how to leave home

Daughter and son-in-law “caretake.”

We are preparing to be first time snowbirds next year. What we've done is install an alarm system. We're using SimpliSafe. More importantly, what we're alarming. We put all of the normal sensors in. Entry sensors, glass breakage, motion detectors and smoke detectors. We also installed a low temperature sensor and a water sensor. We've given keys to a family member and a lifelong friend so they can respond if trouble happens. We'll be leaving our thermostat at 60 degrees and have an HVAC professional check our furnace to make sure all is well before we head out. We'll also have the water shut off at the street. Although our water pipes should be fine, we'll drain them anyway and put RV anti-freeze in the drain traps. We'll have our mail forwarded to our destination and make sure all of our bills can be paid through online banking. We'll hire someone to plow our driveway and have someone clear the walkway so it looks like someone is occupying the house. We'll put a couple of lights on timers and use LED bulbs so we don't have to worry about them burning out while we're away. I'm sure there will be other things we'll do but that's off the top of my head for next winter.

^^^Good advice.

Don't forget to turn off the water heater and drain it.

coolmom42 wrote:
^^^Good advice.

Don't forget to turn off the water heater and drain it.

Yes! Very good point.

The only thing I'd add to RobWNY's post is put in a camera system that you can remotely access via the internet. They're not that expensive (Arlo set-up is about $500) so you can real-time view your home inside and out depending on where you set-up the cameras. Sensor in the system can also trigger recording if anyone approaches or enters your home.

RobWNY is right on. Couple additions: We removed all the food from the refrigerator and freezer. Just leave the beer in the garage fridge. Give the shed key to one of the grandsons so that he can mow the grass if it starts growing before we get back.

Shut off the water. For internet cameras look at Simpli Safe or one by Lambow. You need wifi in the house but they really do work and give you some peace of mind while you are gone. We have five such cameras.

right now qvc has blink security systems on sale for 249.00 and they can be viewed on the internet through your cell phone

Yes turn the water off. Got a call from the water company "we shut the water off at your house. You have an $800 water bill and we know your not home and think there is a problem". Got home to find the float in the master bedroom bath had sunk and allowed the toilet to run until they shut it off. Friends & neighbors were watching outside.

The above posts pretty much cover what I do. In addition, I put the Comcast Triple Play services on vacation hold. Saves about $400 over the 3 months we are gone. Also, stop garbage service for additional savings.

Forward landline to cell.