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- 1). Contact your utility providers to schedule a service interruption for the utilities you won't need after you leave. Some people leave the heat on and set the thermostat to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer to avoid extreme thermal changes in the house that could be damaging. If you use gas or propane, verify that the valves to the house are closed if you do not use it for heating. Unplug all your appliances, although you can leave your refrigerator and stove plugged in and turn off their circuit breakers.
- 2). Eat the food in the freezer and refrigerator when it's time to start closing up the home for winter. Clean it thoroughly and prop the door open with a chair or block to avoid mold or a buildup of odors.
- 3). Pack up all the food you want to take with you, throw it away or give it to someone who is staying through the winter. Food in the home attracts insects and animals that can do damage trying to get into your home to eat and find shelter for the winter. Wash all cabinets and counters to get rid of any crumbs or spills. Vacuum the floors and furniture to pick up any stray food and sweep and wash the hard-surface floors.
- 4). Check the foundation of your home for any holes or cracks that could provide entry points for animals like mice. Check the fit of the windows and doors when closed. A mouse can enter through a crack as small as 1/4 inch. Use caulk for walls and windows or weather stripping around doors to seal the openings.
- 5). Turn off the water and drain the lines by opening the taps to all the faucets and toilets. You can add nontoxic antifreeze to the drainpipes to prevent your pipes from freezing. Pour it into all the drains, including the kitchen sink, laundry and bathrooms. You can contact a plumber to blow out the water lines for the best insurance against broken pipes.
- 6). Turn off the electricity or gas to the hot water heater and drain by opening the cover and hooking up a water hose. The water will drain faster if you open a hot water faucet in the home.
- 7). Cover the furniture with old sheets to keep the dust off it, take all garbage out of the house and throw away or empty the vacuum cleaner bag.
- 8). Put away any barbecues and lawn furniture and take down wind chimes for safe storage. Put the lawn mower away for the winter.
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