We have a list we use to make ready for the annual "shut-down".
Pull plugs on TV (s), disc player, microwave.
Turn off breakers to cook stove, dish washer, hot water heater. After turning off the breaker to the hot water tank, I run the hot water out and replace it with fresh cooler water. Then shut off water to house.
Put the garage door opener to lock position
We had a humidistat installed by Munns to control the humidity and the cooling in the house. The humidistat is set at 60% and the a/c is set at 78 degrees. If the humidity rises above 60% it turns on the a/c as it is needed. Humidity is the culprit.
You can saran wrap the toilets if you do not have a home watch person that comes in and flushes on inspection. Can also cover the drains in sinks and showers to keep the traps from drying out.
We usually get a package of vinyl painters drop covers to go over the beds, etc.
Turn off ice maker in freezer.
Of course, cancel newspaper, put your tv, etc. on vacation, set up post office for your mail transfer.
We put in a couple of timer light switches for our lamps.
Also, we have mixed info on turning on the fans on low speed in all the rooms. Last couple of years we have not.
If we have clothes in our drawers, we leave them partially open. Also we buy a product called Damp-Rid at Walmart or Home Depot. 3 in a box. We hang them in our closets, and you would be surprised of how much water is collected in those bags when you come back.
Hope that helps. Everyone has their "list" and it could more or less detailed as time goes along.
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