Closing up the house
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by Tom Jones
This checklist is a compilation of inputs from various forum members in response to a question by forum member Len Sackett. Some items may not apply to your situation, so pick and choose the ones that make sense for you.
This checklist is a compilation of inputs from various forum members in response to a question by forum member Len Sackett. Some items may not apply to your situation, so pick and choose the ones that make sense for you.
- 3-4 weeks before the planned departure, place a box in a convenient place for miscellaneous items to be transferred from home to RV.
- Stop delivery of newspapers.
- Check the bills and make arrangements for payment while away.
- Who will cut the lawn or remove the snow so home looks lived in while you're away?
- Store yard/patio furniture and BBQ grill.
- Cable TV/internet & phone switched to "vacation" billing plans.
- Mail forwarding activated, mail hold, or alternate mail pickup plans (e.g. a neighbor).
- Share trip plans with family &/or close friends.
- Give cell phone number and house key to a trusted neighbor.
- Have a neighbor keep a lookout for unexpected parcels left at the doorstep.
- Change batteries in smoke detectors.
- Notify the local police department that the house will be vacant for the period of the trip.
- Shut down refrigerators, clean and leave door adjar.
- Take down the flag.
- Synchronize laptop computer with home computer and ensure backup disks are current.
- Update paper records file and move to RV.
- Move all cameras & computer gear to RV.
- Forward phones.
- Unplug home electronics (TV, stereo, computer) for lightning/surge protection.
- Turn the heating (or air conditionning)thermostat to "away" program or turn it off.
- Turn the water heater thermostat down or shut it off altogether.
- Turn the water off.
- Lock all doors & windows, garden shed & workshop.
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