Tips for Snowbirds

Whether you’re going away for just a few months or the entire season, these snowbird tips will help you protect your property and give you peace of mind. Read on for the top tips for snowbirds to ensure your home is safe, secure, and well-maintained during your absence.

Snowbird Tips #1 – Prepare Your Home for Cold Weather

Even though you’re escaping the chill, your home will still face the winter elements. To prevent costly repairs and damage, winterize your property with these key steps:

• Turn off the water at the main valve to avoid frozen pipes and potential flooding. If you have a sprinkler system, leave it on but make sure to winterize it.
• Shut off water to your toilets and flush until the bowl is dry to prevent mold and mildew from forming.
• Seal windows and doors to keep cold air out and reduce energy costs.
• Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas, like basements or attics, to protect them from freezing temperatures.
• Have your heating system serviced to ensure it’s running efficiently, especially if you plan to keep it on at a lower temperature while you’re gone.

Taking the time to winterize your home before you leave ensures it’s ready for the colder months and minimizes the risk of costly issues while you’re away.

Snowbird Tips #2 – Protect Your Home from the Elements

It’s not just cold weather that can cause trouble—wind, rain, snow, and ice can take a toll on your home’s exterior. Before you leave, take precautions to guard your property against the elements:

• Clean out your gutters to prevent water from backing up and freezing, which can lead to ice dams and roof damage.
• Trim any overhanging branches or trees near your home to reduce the risk of falling limbs causing damage in high winds or heavy snow.
• Secure outdoor furniture and decor or bring them indoors to protect them from storms and inclement weather.

By taking these steps, you can prevent damage caused by winter storms and ensure your home’s exterior is as protected as possible.

Snowbird Tips #3 – Set Up Smart Lighting and Security Measures

A home that looks empty can be a target for burglars. Make your home look lived-in and deter intruders by setting up security features:

• Install smart lights inside and out, and set them on timers to create the illusion that someone is home.
• Install motion-detecting lights outside to deter potential trespassers.
• Use a home security system with cameras that you can monitor remotely. This allows you to check in on your property and receive alerts if anything suspicious happens.
• Stop mail and newspaper deliveries  Nothing signals a vacant house like a pile of newspapers on the front steps.

A well-lit home and visible security measures can help keep intruders at bay while you’re away for the winter.

Snowbird Tip #4 – Arrange for Snow Removal and Maintenance

Nothing makes a home look more vacant than an unshoveled driveway or a lawn that’s overgrown. Arrange for someone to take care of routine maintenance tasks while you’re away:

• Hire a snow removal service to clear your driveway and sidewalks after snowstorms. This not only maintains your home’s curb appeal but also prevents liability issues if someone slips and falls on your property.
• Set up regular lawn maintenance or yard care if you’re leaving before winter officially begins. A well-maintained property gives the impression that someone is around.
• Schedule routine pest control to ensure that critters don’t find their way into your home during your absence.

By keeping up with regular maintenance tasks, you can ensure that your property remains well cared for while you’re away.

Snowbird Tips #5 – Forward Your Mail and Prescriptions

While you’re soaking up the sun in your winter destination, don’t forget to handle your mail and prescriptions:

• Forward your mail to your new address or set up a mail hold with the post office so nothing piles up at home.
• Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy in your winter location to ensure you don’t miss any important medications.

These small details can easily slip through the cracks, so be sure to handle them before you leave for the season. Learn more about premium mail forwarding options from the USPS here.

Snowbird Tips #6 – Hire a Professional Home Watch Service

Finally, one of the best investments you can make as a snowbird is hiring a professional home watch service. A home watch professional will regularly check your property to ensure everything is running smoothly, inside and out. They’ll inspect for leaks, security issues, pest infestations, and any other potential problems that could arise while you’re away. If anything goes wrong, they’ll take immediate action and keep you updated with detailed reports and photos.

At Annapolis Home Concierge, we offer expert home watch services to give you peace of mind while you’re enjoying your time away. Our team will keep a close eye on your property and handle any issues before they become costly repairs. Learn more about our home watch services here and make sure your home is in safe hands while you’re traveling.

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By following these snowbird tips, you can leave for the winter with confidence, knowing your home is secure, maintained, and ready for your return in the spring. Whether you need help with winterization or professional home watch services, Annapolis Home Concierge is here to help! Contact us today for more information.