While we would love to put off housework indefinitely, cleaning your gutters is one of those chores that becomes worse the longer it is ignored. This important task should be done twice a year: once in the spring, and again in the fall. If you allow the gutters to get clogged, water will build up and start to overflow into places like your basement or front lawn. The possibility of structural or room damage is very likely, and those repairs cost a lot more than just a few hours of cleaning.

So grab a few simple tools and get your gutters clean for the next season! If possible, try to pick a dry week since the debris will be easier to handle.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Steady Ladder
• Gloves
• Goggles and Mask
• Trowel and Bucket
• Hose

Start by setting your ladder in the correct position, and then put your gloves, mask and goggles on. With the bucket propped up on a prong or hanging from a hook, climb up the the ladder and use the trowel to scoop leaves, twigs and other debris into the bucket. After you’ve scooped up as much as you can, bring up the hose and rinse the gutters clean. Be sure to get water through the downspouts to check for any clogs.

By spending just a few hours each year on this easy maintenance task, you could be saving yourself a large amount of money and time in the long run. Plus, if you decide to sell your home in the future, properly maintained gutters and lack of structural damage will work in your favor.

For a more in-depth look at how to clean and repair gutters, check out this great video from Lowe’s!