Whether you're back in October or January, a little planning means you arrive to a cool, clean, working house instead of a weekend of surprises.
Two to four weeks before you arrive
- Ask your home watch provider for a pre-arrival inspection, or book an opening service to turn the water back on, check the A/C and air out the house.
- Book an arrival clean and, if you want one, grocery stocking.
- Schedule A/C maintenance and pest treatment before you arrive, since vendors get busy in season.
- Restart your mail delivery with USPS, and newspaper or cable service if you paused them.
- Arrange for shutters to come down if they stayed up after the season.
Arrival day checklist
- Walk the outside first. Check the roof, soffits, lanai screen, pool cage, and any signs of storm damage or pests.
- Turn the main water back on slowly and check under every sink, the water heater and the toilets for leaks. Run every faucet for a few minutes.
- Turn the water heater back on once the tank is full.
- Look for moisture or mold in closets, behind furniture and around A/C vents. A musty smell is a warning sign.
- Test smoke and CO detectors, and the alarm system, garage door opener and irrigation controller.
- Plug in and reset electronics, the fridge and the ice maker. Throw out the first batches of ice.
- Check your car. Look at the battery, tire pressure and wiper blades, and for pests under the hood.
First week
- Have the pool water tested, and check the lawn and irrigation.
- Update your HOA with your arrival, and your insurer if you changed occupancy status.
- Review your hurricane plan and vendor list for next summer while it's on your mind.
Find providers: House Opening · Cleaning · Pool Service
General information only. It is not legal, insurance or engineering advice. Check with your insurer, HOA and licensed professionals.