Closing your Naples or Marco Island home for the summer
A practical checklist for seasonal owners heading north, from the team that closes and checks homes across Naples and Marco Island.
Natalie Gilmore, owner of Holiday Home Services
Updated
Southwest Florida summers are hot, humid and stormy, and a closed-up home has no one inside to notice a dripping supply line or an A/C that quit. Most expensive summer damage starts small.
This is the closing checklist we use for clients. Ask your A/C contractor and insurer for settings and requirements specific to your home and policy.
The checklist
Clean and clear
- Empty and clean the refrigerator and freezer, or leave only sealed items
- Clear the pantry of anything that attracts pests
- Remove all trash and rinse the bins
- Launder linens and towels
Humidity and A/C
- Leave the A/C running; don't turn it off for the summer
- Ask your A/C contractor for a thermostat and humidity setting suited to your home
- Change the A/C filter before you leave
- Note the setting so your home watch reporter can confirm it each visit
Water
- Know where your main water shutoff is
- Decide with your plumber or insurer whether to shut off water while away
- Check under sinks and behind toilets for slow leaks before you go
Storm season
- Know your shutter or impact-window plan
- Bring in or secure lanai and pool furniture
- Leave your contact and insurance details with your home watch provider
While you're away
- Schedule home watch, weekly or at least bi-weekly
- Arrange mail forwarding and package handling
- Book your opening clean for the week before you return
Rather we handle it?
Arrive in the fall to a home that's fresh and ready. Leave in the spring knowing it's cleaned, closed up and checked.