Condo Checklist - Before Edit page

Condo Checklist-What to Do Before Returning Home

  Make sure all smoke alarms are working and have fresh batteries.

  Place timers on indoor lamps.

  Forward mail

  Clean outdoor grill. Disconnect propane tank.

  Place a temporary stop on newspaper delivery.

  Place phone, cable, internet service, and vehicle on “vacation status.”

  Remove all furniture from lanai.

  Lock all windows, doors and sliding glass doors before departing.

  Wedge dowels in window tracks and sliding doors to prevent burglars from prying them open.

  Open all interior doors, including closet doors, to promote airflow.

  Set air conditioners/thermostats at 80º to prevent mold growth.

  Discard all perishable items.

  Fill jugs with tap water and place in refrigerator. A full refrigerator/freezer will use less energy than an  empty one.

  Run hot water through your garbage disposal. Let it dry out. Pour 1 teaspoon vegetable oil into disposal. Do  not run any water, but turn disposal on for a few seconds (to prevent impellers from getting stuck).

  Unplug electrical appliances and computers (except refrigerators) susceptible to lightning and power outages.

  Unplug or turn off circuit breaker to hot water heater to conserve energy.

  Disable electric garage door opener to prevent burglars from entering.

  Add 1 cup of bleach to toilet bowls to keep them clean. To prevent the evaporation of water seal all drains with duct tape and toilets with plastic food wrap.

  Turn off main water valve.  Drain all water lines by leaving faucets open after water main is shut off; once  drained, close faucets.

  Ask a friend, neighbor, or homewatch company to check on your property every other week while you are  away.

  Activate home security system if you have one.

  Remove all furniture, cushions, plants, grills, hoses and loose decorative items from lanai/patio and store  either in garage or inside home.

  Bring all doormats inside.

  Empty icemaker and turn “off.”

  Turn refrigerator to lowest setting and remove all perishable and canned food; toss out any previously  opened condiments and donate to your local food bank.

  Close water valves leading to hot water heater; turn “off” on circuit breaker as well.

  Shut off washing machine valves.

  Take photographs of everything you leave in the closets. This way, if you’re up north and can’t find your  favorite black cocktail dress or tuxedo, you can look at the photos to see if you left it here by accident.

  Notify home watch service and security office of any changes to your contact information.

  Leave name and contact information of local person who will know how to reach you in case of an  emergency.

  Change batteries in smoke alarms and thermostat.

  Unplug washer, dryer, television, cable, toaster, coffee maker, computer/printer and other small appliances.

  Remove batteries from telephones and all remote controls, including garage door opener.

  Change A/C filter and have HVAC drain line cleaned (I suggest HVAC maintenance twice a year, with one service appointment being performed before you leave).

  Leave extra A/C filters for home watch service to change.

  Leave copy of homeowners insurance and agent’s name/telephone numbers in conspicuous place.

  Don’t forget to take all medications, prescriptions and eyeglasses with you when you leave.

  Call credit card companies and banks with alternate address and expected length of stay.

  Leave ceiling fans “on” to increase circulation inside home. (Note: some people prefer turning their ceiling  fans “off,” this is a personal decision.)

  Pull all shades down, leaving 1-inch clearance.

  Leave all interior doors, especially closet doors, as well as all cabinet doors, open.

  Remove plastic dry-cleaning bags and foam rubber “stays” from all dry cleaned items.

  If you chose to use timers on one or more lamps, be sure to check the settings in advance to ensure the  timers are working.

  Lock garage door from the inside and/or disable electric access.

  Remove keypad for garage door.

  If you leave a car here, pour Sta-bil in gas tank.  Drive to gas station and fill tank to ¾ full.  Drive home and    park car in garage.  Disconnect positive side of car battery or use a battery tender.  Turn fan on if you have  one in the garage.

  Place printer ink cartridges in refrigerator.  Also put toaster in refrigerator (ants love the crumbs).