Snowbird Home Departure Checklist

Snowbird Departure Home Checklist

Snowbirds, are you preparing to head to your northern home for the summer? If so, you can take a variety of steps to ensure your Southwest Florida home is properly prepared and secured for the summer and hurricane season. Check out our snowbird checklist below:

Home Watch Company: 
We highly recommend finding a trusted and experienced home watch company to monitor your home while you're away. We have a separate article on our blog that discusses what you should look for in a home watch company and the services it should provide. Check out the article below for more information:
https://www.swflareaproperties.com/blog/homewatch-january-2025-newsletter

Security of the Home:
     ●    Security System: If you have an alarm system, ensure it is functioning properly.  Consider adding surveillance cameras, a Ring doorbell, or smart locks. 
     ●    Lights: Consider installing motion-sensitive lights outside your home if you do not have them.
     ●    Windows & Doors: Confirm that all your windows and doors are completely shut and locked. Consider adding deadbolts and side locks to your sliding doors if you don't already have them.
     ●    Valuables: Remove your valuables or important items/documents from the home in case of intrusion or storm.
     ●    Neighbors & Management: Notify close friends/neighbors and your community management that you are leaving for the summer. 

Exterior of the Home:
     ●    Mail & Newspapers: Stop your mail and newspaper delivery at your Southwest Florida home. Ask a neighbor or friend to check for any mail or newspapers that may be delivered. 
     ●    Lawn Maintenance: Confirm and/or schedule regular lawn maintenance. 
     ●    Pest Control: Consider adding pest control services while you're away.
     ●    Patio Furniture: Consider moving patio and exterior furniture, as well as grills, into your home or garage for the summer. 
     ●    Pool: Arrange for pool maintenance while you are away, if you don't already have this in place. 
     ●    Hurricane: Prepare your home for a storm. Determine who will put up shutters and prepare the home for a storm. Take pictures of the interior and exterior of your home, as well as your belongings. 
     ●    Water: Turn off the water supply on the day that you leave. If you need water for your scheduled irrigation, leave that water supply on. Drain hoses and outdoor water faucets.
     ●    Garbage: Remove trash from the home. Arrange to have your garbage cans left out for pickup and returned to your home after pickup.
     ●    Water Heater: Turn off the water heater/breaker.
     ●    Inspection: Inspect the roof and the home's exterior for any damage before hurricane season. Inspect exterior doors and windows to confirm they are sealed. Inspect for any exterior leaks outside the home. 

Interior of the Home:

     ●    Refrigerator & Pantry: Clean out the fridge and pantry. Some people leave the refrigerator on, and others turn it off. Determine what you will do, and clean and leave doors open to the fridge and freezer if you will turn them off. Turn off the automatic ice maker and empty it. 
     ●    Dishwasher & Washing Machine: Empty the dishwasher and washing machine and ensure that they are dry. Leave the washing machine lid and dishwasher open.
     ●    Appliances: Unplug appliances and power sources. 
     ●    Smoke Detectors: Verify that the smoke detectors function properly and replace any necessary batteries. 
     ●    Air conditioner: Have your AC system checked and/or maintained. Replace filters throughout the house.
     ●    Plumbing: Check your plumbing system for any leaks.  Cover toilet bowls, toilet tanks, and sinks with plastic wrap to prevent water evaporation. 
     ●    Humidity Maintenance: Determine what temperature you will leave your AC on to prevent mold and other issues. Many inspectors recommend 78 degrees. Consider installing a remote thermostat control or smart thermostat. 
     ●    Clean and Close: Deep clean your home and close all drapes, blinds, and shutters. 
     ●    Doors: Leave interior doors and closets open for air circulation.