Vacant homes need love and attention before you say goodbye.

Here are some tips:

1. Insurance Coverage

  • Vacant Home Insurance: Check with your insurance company to ensure your current homeowner’s policy covers a vacant home. Standard policies sometimes have limitations on vacant properties, so additional coverage may be necessary.  Also, never leave cans of touch-up paint in a vacant house.  Insurance will not cover damage to property if paint cans are on the premises.

2.   Give the House a Lived-In Look

  • Timers for Lights: Leave some old lamps to hook up to timers.  Set the timers for random times day and night.

  • Window Coverings: Keep curtains, shades, or blinds mostly closed so nobody has a clear view into the house.

  • Be a Good Neighbor:  Tell your neighbor(s) to park on the driveway when they need extra space.

3. Property Security

  • Alarm System: If you already have a security alarm system consider leaving the system on until new owners arrive.

  • Motion-Sensor Lights: Install outdoor motion-activated lights to deter intruders by illuminating the area when movement is detected.  Your neighbors may notice the activity from the lights.

4. Routine Maintenance

  • Lawn Care/ Snow Care:  Hire someone to routinely mow the lawn and/or remove snow. Overgrown lawns or an unshoveled driveway are indicators that no one is home.

  • Mail and Deliveries: Put a hold on mail and packages or have someone collect them regularly so they don’t pile up. Don’t forget to have a neighbor pick up the weekend coupon deliveries too.

5. Neighborhood Watch

  • Inform Trusted Neighbors: Let a trusted neighbor know that the home is vacant. Ask them to keep an eye out for suspicious activity.

  • Emergency Contact: Provide neighbors with your contact information.

6. Utilities and Interior Protection

  • Water System: Turn off the water supply to avoid flooding from leaks. Drain pipes if the home will be vacant during winter to prevent them from freezing and bursting.

  • Heat: Set the thermostat to a safe level to prevent freezing pipes or excessive humidity.

  • Unplug Appliances: Unplug unnecessary appliances to reduce the risk of electrical fires.

7.  Double Check Windows and Doors

  • Windows: Double-check window locks.

  • Doors: Double-check exit doors for security.  Glass sliding doors can often use an extra pole or dowel stick on track to deter unwanted visitors

  • Garage Doors: Secure garage doors with extra locks or disable the automatic opener to prevent unsolicited access.

Everything seems easy, but if you’re rushing to get things into moving vehicles or to depart on schedule, the little things can be forgotten.

Vacant homes need love, too.  Don’t let a few extra minutes get in the way of securing the entire house!