[shalomuall]

We are closing at the end of the month on our home in Fernandina. We will use it as a vacation home for now. Been looking for a check list of what we should do every time we close the house and what needs to be done while we are away (mowing, house sitter, ...).
We have been reading the different threads and taking notes. Are there such lists? Can we get some suggestions please from all of you experienced future neighbors?
Thank you, TOTV and everyone have been a great source of help.

[NotGolfer]

Put plastic wrap over the toilet seats
Unplug your golf cart
Turn off the water *inside* your house.
Call the Sun and give them whatever directions (cancel or send to another address)
unplug your technical items (t.v./boxes) and your micro-wave (just in case of lightening strikes.
Tell your neighbors you're leaving so they can be observant while you're gone. Don't post on social networks that you're leaving.
Turn the *air* to a higher level---just enough to circulate the air and to keep the humidity down.

I may have forgotten some things but this is a start!

Shabbat Shalom

[shalomuall]

Thank you and ss to you too.

[asianthree]

forward your mail leave a note in your box to stop junk mail

[Rebel Pirate]

Originally Posted by NotGolfer

Put plastic wrap over the toilet seats
Unplug your golf cart
Turn off the water *inside* your house.
Call the Sun and give them whatever directions (cancel or send to another address)
unplug your technical items (t.v./boxes) and your micro-wave (just in case of lightening strikes.
Tell your neighbors you're leaving so they can be observant while you're gone. Don't post on social networks that you're leaving.
Turn the *air* to a higher level---just enough to circulate the air and to keep the humidity down.

I may have forgotten some things but this is a start!

Shabbat Shalom

If you have the time when you're here to close, you should go through all the orientations offered by systems providers, i.e., HVAC system installer (Sunshine AC), the pool installer (T&D) if any, the propane supplier (Suburban) and take notes during the orientation. Things change over time. For instance, if your new home is newly constructed (since you're in Fernandina, let's assume it's newly built) when departing for an extended period you would want to set your thermostat to 80-85 (during cooling season) and your humidistate to 55%. Thus, the specifics of preparing your house for an extended absence depends on it's age since older homes don't have humidistats. Also, if your home is new construction, try to schedule a sink-hole inspection ASAP so you can get this low cost insurance.

Welcome!

[emconover]

google " closing your florida home" for several lists of things to be considered

[George Bieniaszek]

Consider getting a Humidistat installed to control the AC in your home when you are away to lessen the chance of mold developing. You will save money on your electric bill as a bonus.

[shalomuall]

emconover, I noticed you lived in Lakewood, NJ. I lived in Toms River while in H.S. and have relatives in Lakewood.

[Biker B]

turn off main water valve
unplug garage openers
unplug all electronics
have a home watch service
open dish washer
bring in all lanai furniture
stop mail
put battery tender on car and cart
put cable on vacation mode

[ronat1]

Originally Posted by shalomuall

We are closing at the end of the month on our home in Fernandina. We will use it as a vacation home for now. Been looking for a check list of what we should do every time we close the house and what needs to be done while we are away (mowing, house sitter, ...).
We have been reading the different threads and taking notes. Are there such lists? Can we get some suggestions please from all of you experienced future neighbors?
Thank you, TOTV and everyone have been a great source of help.

Here's a couple:
1. Adjust the controls on your refrigerator & freezer to maintain a higher temperature.
2. If you have a gas hot water heater, turn control to "Pilot Lighting"
3. Close the gas supply valve to gas dryer and unplug.
4. Close water valves to washer and unplug
5. Raise thermostat temp in summer to 84 and lower in winter to 60
6. Unplug all electronic appliances such as computers, televisions, stereos, etc.
7. You can leave a fan or two on low speed just to keep air circulating.
8. Close water isolation valve in bathrooms. There's a lot of water trapped between the main shut-off valve and your bathrooms

Hope this helps.

[Redrok]

Originally Posted by emconover

google " closing your florida home" for several lists of things to be considered

Good suggestion. I found several lists for closing a Florida home and then googled closing your northern home and found some additional advice.

[champion6]

Here's a list to review...

Turn A/C up to 82 and set to COOL.
Turn refrigerator/freezer down to "2.” Turn off ice maker. Close shutoff valve to ice maker, if possible.
Close shutoff valves to washing machine.
Turn off electric water heater, electric range and electric dryer at breaker box.
At a minimum, close lids to toilets -- covering with plastic wrap is even better.
Close shutoff valves to toilets.
Cover/put in stoppers/close all drains.
Turn off main water valve (usually in the garage).
Unplug/disconnect as many electrical devices as possible.
If you have a gas golf cart, add gas stabilizer; if electric, keep it plugged in (ask a neighbor to unplug it during a major lightning storm).
Lock garage door and disconnect opener from door OR put garage door in “lock out” position on the wall control.
Lock windows and exterior doors. A wooden dowel in sliding doors might be a good idea as well. Lock lanai screen door.
Close all window blinds.
Bring lanai and patio furniture, grill, etc. inside.
Open all closets for circulation.
Prop open dishwasher.
Pour capful of cooking oil in garbage disposal and run it for a couple of seconds.
Check furnace filter and replace if necessary.
Give this list to your Home Watch so they know what to expect when they check your home.

[shalomuall]

wow, thanks everyone for all the great info. Since we hope to visit often, I am sure what will start as "a lot of work" would become second nature.