Aside from school starting, September still feels a lot like summer in many regions, with sunny days and a break from the August heat. But once October hits, fall sinks in; the leaves start changing with the colder weather.
For those with summer cabins and lake houses, this is the time to batten down the hatches and close 'er up until next spring. In doing so, there are several important tasks to run through in order to ensure the structure is protected during the off-season.
Cleaning:
- Remove all perishable food items
- Clean kitchen counters & floors, leaving no crumbs left for potential critters
- Empty trash cans
- Wash linens and towels
Pest Control:
- Ensure windows and doors are properly closed and sealed
- Seal any gaps or cracks that pests could enter through
- Consider placing traps or using pest deterrents
Home Systems:
- Unplug all appliances and non-essential electronics
- Turn off and unplug the water heater
- Drain and winterize water pipes and tanks
- Flush toilets and add antifreeze to prevent freezing
- Shut off the main water supply
- Adjust the thermostat to a lower setting
- Clean or replace furnace air filters
- Remove batteries from remote controllers
Security:
- Lock all windows and doors securely
- Consider installing security cameras or an alarm system if you don't already have one
- Remove valuable items or store them securely
- Let trusted neighbors know your plans and share contact information in case of emergencies
Other:
- Store or protect outdoor furniture and equipment, such as grills and lawnmower
- Clear leaves and debris from gutters
- Inspect the roof for damage or leaks
- Arrange for periodic check-ins or maintenance visits
- Make sure your insurance coverage is up to date
Making sure to properly shut down the summer home will allow you to sleep better throughout the winter, knowing a fun visit is on the horizon.
For all of your home insurance questions, call or contact Wilson, Timmons & Wallerstein, Inc. today.