Dorothy Gale may have best put into words how we feel about where we live: “There’s no place like home.” But, as many have discovered, having too much of a good thing can turn negative at times. The best way to return your home to a place of respite is to take each month and decide how you will make it your own, which these tips can help you achieve.

• January
  This is usually the time when the holidays get packed away, so take advantage of it. Try a new way of organizing your holiday items that’s more efficient (such as using twist ties on lights and labeling containers), and consider rearranging your living space.

• February
  Being in the dead of winter, this month is the perfect time to start decluttering your home by grouping items into keep, donate, and trash categories. Also put into motion similar minimizing plans for the rest of the year.

  

• March
  In honor of spring’s return, give your home a fresh start by spring-cleaning and adding a fresh paint color to at least one room. It’s also a good time to check and replace smoke alarm batteries and schedule an HVAC inspection.

• April
  It’s all about curb appeal. Do at least two outdoor-related projects: plant something new, try composting, clean up your yard, wash your car, or pressure-wash your sidewalks, patio, or deck.

  

• May
  With warmer weather and more plans on the horizon, now’s an ideal time to consider rearranging furniture to maximize light, reorganizing your garage or shed for the warmer-weather projects ahead, and cleaning and prepping your grill.

• June
  Plan your decor for the outdoors. If you haven’t done so, buy patio furniture or bring existing furniture outside to take advantage of summer’s glorious return. Also think of fun DIY or outdoor ideas you and your family can do in the coming summer months, such as making a time capsule.

  

• July
  Do some midsummer maintenance, especially on outdoor items that have been heavily used at this point, such as your grill and lawnmower. Likewise, take advantage of the cool indoors by giving your kitchen a thorough cleaning, including the fridge and pantry.

• August
  Make a battle plan for closing out summer: start making room in your shed for storage and if you have a pool, start prepping for its closure. If need be, get your home ready for school (and have fun doing it) by making a turntable homework station.

  

• September
  As the classic song aptly states, the days grow short when you reach this month—so take advantage of the dwindling daylight. Plan fall projects, such as staining your deck before leaves begin falling and getting your HVAC unit winterized.

• October
  With cooler weather arriving, make your bedroom a cozy haven. Give everything a good clean, and replace your lighter sheets with thicker ones and a comforter. You may want to add some dim lighting, too, such as candles or fairy lights.

  

• November
  Put your home plans in motion for your holidays: How will furniture be rearranged? Will any need to be stored? Will you need to prepare a guest room? The more planning you do, the more stress you’ll avoid!

• December
  First and foremost, enjoy the moment. But things get chaotic and time flies during the holidays, so keep your home tidy by designating a room for present storage and wrapping, and start formulating your holiday and postholiday housekeeping plans as early as possible.