Vacation / Seasonal Home
Close it up well, open it up easily.
The closing routine, the humidity control that protects furniture while you're away, and the opening checklist for your return.
Why this matters: Most seasonal-home damage happens in empty months — humidity, pests, and small leaks nobody sees.
5 steps · About 2 hours per season
- Step 1
Plan humidity control while away
Thermostat strategy, dehumidification, and airflow.
Do this: Set a humidity plan before you leave.
An unconditioned Florida home in summer will grow what you don't want.
- Step 2
Protect furniture and mattresses
Cover, elevate, condition leather, and shield from sun.
Do this: Cover pieces and close sun-facing treatments.
Sun and humidity work on furniture the entire time you're gone.
- Step 3
Handle water and power
Main shutoff, water heater, and unplugging what doesn't need power.
Do this: Shut off the water and note it on your sheet.
A slow leak with nobody home is the most expensive kind.
- Step 4
Prepare for storms in your absence
Shutters, loose items, and a local contact.
Do this: Arrange local coverage and secure outdoor items.
Storm prep can't be done remotely.
- Step 5Optional
Build your return checklist
Air out, flush lines, check for moisture, restart systems.
Do this: Save an opening checklist you can reuse.
A repeatable opening routine catches problems in the first hour.
Maria's tips
- Leave the AC set around 78°F with a humidistat rather than turning it off.
- Photograph every room before you leave — comparison makes changes obvious.
Common mistakes
- Turning off the AC entirely to save money.
- Leaving upholstered pieces in direct sun for the whole off-season.