• Cancel or put on hold your cable service and phone until you come back to save on monthly bills.

• Turn your water off to your home.

• Drain pipes and toilets. Add non-toxic anti-freeze in the winter months.

• Turn off the hot water tank. (save energy)

• Install light timers inside the home in several rooms.

• Use timers for exterior lights (don't leave on 24/7).

• Secure any outside shed, garage, or crawl space to keep out unwanted guests.

• Keep tools like ladders locked up to avoid helping thieves break in,

• Winterize your vehicles (as required by the season)

• Store any grass seed, bird seed, or pet food in metal containers with tight fitting lids.

• Clean the kitchen and clear the pantry and cupboards of food in packaging that isn't pest proof.

• Seal gaps and holes in the home's exterior that provide mice easy access into your home.

• Allow dishwasher and front loading washing machine to completely dry out before latching doors closed.

• Remove window AC units, turn the power off to AC units and cover. (as required by the season)

• Set your programmable thermostat to save energy

• Have eaves cleaned and leaves raked.

• Arrange for snow plowing and grass cutting as required

• Close blinds and draperies (especially on the first floor).

• Keep valuables – computers and TVs for example – out of sight through windows.

• Check all window and door locks.

• Put an old broom handle or 3/4-inch-round dowel in the track of the sliding glass door and windows.

• Stop mail, newspaper and subscription delivery.

• Contact your insurance company and advise them that your home will be vacant. They can advise you about your coverage.

• Check with you vehicle insurance company if you are planning to drive outside of Canada to ensure you have enough coverage.

• If you have an outdoor irrigation system, winterize it (as required by the season).

• Let the neighbors know that you have hired the services of S&S Property Check as they will see a different vehicle coming and going from your home.

• Do you have your out of country travel health insurance?

• Check that your passport does not expire while you are away.

• Where possible, lock up valuables - in a safe if you have one - or put smaller items such as jewelry and important documents in a bank deposit box

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