Q for Retirees... re: Extended trips
For years, retirement was a distant concept to us, but now it's getting close and we're starting to wrap our heads around the idea. We're mostly empty-nesters now, and it appears the kids are that mo...
Forum Discussion
Lots of good advice already and most of what we do. We snowbird and are gone 3 to 4 months at a time. Usually do 3-5 week trips during the summer.
A couple of details to think about:
Check with your insurance agent, some homeowners policies require the house to be occupied for a specific period.
Does your thermostat use batteries? Our programable one does and it just shuts the system down and does not operate at all when the batteries die! I put new ones in before we leave.
Turn off your hot water heater.
Cover toilet bowls with Saran Wrap, put mineral oil in all drain traps to retard evaporation.
Unplug appliances and TVs
Empty refrigerator and freezer as much as possible. We came home one spring to find our freezer had tripped a circuit breaker! A toxic mess to clean up.
Unplug your garage door opener. They can be subject to stray signals in tight urban areas.
Can't help much with outside stuff since our S&B is a townhouse so the exterior maintenance is taken care of.
Finally, make yourself a check list of ALL the things you need to do before leaving and use it. Just like your hook-up or moving out check lists that will help you avoid forgetting anything or wondering if you did.
Really finally - go and enjoy yourself! Don't get wrapped up in worrying about things back home. It will be fine and after all it's just "stuff".
A couple of details to think about:
Check with your insurance agent, some homeowners policies require the house to be occupied for a specific period.
Does your thermostat use batteries? Our programable one does and it just shuts the system down and does not operate at all when the batteries die! I put new ones in before we leave.
Turn off your hot water heater.
Cover toilet bowls with Saran Wrap, put mineral oil in all drain traps to retard evaporation.
Unplug appliances and TVs
Empty refrigerator and freezer as much as possible. We came home one spring to find our freezer had tripped a circuit breaker! A toxic mess to clean up.
Unplug your garage door opener. They can be subject to stray signals in tight urban areas.
Can't help much with outside stuff since our S&B is a townhouse so the exterior maintenance is taken care of.
Finally, make yourself a check list of ALL the things you need to do before leaving and use it. Just like your hook-up or moving out check lists that will help you avoid forgetting anything or wondering if you did.
Really finally - go and enjoy yourself! Don't get wrapped up in worrying about things back home. It will be fine and after all it's just "stuff".
