Snowbird Vacations are meant to be relaxing and stress free. But before heading out the door, I should do more than just pack my bags. I'll be sure to prep my home for the potential accident and try to make it look uninviting to burglars, so I won’t return to any surprises.
My List
✅ (Done) Hold the mail. If I'm going away for longer than a month, I put in a temporary change of address for my mail. (My daughter's house)
✅ (Ready For Departure) I put my lights on a timer. I put at least one light in your house on a timer so it looks like someone is home. Programmable timers let me randomize the daily on/off times too.
✅ (Done) Moved my boat. Moved my boat into the garage so that it’s less vulnerable to theft and out of harm’s way in case of a storm.
✅ (Ready for Departure) Set my heating system. Since I'm going away in the winter, I'll set my heat to around 55 degrees to prevent frozen pipes.
✅(Ready for Departure) Turn off the water. If I'm going away for longer than a week, Just as a precaution I turn off my Well Pump /main water supply. Open valves to faucet, shut off ice-maker and flush toilets until empty, shut off water heater to prevent potential fire or leaks.
✅ (Ready for Departure) Adjusted my shades, curtains & then locked up.
✅ (Done) Paid my bills. Electric, Credit Card, and Insurance. A short list.
✅ (Done) Notified a few neighbors. Let them know that I’ll be away & when I’ll be approximately returning. They are great about watching out for me.
✅ (Done) Arranged for snow removal. A snowy driveway is a telltale sign no one is home. Another neighbor has volunteered to run over while he has his tractor out. (Got the best neighbors)
✅ (Done) Put out my winter plants. Put out my artificial potted flowers at home and family's graves
✅ (Done) Cleaned my kitchen. Will wash my dirty dishes, clean the sink trap and pour vinegar down my drains. Wipe down the counters and discard perishables from the fridge and pantry. Make sure the oven and stove are turned off.
✅ (Done) Emptied the trash. Take out the trash so I don’t come home to a horrible stench or unwanted pests.
I am like a kid waiting for Christmas & happy to be heading out in 24 hours!
Wish me luck!
Nana
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