3 min read

Linux Home Server Maintenance: Weekly, Monthly, Yearly Checklist

This is my own simple and easy-to-do maintenance checklist for a hobby Linux home server.
Nothing enterprise-level, just lightweight routines that keep your setup reliable, fast, and problem-free without taking much time.

I’ve broken everything into weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly tasks.
Each section includes a short explanation and an approximate time estimate, so you know exactly what to expect.

🗓 Weekly Tasks (3-5 minutes)

1. Check your running containers

Make sure everything is healthy and no container unexpectedly stopped.

docker ps

2. Apply system updates

Keeps your OS secure and stable:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

3. Make sure backups ran successfully

Check your backup log and confirm a new archive exists.

My Linux Home Server Backup Strategy
https://zerotohomelab.cloudboxhub.com/a-simple-and-reliable-backup-strategy-for-your-linux-docker-home-server/

4. Check for obvious system errors

A quick scan for critical issues:

journalctl -p 3 -xb

5. Update documentation if needed

If you add a new service, change a port, or modify a compose file, write it down.
Weekly is just a reminder, ideally update documentation as you go.

🗓 Monthly Tasks (10-20 minutes)

1. Update your Docker containers

Monthly updates strike a good balance between stability and security.

docker compose pull
docker compose up -d

2. Clean unused Docker data

Frees up space and removes clutter:

docker system prune -a

⚠️ Removes all unused images, use with caution.

3. Check disk usage

Verify you’re not running low on storage:

df -h

4. Review log sizes

Some apps generate large logs. Cleaning or rotating them prevents slow bloat over time.

5. Test your database backup

Import your SQL dump into a temporary container just to confirm it's valid.
This takes only a couple minutes and is extremely valuable.

6. Check SMART status of your drives

Identify your disk:

lsblk

Then run a SMART check to spot early failure signs (replace sdX with your actual device):

sudo smartctl -a /dev/sdX

7. Check for high temperatures

Use your preferred monitoring tool to ensure your system isn’t running hotter than usual.

🗓 Quarterly Tasks (20-30 minutes)

1. Review your Docker Compose files

Clean outdated services, update environment variables, remove things you no longer use.

2. Remove unused volumes and old folders

Over time you may accumulate:

  • old test folders
  • unused configurations
  • leftover experiment projects
  • unused Docker volumes

To list unused Docker volumes:

docker volume ls -qf dangling=true

To remove them:

docker volume prune

⚠️ Caution: Only remove volumes if you are sure they are not used by any running service.
Volumes often contain important application data.

3. Inspect your hardware

Look for dust buildup, airflow issues, or aging fans, common problems in 24/7 systems.

4. Light performance review

A quick check of:

  • CPU usage
  • memory usage
  • disk I/O
  • container resource usage (docker stats)

You’re just looking for anything unusually high.

5. Review your documentation

Make sure your real setup matches your notes, ports, configs, credentials (stored safely, of course).

🗓 Yearly Tasks (60-90 minutes)

1. Deep clean your server

Dust, airflow, cable organization, this can lower temperatures significantly.

2. Run a short stress test

A light stress test helps confirm:

  • CPU temperatures under load
  • fan/cooling performance
  • overall system stability

You don't need anything advanced, just a simple tool to heat up the CPU for a minute or two.

3. Replace thermal paste (if temperatures have been higher than normal)

Not needed every year, but worth it for older systems or compact builds.

4. Review your entire backup strategy

Ask yourself:

  • Is everything important backed up?
  • Do I need larger storage?
  • Is my offsite backup still working?

5. Evaluate your entire setup

Identify unused services, simplify where possible, and make improvements where they matter.

6. Perform a simple security review

Check which services are exposed to the internet, review your firewall rules, confirm SSH is configured securely, and remove any accounts or access you no longer use. This helps keep your home server safe without requiring complex security tools.

7. Rotate high-value passwords

Consider updating important credentials such as Backblaze API keys, critical admin accounts, SSH passwords (if you use them), and any cloud services tied to your server.

If you want to stay consistent, I recommend adding these tasks to your calendar.
A repeating reminder (weekly, monthly, or quarterly) makes maintenance effortless and helps you avoid problems before they happen.

✅ Final Thoughts

A home server doesn’t need enterprise maintenance, just small, consistent habits.
These checks help you catch issues early, keep everything running smoothly, and avoid problems before they appear.

Adjust the checklist to your own setup, follow it regularly, and enjoy a stable, reliable home server.

Published by: