As a snowbird preparing to leave Florida for the summer months, you have more to think about than just packing your bags. Your Villages home needs proper preparation to weather the hot, humid summer months while you’re away.
Quick Takeaways
This comprehensive pre-departure checklist helps you secure your home, prevent damage, and ensure everything is ready for your return in the fall.
Leaving your Florida home unattended during summer presents unique challenges.
Extreme heat and humidity: Florida summers are brutal. Temperatures inside unoccupied homes can reach dangerous levels without proper climate control.
Hurricane season: June through November is hurricane season. Your home needs to be prepared for potential storms.
Pest pressure: Warm weather brings increased pest activity. An unattended home is attractive to insects and rodents.
Mold and moisture: High humidity combined with closed-up spaces creates perfect conditions for mold growth.
Break-in risks: Vacant homes attract unwanted attention. Signs of absence make properties targets for theft.
Proper preparation protects your investment and ensures you return to a home in good condition.
Start preparations early to avoid rushed, forgotten tasks.
Review and update your departure checklist
Create a master checklist specific to your home and situation. Update it each year based on lessons learned.
Schedule essential maintenance
Book appointments now for services you want completed before leaving:
Dryer vent cleaning: This is critical. A clogged vent left unattended for months poses serious fire risk. Professional dryer vent cleaning before departure gives you peace of mind.
Many Villages homeowners schedule this service in April or May before heading north.
HVAC service: Have your air conditioning system inspected and serviced. It needs to run reliably all summer even when you’re not home.
Pool service: If you have a pool, arrange for weekly or bi-weekly maintenance throughout summer.
Lawn care: Schedule regular lawn service to keep your property looking occupied and maintain HOA compliance.
Arrange home monitoring
Decide who will check your home while you’re away:
Trusted neighbor or friend: Someone local who can respond quickly if issues arise.
Professional home watch service: Many companies in The Villages specialize in snowbird home monitoring.
Family members: If you have family in the area, they might check on your home.
Whoever you choose should have:
Review insurance coverage
Contact your homeowner’s insurance company:
Notify important parties
Let the following know you’ll be away:
Deep clean the house
A thorough cleaning prevents odors and pests from developing.
Kitchen:
Bathrooms:
Laundry room:
General:
Address any needed repairs
Don’t leave knowing problems exist. Fix issues now:
Small problems become bigger problems when left unattended for months.
Test all safety systems
Smoke detectors: Test each one and replace batteries
Carbon monoxide detectors: Test and replace batteries
Security alarm: Verify it’s working properly
Fire extinguishers: Check pressure gauges
Update contact information: Ensure monitoring companies have your current summer phone number
Handle perishables and food
Refrigerator and freezer:
Pantry:
Adjust utilities appropriately
Thermostat: Set to 78-82°F. Do NOT turn off your AC completely.
Why this matters:
Water heater: Turn to vacation mode or lowest setting to save energy while maintaining minimal function.
Irrigation system: Adjust timer for summer watering needs. Ensure it’s functioning properly before you leave.
Address plumbing
Turn off main water supply
This is one of the most important steps. Water damage from undetected leaks can cause catastrophic damage.
After turning off the main valve:
Exception: If you’re keeping irrigation running, you might keep water on. In this case, have your home checker inspect for leaks weekly.
Protect against pests
Seal entry points:
Remove attractions:
Consider preventive treatment:
Secure outdoor areas
Hurricane preparation:
General outdoor:
Electronics and appliances
Unplug non-essential electronics:
This reduces fire risk and saves phantom electricity costs.
Keep plugged in:
Secure valuables
Remove or secure:
Consider:
Final walkthrough
Go room by room:
Document everything
Take photos or video of:
This documentation helps if insurance claims become necessary and provides baseline for your return.
Prepare a detailed packet for whoever monitors your home:
Contact information:
Service providers:
Home details:
Checking instructions:
Weekly visits should include:
Interior checks:
Exterior checks:
Communication:
HOA requirements: Make sure you comply with your community’s requirements for vacant properties. Some Villages neighborhoods have specific rules about:
Community resources: Many Villages neighborhoods have active social groups. Let neighbors in your community know you’ll be away and ask them to watch for issues.
Hurricane season overlap: Since you’ll be gone during peak hurricane season (August-October), ensure your home checker has a hurricane plan:
Make sure these critical services are scheduled:
Completed before departure:
Arranged for summer:
Upon arrival:
Within first week:
Should I really keep my AC running all summer?
Yes. The cost of running AC at 78-80°F is far less than the cost of mold remediation, warped floors, or damaged furniture from excessive heat and humidity.
What if a hurricane comes while I’m away?
Your home checker should have a plan. Before you leave, discuss: who will protect your home if a storm approaches? What authority do they have to make decisions? Consider giving them power of attorney for home-related decisions.
How do I know my home checker is actually visiting?
Request photos dated/timestamped with each visit. Smart home cameras can also show activity. Build relationship with checker before you leave.
Can I turn off my water heater completely?
Yes, but it needs to be relit (if gas) when you return. Setting to vacation mode or low setting saves most of the energy while avoiding relighting hassle.
What if I can’t find someone to check my home?
Professional home watch services in The Villages specialize in snowbird homes. They typically charge $15-30 per visit and provide detailed reports.
Should I drain my toilet tanks?
Not necessary if someone is flushing them weekly. If no one will be there, pour RV antifreeze in the tanks and bowls to prevent water evaporation.
Your Florida home is a significant investment. Taking time to properly prepare it before summer departure protects that investment and ensures you return to a home in excellent condition.
The effort you put into preparation now saves headaches, money, and stress later. A well-maintained home during your absence means fewer surprises and repairs when you return.
Ready to check dryer vent cleaning off your departure list? Contact Lint Dragon to schedule service before you leave. We serve snowbirds throughout The Villages and understand the importance of completing essential maintenance before summer departure.
Don’t leave for the summer with a clogged dryer vent posing fire risk in your unoccupied home. Schedule professional cleaning now and enjoy your summer knowing your home is safe and protected.