Suggestions For Closing Up Your Home At End of Season

Below is a list of suggestions you may want to consider as you close your home for the season (download).

• Forward all mail deliveries and stop any/all newspaper deliveries.
  
  
• Shut your water main off during extended periods of absence.
  
  
• Set your thermostat between 76° - 80° and set your humidistat between 50% - 60%.
  
  
• If you shut off your refrigerator be sure to clean it thoroughly and prop doors open for air flow.
  
  
• Provide the contact information for your home watch provider to any/all other service companies associated with the property. Examples: Lawn, pool, pest control, A/C services. As well provide a list of all service companies for your property to the home watch provider.
  
  
• Provide the contact information for your home watch provider to full time resident neighbors.
  
  
• Shut all non-essential electrical items off at the breaker. Examples: range, microwave, etc.
  
  
• Turn OFF water heater at the breaker but do NOT drain the tank, a professional home watch company will run both hot and cold water through your system to keep water from becoming stagnant.
  
  
• Leave window blinds ¼” above sills this allows for air circulation and during inspections it will help professionals see if any water, dirt, pest are collecting in this area.
  
  
• Place paper towel, non-colored wrapping paper or packaging paper on carpets exposed to sunlight. This occurs generally around sliding glass doors where the blinds extend into the room a few inches leaving carpeting exposed.
  
  
• Cover furniture with light inexpensive sheets to prevent dust accumulation. Do not use plastic drop cloths as they do not breath. Sheets are easily washed, plastic drop cloths not so much.
  
  
• It is not necessary to open cabinets unless a particular area of your home is more susceptible to moisture/humidity than others.
  
  
• Do not leave outside lights on at the entry doors or around garage doors, these invite too many insects over long periods of time when a home is unattended.
  
  
• Bring in ALL lanai furniture and outside decor that is not secured behind hurricane shutters.
  
  
• It is always a good idea to have one or more interior lights set to timers to give the impression your home is occupied.
  
  
• Lock lanai screened entry doors (secure one with an exterior lock for the pool company if you have a pool). Unattended pools are a danger to small children and secluded lanais offer a thief more time to work on entering your home.
  
  
• Secure sliding glass doors with additional locks designed specifically for sliders which can be purchased at any home improvement store or local hardware company. Simply locked sliding doors offer one of the most vulnerable ways a thief can gain access to your home.
  
  
• Several local companies offer security cages for your exterior A/C unit at very reasonable prices. The copper in these units attract thieves especially if your home is in a secluded neighborhood.