[MX rider]

Originally Posted by TNKYGAL

When we closed up our house the first time, I was very concerned about what needed to be done - having a second home in this climate was quite new to us! I found this document that Sullys shared from the Florida Dep't of Agriculture helpful, and also combed TOTV for suggestions. I generated my own list putting it all together and have attached it. I added additional comments to my original list (red print) based on our own experience. I also omitted some things that didn't apply to us, most notably, golf cart items. (We now have a golf cart, so will need to add that) Hope this helps. After closing up three times now, I'm much more relaxed about it!

Good luck, and welcome!

Thanks a bunch!!!

[Annie66]

Here is what we do ....

Set the house thermostat at 80-82 deg F. Leave the air conditioning on.
Turn off the gas at the manifold in the attic, and place the water heater selection valve to the off position.
Put a small amount of vegetable oil in the garbage disposal, and run (without water) for 1-3 seconds.
Place bleach in the toilet bowl ---- not the tank.
Cover the toilet bowl and tank with plastic wrap. Draw a large X on the plastic wrap (for obvious reasons).
Take the outside thermometer sensor indoors.
Remove everything from the lanai, porch and outside, and place indoors.
Turn off the ice maker. Do this prior to turning off the water to the house.
Lock all windows and doors (including dead bolts).
Run vinegar and water through the Keurig and then run several cups of tap water through to clear the vinegar from the Keurig reservoir.
With the exception of lights on timers, unplug everything (washer, dryer, printers, toaster, coffee pot, wireless phones, lamps, etc.).
Turn off the water at the valve in the garage. At one of the sinks, release the pressure for both the hot and cold water supplies. Be sure to close the faucet value once the pressure has been released.
Pour a small amount of bleach in each sink trap.
Put stoppers in all the sinks.
Empty and take out all the garbage.
After backing the car out of the garage, lower the door, and set the wallpad button to the off position. Or, you can pull the plug on the garage door opener.
These actions do not have to be done necessarily in this order.

Hope they help.

[BruggsNC1]

Need to have someone periodically check on your irrigation system. If you have a high water bill, the the landscapers probably ran over a sprinkler head and you will have an "Old Faithful" gushing out water whenever the system turns on.

[DONS999]

No one answered that question about why have a furnace setting in the summer or for that matter even the winter . The pipes are never going to freeze at anytime here inTV .

I have yet to have the furnace go on this year because the house has not gone below 65. So useless you sleep with the windows open , your furnace is just like your emergency generator.

[rjm1cc]

You may want to drain your backflow if in the winter and expecting freezing temp.

[thelegges]

We can control our thermostat and lights in 6 rooms up north. Cameras at front door, in garage, living room, and basement. I can speak to what family stops by the house to check on things when they arrive through my cameras. They are All controlled by Alexa.

I am notified when any cameras show movement, give me humidity alert if to high, and temperatures in each room. Also notifications if power is out.

I control the lights by telling Alexa to turn on or off. Always random times. Set timers are a giveaway that no one is home.

My home here is controlled the same way, so if I go away for the day. I know who came to front door, and if my cat is eating, drinking or sleeping.

Years ago when we snowflakes in and out, I covered all the drains with ziplock bag full of water. Used a weekly home watch that took pics when at the house, and texted if something was wrong. Then fixed it. Home watch is piece of mind, that I didn’t have to expect a friend or neighbor to take care of

[ElDiabloJoe]

Originally Posted by Papa_lecki

Don’t forget about prepping golf carts. I fill the tank with non ethanol gas, add stabilizer. I also had battery disconnects installed.

Everyone will have their own routine - but that’s what i do.

I also jack mine up and then put the whole cart up on four (4) jack stands. This prevents flat spots in the tires which will weaken the sidewalls and then blow your tire when you are using it.

[MX rider]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

I also jack mine up and then put the whole cart up on four (4) jack stands. This prevents flat spots in the tires which will weaken the sidewalls and then blow your tire when you are using it.

Thanks but I'm not getting a cart yet. We're only going to be there a week at a time twice until next Nov. We'll just use our truck and our bikes since we love to ride anyway.

One less thing to take care of until then.

[Dorebea]

Originally Posted by MX rider

Thanks everyone for the info! We close on our house March 1st but can't be there until the 17th. We plan on getting to know our neighbors for sure. Part of the reason we choose TV. I also have a good friend in Ocala who's going to check up on it for us as well.

We close in March also ( in Hawkins). So excited. Where is your house?

[MX rider]

Originally Posted by Dorebea

We close in March also ( in Hawkins). So excited. Where is your house?

Amelia

[Dorebea]

Originally Posted by MX rider

Amelia

Not quite so close that we would be neighbors but wishing you good luck. Enjoy your new home!