When we bought our vacation place in Florida, we wanted something that was easy to ‘Lock & Leave’. We just finished our first trip down here and we are making a quick departure back to MN today.
I asked a number of friends if they had checklists that they used before they locked up their vacation places – many were nice enough to share. I added a bunch of things that are ‘custom’ to our situation.
I organized everything before we left this morning and I hope everything is in order. Last time we left, I accidentally turned off my cameras. I’m sharing it here in case it’s helpful to someone else.
Anything you would add to the list?
Image: Fotor AI
MrFireStation 
As we prepare to go from one to two homes, this is very helpful. Especially the SuperBox reminder!
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Bring the remote! 📺
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Exactly.
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Great list….we do the same thing when we leave for an extended period and now we’ll add “Take pictures” to our list. As for adding suggestions to your list…..
Walk around the outside of the property to notice any new changes
Check security camera battery levels (if not wired cameras)
Check outside light bulbs are not burned out
Turn down water heater temp
After shutting off the water main, relieve the line pressure inside the property by opening a faucet (or two)
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Good ideas! Of course I was already on the plane when I saw this today. I especially should have turned down the water heater temp. I do that at home, but forgot to do it on our condo.
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What’s a “Mickey Lamp”? I assume this is a Disney item that you bring inside.
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Ha ha – yes, these are really popular in Celebration FL (“The town that Disney built”) … https://pin.it/4kHZdgvcn
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I would like to add automation ideas for managing two homes.
Firstly, you are doing good shutting off the water main valve, which can prevent a real mess. However, you can get a real mess if you are at home and don’t catch a water leak right away. I had a refrigerator fountain decide to stay on overnight while we slept and it caused a real mess. I just installed this device in my home and in the process discovered a leaking Pressure Reduction Valve that was allowing street pressure to get to my house. This is the sort of problem you want to know about sooner rather than later.
My suggestion is getting a StreamLabs Control Device which continuously watches your water use and shuts down leaks within 5 seconds. Some insurance companies give a discount on home owners policies. Sorry, State Farm doesn’t. This technology company is actually owned by Chubb, a home owners’ insurance company. https://streamlabswater.com/
My second suggestion is monitoring your household wiring via Ting power monitor. This device was provided to me free of charge by State Farm and monitors for Arc Faults, which is a potential electrical fire hazard. Super easy to install by just plugging it in, putting an App on your phone, and connecting it to your WIFI. https://www.tingfire.com/
My third suggestion is getting smart Fire Detectors / CO (Carbon Monoxide) Detectors. I use Nest when an appraiser made me install them to comply with a new California CO Detector Standard around six years ago. Once again, you will be getting notifications on your mobile phone, even if you are away.
Finally, have a couple inside web cameras with alerts setup to your mobile phone. If you are getting alerts that someone is in your house and no one is supposed to be in your house, that is good information. Video confirmation of someone being in your house who doesn’t belong there is better than just an alarm, because it helps avoid false alarms.
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Good ideas –
We have cameras running with notifications that pop up on our phones. The front door lock also gives alerts when it’s accessed.
Water leaks are a big risk for everyone in a condo, so the association has a number of their own monitors for leaks (and water usage). They require everyone to turn off the water main, cut off at the washing machine, and keep the AC condensate line flushed. I’ll look at the sensor you suggest – for my MN home, too.
I haven’t seen the household wiring sensor. That could also be good for our MN house. Our Condo has an elaborate fire suppression system with a big sprinkler system.
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