Marla Ottenstein's Get Organized: Checklist for departing seasonal residents

As the seasonal residents leave town and head back up North for cooler temperatures, we locals welcome the crazy lazy days of summer that is until the thunder blasts, the lightning strikes and the unrelenting rains pour down. If the past 10 years are any indication of the escalating threat and frequency of the ubiquitous summer storms, I fear were in for another tumultuous summer.

In addition to the havoc extreme weather changes can, and do, play on our homes, the age of our houses, villas and condominiums also dictate the need for some extra tender loving care especially in our absence.

The following list of ideas and suggestions was compiled to help you manage the transition between two or more homes, as well as to safeguard your investment when youre not here.

Dont forget

When traveling between two or more homes, keep one garage door opener and one full set of keys (front door, mailbox, safety deposit box, etc.), per home, in a separate Ziploc bag for easy access.

Take photographs of the clothes you leave behind. This way, if youre up North and cant find your favorite black cocktail dress or tuxedo, you can refer to the photographs.

Every five years, prepare a detailed inventory of all personal property, which should also include photographs/videos. Make two copies; one for yourself and one to keep in your lawyers vault.

HVAC & humidity

If youre leaving town for an extended period of time, do NOT turn the air conditioner off or put it on a warmer setting. Set thermostat to 75 degrees.

Leave ceiling fans on at all times. Contrary to what youve heard, the fans will NOT blow up and burn your house down, but they will circulate the air more efficiently in your absence.

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Marla Ottenstein's Get Organized: Checklist for departing seasonal residents