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There’s something special about escaping winter’s grip in favor of sunshine and sandy shores. For snowbirds who make this seasonal migration south, the allure of milder temperatures is pretty tough to resist. But before you bask in the warmth, it’s important to make sure your northern home is secured, protected, and prepped for your time away. The steps you take before you leave can make the difference between peace of mind and costly surprises when you return.
Protect Your Mail Before It Becomes a Problem
When you disappear but your mailbox continues to fill up, it doesn’t take long for observant passersby to realize something’s off. One of the first things you should handle before heading out is to forward your mail or put a hold on it altogether. The U.S. Postal Service makes this easy online, giving you the flexibility to forward important items to your temporary address or pause deliveries until you return. It’s a small step that goes a long way in preventing your home from becoming a target.
Don’t Let the Weather Tell on You
If your northern home is in a region prone to snowfall, don’t overlook what a blanket of untouched snow can communicate. To the wrong eyes, it’s an invitation. Arrange for a reliable neighbor or professional service to clear your driveway and walkways after each storm. If your area doesn’t get snow, don’t assume you’re off the hook—neglected lawns, leaf-strewn paths, and overgrown shrubs can make it equally obvious no one’s around.
Call Your Plumber Before the Freeze Comes
A frozen pipe isn’t just an inconvenience—it can turn into a full-blown disaster, especially if it bursts while you’re basking in the sun hundreds of miles away. Before you leave, you might want to ask a plumber who can walk you through the best course of action for your home. They may suggest draining your water lines, turning off the main supply, or adding insulation to vulnerable pipes. You can also install smart temperature monitors that send alerts to your phone if indoor temps drop too low, giving you a head start on solving problems before they escalate.
Fine-Tune Your Thermostat Like a Pro
You don’t need to keep your house toasty while you’re away, but letting it dip too low invites all sorts of issues. Aim to keep your thermostat set somewhere between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps prevent your pipes from freezing while still saving on energy costs compared to your usual winter heating bill. If you’ve got a smart thermostat, you can even adjust it remotely in case of a sudden cold snap.
Power Down and Unplug What You Don’t Need
Even when you’re not home, many electronics continue to draw power, which adds up over time and increases the risk of electrical fires. Unplug non-essential items like televisions, computers, toasters, and microwaves before you hit the road. This not only trims your energy use but also reduces wear and tear on your devices. Surge protectors help, but physically unplugging cords is the safest route when you’ll be gone for weeks or months.
Use Lighting to Create the Illusion of Presence
Nothing says “we’re not home” like a pitch-black house night after night. A few well-placed light timers can change that narrative fast. Set timers for indoor lamps and outdoor lights to turn on and off at various intervals throughout the evening. Some modern timers can even randomize the schedule to mimic real-life behavior, making it harder for anyone watching to detect a pattern.
Don’t Skip the Final Walkthrough
Before you lock the door and head south, make time for one last, slow walkthrough of your home. Check that windows are shut and locked, trash has been taken out, and your fridge is free of perishables that might rot in your absence. Ensure your security system is armed, motion sensors are working, and all doors are deadbolted. Take photos of your home’s condition—inside and out—in case you need documentation later for insurance.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of heading toward the sun, but a well-prepared home will let you enjoy your trip with far fewer worries. Whether you’re gone for two weeks or three months, these small, proactive steps add up to serious protection. The more you handle upfront—mail, maintenance, plumbing, power—the more confident you’ll feel while you’re away. After all, escaping the cold shouldn’t come with lingering stress. Prepare your home like you prepare your suitcase: carefully, thoroughly, and with the future in mind.