Calling all snowbirds! Are you heading south for the winter?
As your departure date approaches, it’s an exciting time to think about embracing sunshine and fun without having to navigate the cold and ice Iowa winters are sure to bring.
If you’re like many Iowa snowbirders, you likely have a checklist of things you want to get done before you go so you can have peace of mind and enjoy your time away.
Car tune-up
Mail rerouted
Subscriptions paused
Donations dropped off
But do you have a solid checklist for how to prepare your home and keep it safe knowing it will need to be unoccupied for months?
Why do we ask? Because we know there is one thing they can count on: Iowa winters are predictably unpredictable with weather ranging from mild to harsh and from snow, ice, and rain to straight-line winds and floods. These can all pose potential risks but taking a few preventive measures before you leave can ensure your home is safe and sound while you’re away.
From interior to exterior to home security and more, we’ve put together a handy checklist to follow as you prepare to head south for the winter.
Winter Prep Steps Before Leaving
Getting your home ready for winter before you head out is the most important. Making sure your plumbing is protected and that your heating system is all set can save you from some pricey issues while you’re away.
Plumbing Precautions
Eastern Iowa winters are notorious for freezing temps that can wreak havoc on plumbing and pipes, including bathrooms and kitchens. Getting your pipes and water systems ready can really help avoid freezing and water damage.
Run water in sinks and flush toilets to ensure proper flow
Add salt to water softeners as needed
Shut off the main water supply, if applicable, and drain the pipes
Check outdoor faucets to make sure they’re not leaking
HVAC and Ventilation Maintenance
Make sure your heating and ventilation systems are in good shape while you’re away. It’s an easy way to avoid coming back to a chilly or damaged home. A little maintenance can go a long way!
Check and replace furnace filters if needed
Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, replacing batteries if necessary
With your home’s essential systems prepped, it’s time to check that everything is secure or accessible while you’re sunning in the south.
Home Security and Accessibility
Keeping your home safe is important to keep out any unwanted visitors and prevent damage. Just remember to lock everything up and keep up with regular maintenance. It’ll help you relax and feel at ease while you’re not home!
Securing Doors and Windows
A locked door or window might seem simple, but it’s also your first line of defense. Double-checking every entry point ensures that your home stays safe.
Check all windows for abnormalities such as cracks or broken seals
Lock all exterior doors and windows, including sunrooms and garages
Appliances and Electronics
Leaving appliances and electronics running while you’re out can be a fire risk or just waste energy. It’s a good idea to take a minute to check on them before you head out, so your home is protected and you don’t rack up extra charges on utility bills while you’re away.
Confirm that the refrigerator and freezer are running and stocked appropriately
Unplug non-essential electronics to save energy and reduce fire risks
Televisions
Coffee Makers
Small Kitchen Appliances
Microwaves
Computers and Printers
Lamps and Decorative Lighting
Stereos or Speakers
Now that your home is all set and secure inside, let’s figure out how to tackle those winter challenges that come with Iowa’s outdoor winter weather conditions.
Managing Iowa Winter Weather Risks
Snow and ice can create quite a mess if you don’t keep up with the action. Whether it’s a driveway buried under snow or ice building up on your roof, the most important thing is to have a plan for taking care of things outside.
Snow Removal
Heavy snowfall can make your home inaccessible for anyone who does need to get in, and it can quickly look like no one is home. Arranging for snow removal services keeps your property maintained and reduces the risk of security hazards.
Arrange for professional snow removal services to maintain clear driveways, walkways, and sidewalks
Find someone local that you trust and let them know your personal preferences on brine and salt usage around your home and yard
Roof and Gutter Preparation
A snow-covered roof or clogged gutters can lead to leaks and structural damage. Proper preparation will protect your home from these risks.
Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage and ensure proper drainage
Look for signs of ice dams or potential buildup areas
If you don’t have a camera to see the area remotely while you’re away, it can be crucial to have someone you trust check on your home after a winter storm.
Exterior Checks
Checking out the outside of your home is a smart move, especially to make sure snow and ice aren’t blocking any key access points or causing any issues.
Check that downspouts are clear and draining water away from the foundation
Walk around your home to make sure siding is in good condition and there are no cracks or areas that could blow away in harsh weather
Check that there is no snow, ice or leaves blocking access to key areas like doors and vents
Ensure furnace intake and dryer vents are clear of snow or debris
Now that you’ve got the outdoors covered, why not think about some other ways to keep an eye on your home while you’re escaping the cold?
Smart Upgrades for Added Peace of Mind
For snowbirds, the ability to keep an eye on your home remotely can make all the difference in your peace of mind. Smart home technology has made it so easy to monitor areas of your home while you’re away, and even control some of them. For example, with a smart thermostat you adjust and monitor your home’s temperature right from your phone, helping you prevent frozen pipes and save on energy costs.
Water damage is another major concern for empty homes. Installing a smart water leak detector can provide immediate alerts to your phone if it detects moisture, so you can address water problems before they escalate to something catastrophic. Using smart lighting solutions, like outlet timers or simple dusk-to-dawn bulbs, can make it look like someone’s home. It’s a great way to keep unwanted visitors away.
For overall home security, check out monitoring systems that let you access your cameras remotely and send you real-time alerts. It’s a great way to stay in the loop about anything unusual happening at home. Plus, upgrading to smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that send notifications keeps you in the know about potential issues, even if you’re far from home.
With these smart upgrades, you can rest easy knowing your home is monitored.
Final Pre-Departure Checklist
Before locking the door and flying south, a final run-through will make sure nothing is missed. Double-checking will give you confidence that your home is ready to go–because you know you are.
All windows and doors are locked and secure
The water supply is off and pipes are drained (if applicable)
No leaks, mold, or abnormal signs are present in areas like the basement and attic
Share your travel plans and contact information with a trusted neighbor or friend
Getting your Iowa home ready before you head to warmer places is an essential step for you to actually enjoy your warm winter. A little prep can save you from pricey repairs, security headaches, and a lot of stress when you get back. If you plan ahead, you can kick back and enjoy your winter escape, knowing your home is safe and taken care of.
Need Help Keeping an Eye on Your Home?
We know that Eastern Iowa winters can be difficult, so if you’re one of the lucky ones headed south for the winter—we’re here to help. Hometown Restyling offers high-quality home maintenance assistance to bring you peace of mind while you’re away.
Starting as low as $100 a month, our Snowbird Maintenance Services cover everything from checking plumbing and HVAC systems to monitoring for leaks and security issues. We’ll meet with you in person before you head south to review your needs and create a plan just for you and your home.
Take the worry out of leaving your home unattended. Request a FREE quote—we’ll reach out within 24 hours!
