How to Close Up a Winter Home
- 1). Remove all food from the refrigerator. Unplug the unit and prop open the doors of the freezer and refrigerator with a piece of wood. If you have food in the cabinets or pantries, pack up all of the food and take it with you. Vacant homes can be inviting for rodents and other wildlife if you leave food behind.
- 2). Turn off the water supply to the home at the water meter. You do not need to open faucets and drain water pipes when closing a winter home as long as you will return before it gets colder outside. Turn off the water supply to toilets and drain the tanks and bowl.
- 3). Drain the hot water heater after turning it off. If you have an air conditioner and will leave the electricity on during your absence, clean or replace the air conditioner filter. Set the thermostat at 86 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the interior temperature of the home from getting extremely hot.
- 4). Place containers of cat litter in each room to soak up any odors and moisture that the house will experience during the summer heat. If you have baking soda in a box, place a box in the refrigerator, freezer and bathrooms.
- 5). Check windows and doors for weather stripping and caulking. If the windows or doors are in need of repair, do the work before you lock up the house. Check the roof for loose or missing shingles and replace if needed. Clean out gutters so that rain will drain away from the house.
- 6). Unplug all appliances that use electricity. If you leave the electricity on, invest in a timer so you can set it to turn on at least one light every night while you are gone. If you have an outdoor motion light, leave it on so it will light up if someone comes near the home.
- 7). Lock all windows and doors. This includes second story porch doors and windows and basement windows. After exiting the house, walk around to each door to check that it is locked.
- 8). Contact the local constable or police to let them know you will be away and for how long. Give the person your contact information in case of an emergency. Cancel any mail delivery or newspaper delivery.
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