacation?
Close the windows and the balcony door, shut off the water, unplug appliances that shouldn't run while you're away, take out the trash, and ask a neighbor or someone close to you to check your mailbox now and then.
About the project
This domain once belonged to a completely different website, and later the address was used for unrelated spam pages. None of that content has survived, and we don't reproduce it; the Kissdesign guide has nothing to do with either, and only the domain name remains from those days.
Kissdesign is written for people who want to look after their home without fuss: new homeowners and renters, owners of apartments in older and newer buildings, owners of houses, and families who like to share the chores. We describe warning signs and what to do about them, not what to buy.
Read next
- Care
Caring for windows and doors, ventilation, plumbing, radiators, floors, the balcony, the roof and gutters, by season and by situation.
- Planning
A yearly home plan: which jobs to leave for spring, summer, fall and winter, how to keep a chore list and how to share tasks as a family.
- How-to
How to get windows ready for winter, clean the range hood filter and vent grilles, and test a smoke detector.
What we rely on
- Manufacturer instructions for windows, appliances and equipment
- General household fire safety guidelines
- Kissdesign editorial materials
Everything on Kissdesign is general guidance based on manufacturer instructions for windows, appliances and equipment and on household fire safety rules. For the specifics of caring for your own window, appliance or detector, see its manual; check with your building management before any work in an apartment building, since rules differ by country; and leave gas, heating, electrical work and roofing to professionals.