Your winter home is an excellent way to escape the cold, snow and ice, but chances are you head back north during the warmer months. If you leave your winter home unattended during summer, it is important to follow this checklist for closing up your winter home.
Turn Off Utilities
Turn off any extra utilities that you can while you are away from your winter home. Of course, you should keep electric, water and gas running in case of emergencies, but turning off any landline phones, cable and internet will save money. If you are under a contract with your cable company, ask if they have any type of discounted seasonal plans for your winter home. If possible, though, the best idea is to use a cable company that doesn’t require contracts.
Forward Mail
Head to the post office a week or two before you close up your winter home to have mail forwarded to your summer address. If you will be traveling for most of the summer, put a hold on your mail until you return. If you don’t have time to head to the post office, you can enroll in mail forwarding online.
Clean Inside and Out
Inside, make sure both pantry and refrigerator are empty to prevent attracting pests. Clean floors and dust furniture, then cover it with drop cloths to prevent everything from becoming too dusty while you’re gone. Remember, the deeper you clean now, the less you’ll need to do when you return next winter.
Do a Pest Inspection
Hire a pest control company to inspect your property for any signs of infestation or any areas where infestation could occur. Professionals will see signs of infestation that your untrained eye won’t. Additionally, they will notice areas where insects or vermin can enter your home that you may not see. Never skip this step; the last thing you want to do is come back next winter to find you need treatment for cockroaches.
Set Up Security
Anytime you will be away from your home for an extended period of time, it is important to have some sort of security in place. Start with the local police department. They often have a form you can fill out that lets them know how long you’ll be gone so they can check on your home periodically. A close friend or neighbor in the area can also keep an eye on the place. For further security, set your lights on a timer so that it looks like someone is home during the evening. Security cameras don’t hurt, either.
Following this checklist helps to make your home safer and cleaner while you’re away for the summer. Remember, call in professionals where needed for the best results. Contact a reputable company for pest control in Houston TX.