You CAN Go Home Again and Again and Again ...
Residents in your community leaving South Florida for the summer? You're not alone. In lots of communities throughout the state, Snowbirds comprise from a few to the vast majority of residents. Following is a basic guide to how our dual-homed neighbors prepare to depart---or should---in the weeks leading up their departure.
3 Weeks Prior
- Service the A/C, including setting a programmable thermostat to run the system a few hours each day.
- Arrange with the landline telephone company to temporarily suspend service.
- Review the homeowner's insurance policy and update if necessary.
- Arrange with the property manager for ongoing maintenance and to represent the owner in the event of an emergency including hurricane preparation.
2 Weeks Prior
- Purchase timers for appliances.
- Arrange for mail forwarding and cancellation of newspapers and magazines.
- Purchase desiccants if necessary.
- Clean the home with fungicide and vacuum furnishings to remove mold spores.
1 Week Prior
- Begin eating final food stores and clean out the fridge, freezer and pantries.
- Purchase and/or set a dehumidifier if needed.
- Remove plants from home.
Day of Departure
- Empty refrigerator and freezer; disconnect and leave doors ajar.
- Run ice cubes and baking soda in sink disposal to clean blades.
- Empty dishwasher.
- Set timers on lights and appliances.
- Drain and disconnect tank water heater.
- Strip bedding.
- Cover drains and toilets.
- Secure home, set alarm.
