Sarasota Real Estate Blog

What Snowbirds Should Do Before Heading Back North

As many seasonal residents prepare to head north for the summer, it’s important to take a few simple steps to protect your Florida home while you’re away. Whether you’ll be gone for a few months or longer, a little preparation can help prevent issues and give you peace of mind.

Below is a practical checklist to help you close up your home with confidence.

 Start with the basics

Before leaving, take care of the obvious but important items:

• Remove perishable food from the refrigerator and pantry

• Take out all trash

• Run the dishwasher and dispose of any remaining food in the sink

• Set your water heater to vacation mode (if applicable)

These small steps help avoid odors, pests, and unnecessary wear on appliances.

 Adjust your thermostat

Florida humidity is the biggest concern when a home sits vacant. Rather than turning your air conditioning off completely, set the thermostat between 75–80 degrees. This helps control moisture and reduces the risk of mold or mildew developing while you’re away.

Some homes are also equipped with a humidistat. Unlike a thermostat, which controls temperature, a humidistat measures and regulates humidity levels in the air. It will trigger the air conditioning system to run as needed to keep indoor humidity within a set range, even if the temperature is relatively stable. If your home has one, setting it properly can add an extra layer of protection against excess moisture.

Turn off the water (or monitor it)

If possible, shut off the main water supply to your home. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent costly damage from leaks.

If you prefer to keep water on (for irrigation or other needs), there are a few additional precautions worth considering:

• Install a smart water monitor. These devices track water flow in real time and can alert you on your phone if unusual usage or a potential leak is detected. Some systems can even shut off the water automatically if a problem is identified.

• Arrange for someone to periodically check the home for signs of leaks or moisture

• Make sure drain traps stay filled with water. Over time, the water in sinks, showers, and floor drains can evaporate, allowing sewer gases, odors, and even insects to enter the home. Having someone run water briefly during check-ins helps prevent this.

Manage odors before you leave

A closed-up home in a humid climate can develop stale or musty odors over time. A few simple steps can help keep things fresh:

• Place small containers of dry coffee grounds in different rooms or inside cabinets. They naturally absorb odors without adding artificial fragrance.

• Avoid heavy air fresheners, which can become overpowering in a sealed space

• Make sure all trash is removed and surfaces are clean before you leave

• Consider leaving interior doors slightly open to allow for air circulation

Combined with proper temperature control, these small steps can make a noticeable difference when you return.

 Prepare for storms and outdoor exposure

Before you leave, take time to secure anything outside that could be affected by summer weather:

• Bring in or securely store outdoor furniture, planters, and decorative items

• Put away or anchor anything that could become airborne in a storm

• Check that umbrellas are closed and secured

• Remove or store loose items from lanais and balconies

Even if you’re leaving before peak hurricane season, summer storms can arrive quickly, and loose items can cause damage.

 Unplug and simplify

Unplug small appliances, electronics, and anything non-essential. This reduces fire risk and protects against power surges.

You may also want to:

• Stop mail and package deliveries

• Pause newspaper service

• Set light timers to create a lived-in appearance

Arrange for periodic check-ins

Even with preparation, it’s wise to have someone check on your home occasionally. This could be:

• A neighbor

• A friend

• A property manager

A quick walkthrough every few weeks can catch small issues before they become larger ones. It’s also helpful to have them:

• Run water briefly to maintain drain traps

• Check for signs of humidity or leaks

• Replace the air conditioning filter as needed to keep the system running efficiently

 Additional Considerations for Condos

If you own a condo, some responsibilities may differ slightly, but preparation is just as important.

Know your association rules

Many condo associations require:

• Advance notice if you’ll be away for an extended period

• Emergency contact information

• Approval for hurricane shutter installation

Be sure you’re familiar with your association’s guidelines.

 Understand what is covered

Condo owners should confirm: 

• What the association maintains (roof, exterior, sometimes plumbing stacks)

• What remains your responsibility (interior plumbing, appliances, contents)

Even in well-managed buildings, interior issues like leaks or humidity damage are typically the unit owner’s responsibility.

Consider water shut-off policies

Some buildings allow individual unit shut-offs, while others manage water systems centrally. If you have the option, shutting off water within your unit is still a smart precaution.

Coordinate access if needed

If building management needs access during your absence (for maintenance or inspections), make sure arrangements are clear in advance.

Preparing your home before leaving for the season doesn’t have to be complicated. A thoughtful checklist and a few preventative steps can go a long way toward protecting your property—and making your return that much easier.

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