How to Winterize Your Home Before Moving South for the Winter

For snowbirds escaping the cold and Moving south for the winter, it’s crucial to properly prepare your home before you leave. Winterizing your home not only helps safeguard it from theft and damage but also provides peace of mind while you’re away. Here’s your comprehensive guide to winterizing your home for a worry-free winter getaway.

What is Winterization?
Winterization involves preparing your home to remain vacant during the winter months. By taking preventive steps ahead of time, you can mitigate risks such as burst pipes, system failures, and weather-related damage.

Here’s how to get started:

• Prevent Your Home from Appearing Vacant
  Making your home look occupied is a great deterrent to potential burglars.
  • • • Forward mail and pause newspaper deliveries.
      • Arrange for snow removal after storms.
      • Install motion-sensitive lights outside and set timers on indoor lights to create the illusion of activity.

• Protect Against Theft
  Take extra precautions to secure your property from intruders.
  • • • Ensure your alarm systems are functional and activated.
      • Use deadbolts, slide locks, and security hinges on doors and windows.
      • Store valuables in a secure offsite location like a safe deposit box. Check with Sorensen Moving for storage in Central and South Florida.
      • Avoid announcing your travel plans on social media.

• Prevent Water Damage
  Water damage can be catastrophic, especially in freezing temperatures.
  • • • Turn off the water supply, drain pipes, and flush toilets to clear residual water.
      • Add non-toxic antifreeze to toilet bowls and tanks to prevent freezing.
      • Consider hiring a plumber to ensure pipes are fully drained or protected.
      • Keep your furnace set at 55°F or higher to prevent freezing in your plumbing system.

• Routine Maintenance Before Departure
  Ensure all systems are in top shape before you leave.
  • • • Inspect and service your heating system to avoid mid-winter breakdowns.
      • Clean or replace furnace filters.
      • Schedule a chimney cleaning to prevent creosote buildup.
      • Add weather stripping and upgrade insulation to protect against drafts and ice dams.

• Safety First
  Prepare for potential hazards while you’re away.
  • • • Trim trees and branches to avoid storm damage.
      • Clear gutters to allow for proper snowmelt drainage.
      • Test and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
      • Unplug unnecessary appliances to reduce fire risk.

• Keep Pests Out
  Prevent critters from making your home their winter retreat.
  • • • Thoroughly clean and unplug appliances like refrigerators and freezers, leaving doors open to prevent mildew.
      • Inspect and seal gaps or openings in your home’s exterior.
      • Install chimney guards to deter animals from entering.

• Plan for Emergencies
  Be prepared for unexpected issues.
  • • • Notify local authorities that your property will be vacant and provide emergency contact information.
      • Enlist a trusted friend or neighbor to check on your home periodically.
      • Install monitored alarm systems for fire, water, and temperature alerts.

• Update Your Insurance
  Ensure your homeowners insurance policy is current and provides adequate coverage for potential risks during your absence.

Final Preparations
Before you move south, stock up on essentials for your return. Servicing equipment like snowblowers and generators now can save you time and hassle later. By taking these steps, you’ll protect your home and enjoy peace of mind while soaking up the sunshine this winter.

Ready to plan your move south? Contact Sorensen Moving today to schedule your relocation and make your seasonal migration stress-free!