Summer Travel Prep: Secure Your Villages Home

Preparing Your Villages Home for Summer Travel

Summer is the perfect time for seasonal homeowners to explore new places, visit family, or simply enjoy a change of scenery. But before you head out of The Villages, taking a few hours to prepare your home can save you significant stress and potential problems down the road.

Indoor Preparations

Start inside your home by adjusting your thermostat. Set it to a higher temperature—around 82-85°F—to reduce cooling costs while maintaining enough climate control to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.

• Turn off the main water supply or install a leak detection system to prevent water damage
• Empty your refrigerator and freezer, leaving the doors slightly ajar to prevent odors
• Stop mail and package deliveries, or have a trusted neighbor collect them
• Unplug unnecessary electronics and chargers to reduce fire risk
• Leave a light or two on timers to simulate occupancy

Exterior and Landscaping Care

Your home's exterior needs attention too. Arrange for someone to mow your lawn every 2-3 weeks—an overgrown yard signals an empty home. Have your AC unit serviced before you leave, and consider having your gutters cleaned to prevent water damage.

In The Villages, our beautiful landscaping requires consistent care during summer months. Whether you have a lawn service or rely on community maintenance, confirm their schedule before departure.

Security Measures

A secure home gives you peace of mind thousands of miles away. Lock all doors and windows, including sliding glass doors. Consider installing motion-activated lights on your front and back patios. These deter unwanted visitors and create the appearance of occupancy.

Let a trusted neighbor know you're leaving and provide them with an emergency contact number. This simple courtesy can catch problems early—a neighbor might notice a roof leak or unusual activity before it becomes serious.

Essential Services

Contact your utility companies about your departure dates. Some offer seasonal adjustments for water usage. Set up automatic bill payments so nothing lapses while you're away.

The Village Neighbor Solution

Many seasonal homeowners in The Villages work with professional home watch services to monitor their properties during extended absences. A regular walkthrough catches small issues—a loose shutter, a water leak, or an air conditioning problem—before they become expensive repairs.

Final Checklist

• Set thermostat to 82-85°F
• Turn off main water supply
• Arrange lawn care
• Stop deliveries
• Service AC unit
• Secure all doors and windows
• Install motion-activated lighting
• Inform a trusted neighbor
• Set up automatic bill payments
• Arrange home watch service if desired

Taking these steps ensures your Villages home remains safe and well-maintained throughout the summer. Enjoy your travels knowing your property is protected.