Schedule These 7 Things To Keep Your Home Safe

*this is a collaborative post.

If you want your home to be as safe as…well, houses, then you really need to have a decent home maintenance to-do list drawn up, and furthermore, you need to ensure that you regularly schedule these seven things as part of that list.

1. The Boiler Check

Picture this: you’re in your pyjamas, it’s 2 a.m., and your boiler’s just decided it hates you. To avoid costly meltdowns—both literal and emotional—book an annual boiler service. A qualified engineer will give it a proper once-over, spotting potential problems before they morph into big, expensive disasters. Trust us, your wallet and your sanity will be eternally grateful.

2. Smoke Alarm testing

Ever tried sleeping through the midnight chirp of a dying smoke alarm battery? It’s like having a tiny avian percussionist in your bedroom—and not in a good way. Instead of waiting for that ear-splitting beep-beep-beep, schedule a yearly battery replacement for all your smoke alarms (and carbon monoxide detectors if you have them). One quick swap beats the 3 a.m. ladder-balancing act any day.

3. The Gutter Cleanup

If your gutters could talk, they’d probably complain about your habit of ignoring them for months on end. Leaves, moss, and who-knows-what-else can build up fast, creating blockages that lead to leaks and water damage. Save yourself the drama (and the damp patches) by arranging a thorough gutter clean at least once a year—twice, if you’re feeling extra smug. It’s not glamourous work, but your gutters will thank you.

4. Gas Fire Servicing

If you happen to have a gas fire heating up your home, don’t forget to keep it in tip-top condition. An annual gas fire servicing is key to ensuring your cosy nights remain delightfully warm and worry-free. After all, there’s nothing worse than settling down with a good book, only for your gas fire to start spluttering like it’s in the final stages of a Shakespearean tragedy.

5. Electrical System Service

You might not be an electrician, but you can still have a sparky (pun intended) come over for a quick check of your wiring, fuse box, and any flickering lights that have been slowly driving you mad. A routine inspection reduces the risk of electrical fires (and that slightly worrying stench of burning plastic). Plus, you can ask the electrician if there’s a magic solution to never having to change another lightbulb again.

6. Pest Prevention

No one invites the mice, rats, or creepy crawlies to move in, but sometimes they manage to outstay their welcome anyway. A quick call to a pest control expert can help you block entry points, remove nests, and ensure your home remains a rodent-free haven. After all, the only critters you should be sharing your bed with are the ones you know by name (talking to you, cat owners).

7. Security System Testing

Finally, keep your kingdom secure by scheduling regular tests on your home alarm system, cameras, and door locks. A once-a-year assessment will confirm that everything’s functioning correctly, giving you peace of mind whether you’re snoozing upstairs or gallivanting on holiday. (And if you don’t have a security system, it’s never too late to invest—your future self might just smother you in grateful hugs.)

Stay safe, start scheduling!