When leaving your home for the long and bitter winter months, it’s critical to thoroughly prepare. The winter cold presents some unique challenges and in a long-vacant home, small problems can quickly escalate. Here is a brief guide for winterizing your home before leaving it behind until spring.

Utilities, Fireplaces, and Plumbing: Reduce Your Risk

One of the largest risks to a home during the winter is a burst pipe, so be sure to shut off the water supply before leaving. Open all faucets and drain all pipes (including toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters.) This will ensure there is no freezing or burst pipes while you’re away.

Unplug all major appliances and turn the thermostat down, though you’ll want to keep the internal temperature above freezing. If there is a fireplace, clean it thoroughly, removing any ash, coals, or other debris. Sweep or vacuum the fireplace and be sure to close any flues or dampers.

The Kitchen: Remove All Food

Another risk of vacating your home for the winter is animals. Removing all food from your kitchen will help to avoid attracting unwanted critters. Clean out the fridge and freezer completely; drain any water lines, empty the ice maker, clean and sanitize all surfaces. Leave the doors of your fridge and freezer propped open or consider using activated charcoal or baking soda to help avoid musty smells in the spring.

Remove all food from the pantry. Anything left behind should be secured in hard, sealed containers. Wash all dishes, clean your trash and recycling containers, and sanitize your sink when finished. Remove anything that should not freeze (like cans of carbonated beverages) and take out the trash.

Other Basics: Tidy, Clean, and Seal

You will want to do a basic clean of all other areas of the home including bedrooms, bathrooms, and common rooms. Wash, dry, and put away all linens. Vacuum carpets, sweep and mop floors, wipe down all surfaces. You may also consider additional weather proofing such as weather strips for doors and windows, plastic sheeting for windows, and caulking in any exterior gaps.

Outdoor Items: Secure and Store

Clean out gutters and be sure your roof is clear of debris. Arrange to have outdoor maintenance managed while you are away, such as shoveling snow or removing ice dams. Be sure to secure and store any outdoor items such as grills, fire pits, and furniture.

Overall Security: Locking Up

When leaving for an extended time, you want to ensure as much security as possible. Lock all doors and windows and remove any valuables before leaving your home for the winter. Consider purchasing automatic timers for a few lights. You may also want to arrange to have someone check on the house occasionally, throughout the winter.

Your home is a financial and emotional investment and it’s imperative that you protect it, even when you are away. By following this guide, you will limit the risks of leaving your home for the winter. From securing utilities to tending to your kitchen, these steps will help preserve your sanctuary while you are away. Remember, a well-prepared home not only shields against the cold but also grants you peace of mind throughout your winter hiatus.