How to fix the stuff that’s broken

Things will break. The best thing you can do is have as much information as possible.

Photo illustration by Will Lanzoni/CNN

There's this whole invisible side to adulthood that you don't really think about until it goes very, very wrong. One second, your apartment's plumbing or your car's transmission is the furthest thing from your mind. The next, you're taking a Google-fueled crash course in home repair or psyching yourself up to call a specialist who you can only pray won't do you wrong. 

Unfortunately, this part never gets easier. You just learn how to handle it, and you take those breakdowns and blowouts as badges of honor. Me personally, I'm still emotionally recovering from the Great Feces Fountain of 2021, when my entire front yard had to be dug up because a burst pipe turned it into the water slide from hell. 

So yes, literally, sh*t happens. As well as prepping for the unavoidable, it's important to establish some basic life maintenance habits to keep your spaces safe, functional and free of little dust tumbleweeds.

Take a mental tally of the things around you right now. Do you remember the last time you cleaned out that area underneath your dryer's lint filter? If you needed to access important documents you've squirreled away somewhere, would you be able to find them? 

There's no way you'll get to everything, so prioritize. Certain tasks — like changing the oil in your car or reapplying bathroom caulking — need your attention sooner rather than later to prevent disaster (or at least a big hassle) later on. Unchecked disorder, including the chaos hiding in your closet, can also contribute to depression and stress.

Being real about which items are most important is one of the key strategies for getting stuff done, experts say. But even the best to-do lists can become just another source of anxiety if you pack them too full. Identifying potential obstacles and enlisting some support from family and friends can help keep things manageable.

Every household problem requires a professional.

While calling a maintenance person is a safe way to go, not every snag you hit will require that level of response (or money). At least some aspects of the most common things that go wrong around the house — like a bum carbon monoxide or smoke detector — could be fixable without professional help. 

Some fixes do require a pro — for peace of mind, if nothing else, said Daniel Wroclawski, a home and appliances writer for Consumer Reports. Hot water heaters, especially ones that run on gas, usually fall into this category: Pilot lights are easy to relight if they've gone out, but you may want to call someone in since it could be a sign of a gas leak. 

And remember, if you're a renter and there's a problem with something your landlord is responsible for — such as your unit's appliances — calling them should be your first move.

Unless you have a tried-and-true relationship with a bunch of Ms. Fix-Its, actually finding help can be as big a chore as whatever you need them for. But there are steps you can take, including the following, to avoid stress and save money. (We're going to use a mechanic as an example, but the general advice can apply to any situation.) 

Don't skimp on details. Be as specific as possible about your problem. "Going to a mechanic is like going to a doctor," said California-based mechanic Rebekah Fleischaker. "One may know the symptom, but not the cause of the problem. In my experience, the more information you give your doctor or mechanic, the better and less costly the result."

Ask questions. This is one of the best ways to avoid overpaying, so don't hesitate to toss out queries that may seem basic:

• What are you going to do?
• Can you explain why?
• What parts will you be using?
• Can I see the before and after parts?
• Can you explain what this part does? Why do I need it replaced?

Get a second opinion — and do your research. It's all business, baby, so a reliable mechanic or repair person won't mind if you shop around or research other prices for their services and ask about them. HomeAdvisor is a trusted site that provides national averages for common services.

Cleaning specialist Vanesa Amaro wished she had known when she was younger how much a clean home could affect her mindset.

Austin Steele/CNN

During her time cleaning dorm rooms, Amaro noticed one cleaning task most young adults overlook: cleaning their bedsheets.

She advised people to swap out their bedsheets weekly to keep beds fresh and free from grime. (And no, those dark-colored bedsheets aren't fooling anyone.)

Listen: "Fix It Home Improvement" — This podcast (there's also a YouTube channel) is for DIYs and deep dives into those areas of home maintenance you've probably forgotten about. There's also a lot of discussion about safety here — which is a huge reason to get your house in order (so to speak). 

Watch: "Get Organized with The Home Edit" — Organizing pros Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin help their clients — including some celebs — clear clutter and reclaim their spaces. Your pantry may never be as cool as Jordana Brewster's, but you might come away with a pointer or two.

Grab your Notes app or a piece of paper, walk around your home, and note every appliance or system that requires regular maintenance. Write down the details. Voilà, you've started an extremely adultlike maintenance record!

Ask yourself: How did you handle the last life blowup that came your way? What did you learn that can help you next time? (Because, unfortunately, there will be a next time.)

Questions? Feedback? Songs of praise? Message the Life, But Better team at adulting@cnn.com. Most of us are adults, after all.