Florida is a popular destination for snowbirds. The year-round warm weather makes Florida the perfect place for a winter home. However, if you prefer to head back to cooler climates and avoid the summer heat, here are a few tips to help you prepare your home before you leave.
Enlist the help of professionals to ensure that your home is in top shape while you’re gone. Areas that may need professional assistance includes deep cleaning, landscaping, window inspections and HVAC maintenance.
Depart knowing your home will be safe while you’re away and return to a clean and problem-free home in the fall by following these steps.
Schedule Window Maintenance
Your home needs to be secure and protected from the elements while you’re away. Many window companies in Jacksonville, FL offer window inspections to identify any needed repairs. A window inspection checks to ensure all window locks are working and that the window is sealed to maximize energy efficiency.
The experts at American Window Products offer window replacements, window products and window services. We’re available to get your windows in top shape to help keep your home safe and secure while you are away.
Hire a Landscaper
Don’t worry about your lawn while you’re gone. Schedule regular lawn maintenance for the summer with a professional landscaping service. Before you depart, have your sprinkler system checked and repair any leaks or broken sprinkler heads. You don’t want water waste or damage to occur from a broken sprinkler system.
Ask your friends and neighbors for landscaper recommendations and verify the company is insured and certified. This will increase your confidence and likelihood of a positive experience.
Notify the Post Office and Other Service Providers
The local post office can either hold or forward mail while you’re out of town to keep the mail from piling up in your mailbox. Also, stop your newspaper subscription for the time you’re gone.
Contact your television and internet providers to discuss options for cancelling or delaying service. Also, set up online bill pay or update your mailing address so that you continue to pay your utilities and other household bills on time.
Install Smart Technology
Smart home technology solutions are a great way to keep an eye on your home from thousands of miles away. You have a vast array of options with smart technology like doorbells with cameras you can view with your smartphone and garage door openers that can be opened remotely.
Additionally, you can install smart security cameras, smart light bulbs and switches and smart thermostats that can all be controlled remotely. Keep a tab on your home while you’re gone by using smart technology.
Clean Your House
Not only do you want to clean your home to avoid mold and bacteria from forming while you home is empty, but it’s nice to come back to a clean house. Hire a housecleaning service to deep clean your home before you leave.
Leaving your home clean will help deter insect infestations and bad smells from developing as well. Clean out your refrigerator and decide if you plan to turn it off or leave it running while you’re gone. Make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are clean and leave them open. Taking simple steps to prepare and clean your home will keep the environment healthy and safe while you’re away.
Safety Features
You’ll of course leave your windows and doors locked; however, you also want to ensure that other safety features are in good working order. Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure they work. Set a timer for the lights in your home to go on and off regularly so that your home doesn’t appear empty.
If you have an alarm system, make sure the alarm company knows the period of time you’ll not be in the home. Also, consider incorporating some of the smart technology solutions listed above. You want your home to be protected and safe at all times.
Hire a Neighbor to Help
Even if you have followed all the steps to prepare your home for your absence, it’s still a good idea to hire a friend or neighbor to monitor your home regularly. Set expectations for how often they’ll check your home and confirm if they are available for emergency visits.
For the regularly scheduled visits, have them collect any flyers or newspapers left in front of your home and have them check the state of the yard to confirm the landscaping is being handled correctly. Also, have them walk around the inside of your home to ensure that everything looks and smells like it should. You don’t want any surprises when you return after your time away.
Departure Day
Create a checklist specific to your needs for the departure day. Don’t forget the little things like unplugging appliances and leaving internal doors open to help with air circulation.
Before you lock up, double check all windows and doors including locking up any outdoor storage buildings. Finally, make sure you have a list of all critical contact numbers for easy access.
The key is to be prepared so that you have peace of mind. If you are heading out of town for the summer, don’t worry. With a little bit of planning and help from professionals, you should be able to confidently leave your home.
Remember, if you need to schedule window replacement or repair with Jacksonville, FL window companies, contact the experts at American Window Products.