The Personal Checklist: 64 Little Things to Remember for Home, Auto, Health & Yard

Some tasks don't have one obvious deadline. They still matter, and they're easy to put off when life gets busy. This checklist brings 64 useful checks into one place, grouped by home, auto, health, and yard.

Use the list as a starting point, not a rulebook. Tick off what's relevant, skip what doesn't apply, and check your own equipment manuals or a professional's advice for the right schedule. At the end, you can email yourself the printable PDF and set up reminders in Reminder Buddy for anything you'll need to revisit.

Home: keep the essentials working

• Test smoke alarms and replace batteries as needed
• Check carbon monoxide detectors
• Replace HVAC filters
• Schedule heating and cooling system service
• Inspect the water heater for leaks
• Clean dryer lint trap and exhaust vent
• Check under sinks and around toilets for leaks
• Test GFCI outlets in kitchen and bathrooms
• Inspect windows and doors for drafts
• Clean refrigerator coils and check seals
• Review home or renters insurance coverage
• Locate and label the main water shutoff
• Review your emergency kit and supplies
• Back up important documents and photos
• Check fire extinguishers and expiration dates
• Replace burned-out bulbs and check exterior lights

Auto: stay ready for the road

• Check tire pressure, including the spare
• Inspect tire tread and uneven wear
• Schedule an oil and filter change
• Check engine coolant level
• Top up windshield washer fluid
• Inspect wiper blades and replace if worn
• Check headlights, brake lights, and turn signals
• Test the battery and clean terminals
• Inspect brakes at the next service visit
• Check the cabin air filter
• Review registration renewal date
• Review auto insurance renewal date
• Keep roadside assistance information handy
• Restock the vehicle emergency kit
• Check the owner's manual for scheduled service
• Clean interior and remove unnecessary weight

Health: make time for your wellbeing

• Schedule an annual primary care visit
• Book a dental cleaning
• Schedule an eye exam if due
• Review recommended vaccinations
• Refill prescriptions before they run out
• Check expiration dates on medicine
• Update your medication and allergy list
• Review health insurance renewal details
• Schedule age-appropriate screenings with a clinician
• Restock first-aid supplies
• Save emergency contacts in your phone
• Check fitness or movement goals
• Plan a few balanced meals for the week
• Review sleep habits and bedtime routine
• Schedule a mental health check-in
• Replace worn toothbrushes and personal care items

Yard: look after your outdoor space

• Clear leaves and debris from gutters
• Inspect and clean downspouts
• Check trees for damaged or overhanging branches
• Trim shrubs away from siding and walkways
• Inspect fences and gates for damage
• Check outdoor faucets and hoses for leaks
• Test irrigation or sprinkler system
• Clear drains and standing water
• Clean and store outdoor furniture as needed
• Inspect deck boards and railings
• Check exterior steps and walkways for hazards
• Plan seasonal lawn care
• Weed planting beds and add mulch if needed
• Check outdoor lighting and replace bulbs
• Clean and service yard tools
• Prepare plants and hoses for seasonal weather

Make the list work for you

Print the list and mark off what you've already done. For anything that needs repeating, choose a date that makes sense for your household and add a reminder with enough lead time to act. Annual renewals, routine checks, and seasonal jobs are much easier to manage when they come back to you at the right time.