Closing up a Naples home for the season is more involved than locking the front door. Florida humidity, sudden storms, and months of nobody checking in make the shutdown routine genuinely important, not just a formality. Here is what we recommend before you head north.
Climate control
- Do not turn the AC off. Set it to around 78–80°F so it keeps cycling and controlling humidity
- Run the AC in “dry” or with the fan set to auto, and make sure the drain line is clear before you leave, a clogged drain line is one of the most common causes of AC shutdowns in empty homes
- Consider a smart thermostat or humidity sensor that alerts you (or your home watch service) if something goes wrong
Water
- Know where your main shutoff is, and consider shutting off the water supply to the washing machine and any exposed hoses
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine empty once before you leave, and again periodically if someone is checking the house, to keep the seals from drying out
- Check under sinks and around the water heater for any existing slow leaks before you go
Mail, deliveries and the “nobody’s home” look
- Set a mail hold or have it collected regularly, a full mailbox is a signal to anyone watching the street
- Cancel or pause any recurring deliveries
- Put a couple of interior lights on timers
Before you lock the door
- Unplug non-essential electronics and small appliances
- Take out the trash and clean out the fridge
- Confirm the alarm and any cameras are active and that you know who has access if a code is needed
- Let a trusted local contact, or your home watch service, know your travel dates and how to reach you
The part most owners skip
All of this only works if someone is actually checking on it. A thermostat can fail, a drain line can clog, a storm can find a weak spot, and none of it matters if nobody notices until you fly back in April. That is the gap Safety Away fills for our snowbird clients: scheduled visits, real reports, and someone to call the moment something needs attention.
Heading out for the season? Get in touch before you go and we will have a plan in place before your flight leaves.