CHECKLIST FOR CLOSING YOUR HOME

Have mail forwarded by the post office (30 days notice is required).

Wash or clean all clothes to be stored.

Trim shrubs and vines growing near the house.

Clear debris from the gutters and roof.

Arrange for regular mowing and landscape care.

Give a trusted neighbor your address, emergency telephone numbers, key and dates of departure and return.

Stop the newspapers and other deliveries.

Sign up for the city or, county law enforcement's vacation watch list.

Spray for bugs or hire and exterminator.

Arrange for vacation-rate utility services.

FROM ONE WEEK TO ONE DAY BEFORE LEAVING:

Clean and wax appliances.

Throw away opened foods and perishables.

Clean the oven, broiler and surface drip trays.

Wash kitchen cabinet exterior and wipe out interiors.

Wash out the refrigerator interior and freezer.

Clean out the dishwasher filter, run a short wash cycle and unlatch the door.

Clean the garbage disposal with ice cubes and baking soda.

Turn off the water supply to the washer.

Dust and wax wood furniture.

Vacuum carpet and upholstery and remove any spots.

Vacuum mattresses, and cover them lightly with a sheet.

Take houseplants to a neighbor's house.

Put valuables in the safe deposit box.

THE DAY YOU LEAVE:

Turn off the refrigerator, and prop open the doors.

Turn off the water heater.

Cover toilets and their tanks with plastic wrap, and put stoppers in all the drains, including the shower drain. Flush water from toilet tanks.

Open all vents and doors to closets and drawers in bedroom furniture.

Cover exhausts vents with plastic wrap.

Close and lock all windows.

Close the fireplace damper and glass doors.

Set the air-conditioner thermostat and the timer if you have one.

Turn on the telephone answering machine if you desire.

Set timers on lights if desired.

Flip off breakers of circuits not in use or unplug electric items not in use.

Turn off water at the main house shutoff. Make sure to leave sprinklers on if needed.

Place Damp/Rid in closet, tub, shower, closets or wherever you decide

Set burglar alarm if you have one.

Lock all doors and unplug the garage door opener to protect it from lightening strikes.