Departure Preparation Checklist

Please take a moment to ensure that your home is prepared for your extended leave by taking care of these items.

Weeks Prior to Departure
	Sign up for U.S. Postal Service's Informed Delivery service at https://www.usps.com/manage/informed-delivery.htm to receive emails with photos the mail scheduled to arrive to your mailbox.
	Forward your U.S. Mail to your destination at https://www.usps.com/manage/forward.htm.
	Let your neighbors know that you hired a home watch services provider during your absence.
	Place retractable lanai screens into the full open position.
	Bring in all outside items that can fly during high winds, tropical storms, or hurricanes (examples: lanai decorations, solar landscaping lights, pool floats, patio furniture).
	Check your irrigation system for effectiveness, and service if necessary.
	Place new pest control applications.
	Add Preen (or similar weed control) to landscape beds (if you don't have a chemical treatment service).
	Place potted plants that you hand water around an irrigation head to maintain watering.
	Leave toilet bowl cleaner and brush next to toilets.
	Install new batteries in smart locks / electronic locks.
	Install new batteries in battery-operated smoke detectors.
	Place kitchen staples such as sugar, coffee, and flour in zip-lock bags in the refrigerator/freezer.
	Fill a small cup with water, freeze it, and then place a quarter on top inside the freezer (should power go out, this will be an indicator of the viability of your food).
	Service HVAC unit.
	Replace HVAC filter if needed.
	Clean dishwasher drain filter in the bottom of dishwasher tub.
	Leave a gallon of vinegar and funnel next to HVAC unit for AC condensation drain line flushing.
	If you choose to turn off any breakers, place masking/blue tape over those breakers you want to remain off.
	Halt newspaper delivery - Daily Sun subscriptions can be paused until you return.
	Remove flag(s) from flagpole(s). Lower telescoping flagpoles.

Complete on Departure Day
	Open all closets and interior doors.
	Leave a central ceiling fan on low to circulate air.
	Unplug all small appliances, TVs, DVD players, radios, digital devices.
	Confirm all windows and doors are fully closed and locked.
	Close the window blinds.
	Set the AC thermostat to 76°-78° (if you have a dehumidifier, set humidity to 50-60%).
	Leave mail box key with box number on the kitchen counter if you would like your mail checked.
	Ensure washer, dryer, and dish washer are empty and doors are open.
	Empty trash bins from every room.
	Leave business cards or contact information on the kitchen counter for any regular services you have (pool maintenance, lawn service, etc).