Before you leave for the summer: a checklist for your Florida home
A free, printable checklist for closing up a South Florida condo or house. Use it on your own, or hand it to whoever's watching your place.
Miami Home Watch Co. · (716) 255-7449 · hello@miamihomewatch.com
A few weeks before
- Tell your condo management and front desk your dates, and who's allowed in while you're gone.
- Call your insurance agent: some policies have conditions for homes left empty, like regular checks.
- Set up mail forwarding (a USPS mail hold only lasts 30 days).
- Pause newspaper and regular deliveries.
- Book an AC service: clean the unit and clear the condensate drain line before the summer heat.
- Book a pest control treatment.
- If you have hurricane shutters, arrange who will put them up before a storm, and make sure they have access.
AC and humidity
- Leave the AC on. Many owners set it around 78–82°F, or use a humidistat if they have one.
- Put in a fresh AC filter.
- Never switch the AC off for the summer: heat plus humidity is how mold starts.
Water
- Shut off the main water valve if your building allows it.
- Turn off the water heater at its breaker.
- Turn off the ice maker.
- Close toilet lids. Some owners cover the bowls with plastic wrap to slow evaporation.
Kitchen
- Empty the fridge of anything that can spoil.
- Either leave the fridge running, or unplug it, clean it and prop the doors open so mold can't grow.
- Take out every bit of trash and food that could attract pests.
Balcony, patio and outside
- Bring in furniture, plants, grills and anything loose. Many buildings require it during hurricane season.
- Lock sliding doors and set any security bars.
Electrical and security
- Unplug TVs, computers and small appliances.
- Lock every door and window; set the alarm and confirm the alarm company has current contacts.
- Consider a timer for a lamp or two.
- Don't announce on social media that the home is empty.
Paperwork and keys
- Take photos or a quick video of every room for your insurance records.
- Keep a list of your plumber, AC company and building contacts in your phone.
- Leave a key with someone you trust to check on the home, and tell the building who that is.
A car you're leaving behind
- Use a battery tender or disconnect the battery so it starts when you're back.
- Check your car insurance and registration dates.
Every building and home is different. Check your condo rules and your insurance policy, and ask a licensed pro if you're unsure about anything here.
Want someone to check all this while you're away?
We'll close up your home properly, check it on schedule all summer, and send you a photo report after every visit.