Also, have the friend flush toilets and run the dishwasher. Defense Secretary says National Guard troops to leave by mid-March, but long-term security concerns linger So far, congressional leaders or the Capitol Police have yet to … Every degree you turn up the thermostat will save you 2 percent on your cooling costs, according to Salt River Project. Provide the dates you will be gone and where you are going. Toss or donate unopened boxes of food (or, if you plan to keep them, put them in plastic bags to deter pests.). Empty, wipe down and unplug the refrigerator. Long-term: Again, turn up the thermostat to about 85 degrees. Long-Term Rentals in Spain: Make the Move. One is to unplug the refrigerator and leave the … Details: An untrimmed lawn can be a sign to burglars that you are away from home. What Kind of Oil Does a Yard Machine Snow Blower Use? The best temperature to leave your house on vacation in winter is around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, but achieving that can mean adjustments during weather changes. As mentioned above, not all of these steps will be appropriate for all purposes of leaving a house vacant. -- Newspaper: Put delivery on a vacation hold. Sources from the Phoenix area: Tom Hines, APS energy-efficiency expert; Kathleen Mascarenas, SRP energy-efficiency spokeswoman; Nathan Morey, SRP senior analyst, energy efficiency; and Linda Stanfield, owner of Ben Franklin the Punctual Plumber. Regardless, it will be important to scrub and dry the sinks, toilets and other wet areas to prevent mold growing during your absence. Details: Toilets can collect bacteria, which can cause stains. Put the security lights on variable timers. Of course, there could be a really bad time – for example in the middle of a major crisis. One way to do this is to run the water heater until it is empty and let it refill again. His work has appeared in numerous venues including "Hand Held Crime" and "Black Belt Magazine." Long-term: Do the same. -- Small appliances, computers, televisions: Unplug these items. It’s all about compatibility. You may or may not … It’s also about protecting that money from retirement risks, such as taxes and long-term care costs, and — if it’s important to you — being able to leave something behind for your loved ones. “Turn the heat to 50 degrees and turn the cooling to 80 degrees. You don't need to invest in a house … Jason Brick has written professionally since 1994. Long-term: Do the above. Consider installing a home security system. Long-term: Clean out the refrigerator; either throw items away or give them to a neighbor. Short-term: Check your pool-pump settings before you leave to make sure they are where you want them to be. Short-term: Turn off water at the main shut-off valve, unless some household items require it to remain on. Though some steps below will apply only to some reasons for closing a house, if you keep them in mind you should find yourself successful. Under the law in most states, guests, even long-term guests, are not tenants and are not entitled to the formal eviction process. Cancel unnecessary delivery service such as drinking water and newspapers. Turn the water off at the street. Mix a half cup of vinegar with a cup of water and pour down. -- Locks: Make sure all your windows are shut and doors are locked before you leave. Lock your front door. © 2021 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Now you know the most important steps you need to take to make the move to Spain. The idea is not for some to leave and for one or two to stay behind and raid your pantry. Lock your back door. In some cases paying for the service during off-season months may be less expensive than paying startup fees or a raised rate. Don’t Hide House Keys. #4 NOW CLEAN. Have a friend periodically flush the toilets while you are gone. Linda Stanfield, owner of Benjamin Franklin the Punctual Plumber, recommends not turning it off while you're gone, but instead flushing it out when you return. If hosting a party, try not to leave anyone behind. Short term: Set the temperature on "vacation" mode. We always check references, talk to the potential house sitters and assess their experience with house-sitting or in their work lives.