If you are leaving your Palm Springs property for the Summer

Snowbirds heading back up North - home checklist before you leave

In late April and early May many Palm Springs residents head back north for the summer. If you are leaving your Palm Springs residence for the summer here is a check list of things to do before you leave.

However, please remember that your Palm Springs residence could be rented for the some period during the summer months. Even if your Palm Springs residence is rented for only 2 of the 6 months you are gone that revenue could cover your HOA, land lease or other maintenance fees. If you are interested in learning more about this, click here and I will give you a call to discuss renting your Palm Springs residence for the summer.

1. Change of address card for your mail.
2. Stop forwarding mail from your home Post Office.
3. Call the Desert Sun (760-322-8889) or other newspapers to be put on vacation hold.
4. Call Verizon (800-483-4000)to request vacation status.
5. Call Time Warner Cable (760-340-2225) and request vacation status.

6. Empty your refrigerator and freezer of all perishable food and place on “low”
7. Turn off ice maker and empty ice tray.
8. Turn off your dishwasher and leave the door ajar with a towel for circulation.
9. Spray shower stalls with mildew spray to prevent mold.
10. Cover drains in showers and sinks with tape to prevent insects from coming out of drains.

11. Purchase high pitched electronic devices throughout the house and garage to ward off bugs.
12. Cover sofas and upholstered chairs with sheets.
13. Cover hanging clothes.
14. Cover glass ware with towels or paper towels.
15. Close fireplace dampers, unplug computers and tvs.

16. Turn off the natural gas at the input to your house, turn off your water heater.
17. Turn off water supply to your house unless this also feeds a sprinkler system.
18. Make sure all trash has been removed and spray your trash cans with disinfectant.
19. Make sure the air conditioner and heater are turned off and close all blinds.
20. Set your alarm as you leave.

It is always a good idea to have someone check your home while you are away. Neighbors are a good source for this as they will notice anything unusual going on, at least they should.