Many residents enjoy the best of both worlds: spending time in our sunny community and then heading north or away for weeks or months at a time. If you’re planning to leave for an extended trip, whether it’s to your summer home or on a long vacation, it’s important to take steps to protect your property while you’re gone. A little preparation can go a long way in preventing damage, discouraging pests, and giving you peace of mind.
Inside the Home
- Plumbing Care: Ask a neighbor or hire a home watch service to periodically flush toilets and run water in sinks, showers, and tubs. This prevents odors, mold, and dried-out seals.
- Appliances: Empty and unplug refrigerators and freezers if you’ll be gone for months. For shorter trips, keep them running but clear out perishables. Leave the doors slightly open if unplugged.
- Air Conditioning: Set your thermostat to around 78–80°F to keep humidity down without running your bill sky-high. Many homeowners use smart thermostats for remote control.
- Lights: Use timers for lamps to give the home a “lived-in” look. Varying the times helps deter unwanted visitors.
- Electronics: Unplug non-essential items to save energy and reduce risk from power surges.
Pest Protection
- Bugs: Seal pantry items in airtight containers or give them away. Clean counters thoroughly before leaving.
- Entry Points: Check doors, windows, and sliders for gaps that ants, lizards, or other pests could use.
- Traps or Service: Consider leaving bait traps or scheduling your pest control provider for an extra visit before you go.
Outside the Home
- Yard and Landscaping: Trim back trees, bushes, and palms to prevent storm damage during hurricane season. Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear. Ensure you have your lawn taken care of to avoid fines.
- Irrigation: Set your system properly for the season. Overwatering can encourage fungus and mushrooms, while under-watering can damage your lawn.
- Outdoor Furniture: Secure or store lightweight furniture and décor to prevent it from becoming storm debris.
Mail & Deliveries
- Mail Forwarding: Arrange with USPS to forward your mail or place a hold. Nothing signals an empty house faster than an overflowing mailbox.
- Packages: Stop recurring deliveries (newspapers, meal kits, etc.) or redirect them to your travel address.
Extra Security
- Neighbors/Home Watch: Ask a trusted neighbor or hire a home-watch service to check on your property regularly. They can look for leaks, flush plumbing, and ensure everything is in order.
- HOA/Community Rules: Double-check if your neighborhood within The Villages® has specific requirements or reminders for seasonal residents.
Final Checklist Before You Lock Up
- Shut off water at the main valve (if recommended by your provider).
- Double-check locks on doors, windows, and lanai entries.
- Dispose of all trash to avoid attracting bugs or rodents.
- Leave contact information with a neighbor, friend, or property manager in case of emergency.
Leaving your home for weeks or months at a time doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little preparation, you can head to your second home or vacation spot confident that your property iwill be safe, secure, and ready to welcome you back. Share other ideas below…