New Year home maintenance jobs to take care of for a fresh start

With the New Year right around the corner, now is the perfect time to give the house a once-over and tackle a few jobs that may have fallen to the back seat with the rhythm of work and daily life. If you have some time to spare over the Christmas period, a little work around the home can really make a difference, not just in how your place looks but also in how it works for you all year long. Whether you’re doing the big tidy or fixing those minor repairs that have been a long time on your list, tying up any loose ends can help give you that fresh start and New Year feeling, starting 2025 off on the right foot.

At Smiths, we’ve been providing tool hire services for over 50 years, and we have everything you need to help you roll up your sleeves and get cracking. So, here’s how to organise your space and get ready for the year ahead with some jobs you may want to put on your new year checklist.

Declutter and organise

Over the course of a year, it’s easy to accumulate lots of things, whether it’s clothes you no longer wear, gadgets you don’t use, or items that are sitting there gathering dust. Because this build-up usually happens gradually, it can be hard to notice just how much we’re holding on to until things start to feel overcrowded – especially with the influx of new stuff at Christmas.

We’re all guilty of holding on to things “just in case”, even though we don’t really need them, or maybe you’ve never even spared it a second thought. If this sounds like you, why not start your New Year refresh with a declutter? Take a look through your wardrobes, cupboards, and storage spaces. Sort everything into three piles: keep, donate, and discard. To help maximise space and keep things organised, stackable storage boxes or vacuum-packing bags can be incredibly helpful. Your Christmas décor can be neatly stored in plastic containers or bauble organisers, making them easy to find next year. Plus, a yearly clear-out will make any other cleaning and organising tasks you have on your list much easier to tackle.

The big clean

After all the Christmas celebrations and extra foot traffic, your home might be ready for a little refresh. Everyone knows spring cleaning, but what could feel better than going into the near year with a sparkling home? Most of this will be the same as your general cleaning routine, but if you’re looking to really give your home a fresh feel for the new year, giving the floors some special attention will do just that.

Whether it’s your carpets, rugs, or floors, you may have had a lively time after all the festivities! But don’t worry, a good deep clean will have them looking fresh again. For your carpets and rugs, our Pull Along Carpet Cleaner works wonders at lifting dirt and stains, leaving them looking as good as new. If you want to speed up the drying process, the Carpet Dryer is the perfect tool for the job. And if your tiles or ceramic floors need a spruce-up, the Electric Floor Polisher/Scrubber is ideal for giving them that extra shine. With all this done, your home will be ready to ring in the New Year, feeling fresh and tidy!

Small repairs jobs

Now that your home is clean and fresh, it’s time to check for any small DIY jobs that might have slipped through the cracks, like changing that lightbulb you’ve been meaning to swap out or that squeaky hinge you’ve been meaning to oil. Just take a walk through the house and have a look at your doors, locks, and hinges; give them a quick once-over and tighten any loose screws or replace any worn-out parts.

In the bathroom or kitchen, check the seals around sinks and tubs – if they’re cracked, just re-caulk them with some waterproof silicone and a sealant gun to keep everything sealed tight. For any scuffs on the walls or skirting boards, a quick touch-up with some matching paint will make a huge difference. These small repairs might seem minor, but together, they’ll refresh your space and get you ready for the year ahead.

Clear out the gutters

Once you’ve taken care of the inside of your home, it’s time to head outside and tackle the gutters. After the winter months, they can get clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris. If you don’t clear them out, it could lead to blockages that might cause leaks and water damage to your house.

You’ll need a sturdy ladder, gloves to protect your hands, and a gutter scoop or a small trowel to help with the cleaning. Before climbing, obviously make sure your ladder is stable and set up on level ground. As you climb, it’s important to maintain three points of contact with the ladder. Once you’re up safely, you can start scooping out the debris from the gutters. It’s usually best to start at the downspout and work your way to the other end so you can easily see if there are any clogs. If you find any stubborn clumps, a garden hose can help rinse them away and loosen things up.

While you’re up there, take a moment to inspect the gutters for any damage. Look for signs like rust, holes, or areas that seem to sag. Also, check that all the joints are secure and that the downspouts are directing water well away from your home’s foundation.

Keep on top of the garden

Let’s not forget about the rest of the garden. After all the leaves have fallen, you’ll want to tidy up and clear any debris to keep your outdoor space looking nice and stop them from breaking down on your patio or fencing, which can damage wood and stain stone. Take a look at your fences and gates as well – if they’ve taken a bit of a beating from all the storms, now’s the time to repair any loose panels before the damage worsens and you have a costly job on your hands come spring.

A little bit of effort here and there can help you feel more organised, comfortable, and ready for the year ahead. And if you’re looking for tools to help with the job, you’re in the right place! At Smiths Hire, we’ve got everything you need to tackle your home maintenance this New Year, from cleaning equipment to DIY tools and equipment.

We have 18 tool hire depots across the North West and Yorkshire, including in several major cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds. So, if you need any assistance or would like to speak to us in person, you can head down to one of our depots or give our friendly team a call on 0333 323 2100!