Bidding farewell to a seasonal property is an annual ritual met with differing emotions by countless people. The cooling weather and falling leaves are almost like an alarm clock, signaling the end of summer. If you’re a snowbird, the end of summer means it’s time to close up your seasonal home and head south for the winter. Whether you’re renting out your seasonal home or you are shutting it down until spring, there is a lot of work to be done. That list of chores can seem pretty hefty, especially if all your focus is on the desert air you’re soon to be breathing. Here is a list that should prove to be a great start at buttoning up your seasonal home:
First, it’s helpful to break the chores into categories. Start with the outside work as fall weather can be unpredictable. Obviously, everyone’s list will look a little different, but this should help get you started and organized:
- Clean and store boats, lawn ornaments, deck furniture
- Clean and winterize any gas-powered yard equipment
- Store fire pit, empty flower pots, drain hoses, and sprinklers
- Rake and remove leaves as well as possible
- Look for air leaks around wiring and the like
- Drain water lines to prevent freezing
- Consider setting up an alarm or home security system
The indoor list is a little less strenuous, but requires keen attention to detail:
- Turn off all non-essential utilities
- Dispose of trash and pack or donate unwanted foods
- Unplug appliances and electronics
- If necessary, notify the homeowners association of the vacant property
- Arrange for mail-forwarding and stop any newspaper delivery
- Strip beds to let mattresses air out
- Vacuum carpets and floors to ensure that no food crumbs are left to attract vermin
- Thoroughly scrub, dust, mop, and wash the interior of the house. It’ll collect plenty of dust over the winter, no use in storing the dirt until next summer!
- Cover furniture with tarps/plastic to protect in the event of a roof leak
- Organize and arrange for the shipment of any boxes that you plan on bringing with you
The most important thing to remember is that you’re not going to another planet, you’ll have the opportunity to buy anything you forgot when you arrive at your winter home. Unless you are going to a different planet, in which case, we can’t wait to hear about it next summer! Safe travels!