[chuckinca]

Originally Posted by Jerseygirl08

Thanks Chuck, for that information. When my house was empty (May - Sept), I strategically placed 3-4 of those canisters of little white pellet "moisture picker uppers" (can't remember the name of it for the life of me!) and it actually worked. House was as dry as a bone. So, I figure, if you do that, PLUS turn thermostat to 84 degrees, you've got it made in the shade. Good advice, thanks again for sharing it. {I love these tips, very enlightening}

Jereseygirl08:

Thanks for the tip on the white pellet insurance - have to find some of that stuff for next summer.

Chuck


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[CTgolfer]

Originally Posted by JohnN

My leaving checklist includes:
- shut off the water main to the house
- shut off the electric to water heater
- turn fridge temp to "2"
- set thermostat for vacation mode (high and low setting, whatever you choose)
- set garage door to lock mode (or you can unplug it or shut the breaker, your choice)
- I put a bit of bug spray and vegetable oil down the various drains
- saran wrap over the commodes

I think that's about it. No golf cart consideration here.

Are the bug spray/vegetable oil down the drains, and the saran wrap over the commodes, specific to the South? If we're shutting down in the Northeast to come to the South over the winter, do we need to do the same?

[sschuler1]

If you are leaving your home over the winter in the frozen north, you will need to do different things. You will need to turn off your water and drain the pipes. Put a little antifreeze down the drain for the traps or blow them out. Be sure to drain the toilets as well! Don't forget to turn off the water to your outside spigots and drain those, but you probably do that every winter anyway. Turn your thermostat down to around 50 degrees.

We sorced our housefull of furniture at Southern Lifestyles and chose exactly what we wanted. Then we went to a local furniture mega store in Okla. to actually see it up close. The salesman, of course, wanted the chance to quote, and he beat Southern Lifestyles by 25% - completely delivered to Fla. We gave Southern Lifestyles the quote and the chance to meet it before we orderd. We would have preferred to have Southern Lifestyles as the vendor since they are local in TV. But, they said they would only match a Fla. bid. It took more time, but worked out well for us. Also, there are services available to house sit if you are going to be away for an extended period of time. The service offered by Property Management (Empty Nest program) is good, but expensive. There are at least a couple of other local house sitting services that are much less expensive. Here is one -> http://affordablehomewatch.com/, although I cannot vouch for them, since I have not used them.

[Coconuts]

Originally Posted by JohnN

My leaving checklist includes:
- shut off the water main to the house
- shut off the electric to water heater
- turn fridge temp to "2"
- set thermostat for vacation mode (high and low setting, whatever you choose)
- set garage door to lock mode (or you can unplug it or shut the breaker, your choice)
- I put a bit of bug spray and vegetable oil down the various drains
- saran wrap over the commodes

I think that's about it. No golf cart consideration here.

I can understand the bug spray and oil down the drains but the saran wrap over the commodes is making my heart pound. Do you not want something to get in??????OR GET OUT????????????

[Peachie]

It's my understanding, Coconuts, that plastic wrap on the terlets prevents the water from evaporating which prevents sewer odors from entering the house.

[Coconuts]

Originally Posted by Peachie

It's my understanding, Coconuts, that plastic wrap on the terlets prevents the water from evaporating which prevents sewer odors from entering the house.

Oh thank heavens. I never thought of that.

[Peachie]

Unfortunately, Coconuts, that plastic wrap won't keep out the sewer snakes and rats....