Closing your seasonal home.

3/1/2023 (Permalink)

Heading North for the Summer?

During the month span of October to April, the Florida population is said to increase by 5% due to the “snowbird” season.  It is the warm weather, beautiful beaches, outdoor dining with live music, adventurous trails, the list goes on for reasons why northerns flock to Florida to avoid the treacherous winters.  The length of time tends to vary for how long individuals stay but its typically six months here in Florida and six months at their northern home.  With that being said, there are preparations that need to be made to snowbird’s winter Florida homes before they return north.  With thorough research, here is a checklist to make sure that when you return to Florida in the fall there will be no surprises. 

Here is a break down of tasks to do the week before and the week of departure.

Week Before.

• Have you central air conditioning serviced, and humidistat calibrated
• Update the homeowner’s insurance.
• Forward mail, cancel news papers and magazines.
• Suspend or discontinue cable and internet services.
• Have stucco inspected for cracks and sealed if any.
• Inspect all windows and doors, have them repaired if needed.
• Clean out all gutters and drainage.
• Install surge protectors.
• Schedule pest control services
• Meet with and hire a home watch professional to check on your property.
• Arrange for landscaping to be maintained.
• If necessary, have pool regularly scheduled for maintenance.
• Call us at SERVPRO of Vero Beach to perform a Duct Cleaning.

Week of Departure.

• Set up a dehumidifier, make sure the drain is securely placed.
• Bring in lani furniture.
• Vacuum upholstered furnishings and do a thorough dusting.
• Dispose of all perishable food
• Clean out refrigerator and freezer.
• Test the timers for lights, leave at least on light on inside home.
• Leave contact information with a neighbor.
• Clean the inside of appliances and disconnect them
• Turn off the water to the house and put hot water heater on vacation mode