If you’re lucky enough to own two homes that you divide your time between
or are able to take long extended vacations, the most time consuming thing is closing up
your home before you leave.
This checklist provides many of the items you should consider;
however, keep in mind that depending on where your home is located and the type of systems
you have, additional steps may need to be taken.
Have the heating and air conditioning units inspected and serviced
Contact a landscape maintenance company to maintain your yard and shrubs in your absence
Contact a snow removal company to remove snow from your driveway and sidewalks in your absence
Winterize water pipes if leaving a home vacant in the winter
Have fireplaces serviced and close flues tightly
Install hurricane shutters or hire a company that will do this if needed
Clean gutters and downspouts and make sure water runs clear of the house
Trim trees and shrubs away from home
Secure or remove and store exterior items such as chairs, tables, umbrellas, garbage cans, etc.
Consider installing a device that indicates when the temperature of your home rises or falls above or below a certain temperature
Tip: Purchase a device that can be monitored from a neighbor’s home
Install new air filters
Have irrigation systems winterized or checked in your absence
Remove hoses and handles from exterior water spigots
Install an alarm on sump pumps
Tip: purchase one with the ability to call your cell phone if an alarm is sounded
Consider installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that are wired into your home security system and have all monitored in your absense
Verify alarm monitoring company has your current contact information
Open all interior doors including closets for good circulation of air
Shut off the power to your water heater
Transfer phone number to a cell or phone at another location
Hire a pool maintenance company to maintain and monitor pools and spas
Contact phone, utility and cable/dish companies to request a suspension of your service
Check every exterior door and window to confirm they are locked and sealed properly
Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check your home weekly
Leave dates your home will be vacant and contact information with homeowner’s association, the police department and trusted neighbors
Seal drains in your home to prevent water in traps from evaporating
Use an antibacterial solution in whirlpool tubs that won’t be used
Place bleach in toilet tanks and cover toilets with plastic wrap to prevent evaporation
Detach washing machine drain hose and seal the opening
Unplug all appliances and other electrical devices
Remove and store outside antenna/satellite dish if appropriate
Notify gas company to turn off gas to the dwelling if appropriate
Make sure that homeowner's association has your alternate contact information
