How to Prepare Your Home for an Extended Winter Vacation
Essential steps to protect your Plymouth or Maple Grove home before heading on an extended trip for the winter.
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Extended winter travel offers an opportunity to enjoy milder climates while Minnesota endures its coldest months. However, leaving your Plymouth or Maple Grove home unattended for several weeks or months during winter requires thorough preparation. Frozen pipes, heating system failures, and security vulnerabilities can result in significant property damage and costly repairs.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the steps necessary to protect your home during an extended winter absence, with particular attention to the challenges posed by Minnesota's climate. As we discuss in our post on the hidden cost of deferred home maintenance, addressing these tasks proactively can save thousands in emergency repairs.
Security Measures
An unoccupied home presents an increased security risk. Implementing strategic measures to create the appearance of regular activity can significantly reduce this vulnerability.
Maintaining the Appearance of Occupancy
Programmable light timers set to activate at varying times throughout the day create the impression of normal household activity. Given winter's reduced daylight hours, scheduling interior lights to turn on in late afternoon appears natural and indicates presence within the home. Smart plugs connected to televisions or radios provide additional indicators of occupancy and can be managed remotely.
Snow accumulation on driveways and walkways clearly signals an unoccupied property. Arranging for professional snow removal services prior to departure is essential. Municipal ordinances in Plymouth, Maple Grove, and surrounding communities require sidewalk clearing within 24 hours of snowfall. Additionally, having a trusted individual periodically park a vehicle in the driveway reinforces the appearance of regular activity.
Entry Point Security and Monitoring
Conduct a thorough inspection of all entry points before departure. Consider upgrading to smart lock systems that provide access monitoring and allow temporary codes for authorized visitors who may need to check on the property. Verify that all window locks are engaged, including those in basements and upper floors. Motion-activated exterior lighting around entry points and property perimeters provides an effective deterrent, while video doorbell systems enable remote monitoring of front-door activity.
Notify your security monitoring company of your extended absence and confirm that all system components are functioning properly. Interior cameras in key areas allow for remote property monitoring. Provide a trusted neighbor with your contact information and request periodic visual checks of the property—local contacts who can respond quickly to issues remain invaluable during extended absences.
Climate Control
Maintaining appropriate interior temperatures during your absence is critical to protecting plumbing systems and the structural integrity of your home, particularly during periods of extreme cold.
Thermostat Configuration
The thermostat should be set no lower than 55°F to prevent pipe freezing. Many homeowners opt for 58-60°F to provide an additional safety margin during severe cold events when exterior temperatures may reach -20°F or below. Cabinet doors beneath sinks should remain open to facilitate warm air circulation around pipes, particularly those located on exterior walls.
Smart thermostats offer significant advantages for extended winter travel. These devices provide low-temperature alerts in the event of heating system failure and allow remote temperature adjustments. Certain models can be configured to send notifications when interior temperatures fall below specified thresholds, providing time to arrange for intervention before pipes freeze.
Heating System Preparation
Schedule a professional heating system inspection prior to departure to ensure reliable operation throughout your absence. Replace the furnace filter, as restricted airflow increases system strain and the likelihood of failure. Familiarize yourself with the furnace's emergency shutoff procedures and document restart instructions for anyone who may need to assist remotely.
Water System Management
Water damage resulting from frozen and burst pipes represents one of the most significant risks during extended winter absences. Even with properly maintained heating, pipes in vulnerable locations remain susceptible during extreme temperature events.
Main Water Supply
For absences exceeding two weeks, shutting off the main water supply is strongly recommended. This measure eliminates the risk of extensive flooding should a pipe freeze and rupture. The main shut-off valve is typically located near the water meter, in the basement, or at the point where the main line enters the home.
After closing the main valve, open faucets throughout the home to drain residual water from the lines. Flush toilets to empty tanks and bowls, then add RV antifreeze to toilet bowls and all drain traps—including sinks, bathtubs, and floor drains—to prevent the remaining water from freezing and damaging fixtures.
Individual Shut-offs and Leak Detection
If maintaining water service is necessary, close supply valves to high-risk appliances at minimum. Washing machine supply hoses are particularly prone to failure and can discharge substantial water volumes if they rupture. Also close valves serving the dishwasher and ice maker. Set the water heater to vacation mode or its lowest setting to conserve energy and reduce risk.
Smart water leak detectors placed near water heaters, washing machines, under sinks, and near sump pumps provide immediate mobile alerts upon detecting moisture. Advanced smart shut-off valves can automatically discontinue water supply when leaks are detected, preventing extensive damage.
Appliance Preparation
Proper appliance preparation conserves energy, mitigates fire risk, and prevents issues that may arise during extended periods of non-use. While some of these tasks can be completed independently, others may require professional assistance. Our guide on when to DIY and when to call a handyman can help determine which approach is appropriate for each task.
Kitchen Appliances
For absences under one month, refrigerators may continue operating at standard settings. For longer periods, consider emptying and unplugging the unit, leaving doors slightly ajar to prevent mold development. Run the garbage disposal with cold water and ice to clean the mechanism, followed by citrus peels to address odors. Run an empty dishwasher cycle to clear residue, then leave the door slightly open. Disconnect small appliances such as toasters and coffee makers to eliminate standby power consumption and reduce fire risk.
Critical Systems
Sump pump functionality remains important even during winter months. Test the unit before departure and verify that the battery backup is fully charged. Spring thaw can commence as early as late February, and rapid snowmelt combined with frozen ground may overwhelm drainage systems. Battery backups older than three years should be considered for replacement.
Close water supply valves to the washing machine and leave the door open to prevent moisture accumulation. Clean the dryer lint trap and exhaust vent thoroughly, as lint accumulation presents a fire hazard. Disconnect the garage door opener or engage the manual lock for additional security. Unplug computers, televisions, and other electronics to protect against power surges from winter storms.
Additional Winter Preparation
Roof and Gutter Maintenance
Inspect the roof and clean gutters prior to departure. Debris-clogged gutters contribute to ice dam formation, which can force water beneath shingles and into the home's interior. Properties with a history of ice dam issues may benefit from heat cable installation along roof edges. Verify that attic insulation and ventilation are adequate, as these factors help maintain consistent roof temperatures and prevent ice dam development.
Exterior Preparation
Disconnect all outdoor hoses and close interior shut-off valves for exterior faucets. Even frost-free hose bibs can freeze if hoses remain connected. Drain any residual water from outdoor faucet lines. Relocate patio furniture, grills, and other outdoor items to protected storage to prevent damage from snow, ice, and wind.
Mail and Package Management
Accumulated mail and packages indicate an unoccupied property. Submit a mail hold request through usps.com for periods up to 30 days. For longer absences, arrange for the hold to be renewed or designate a trusted individual to collect mail regularly. Transition billing statements and correspondence to electronic delivery where possible.
Suspend automatic subscription deliveries, including services such as Amazon Subscribe & Save. Redirect expected packages to a trusted contact or secure pickup location. Configure delivery notifications to enable coordination if unexpected shipments occur.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Complete the following items prior to departure:
- Schedule furnace service and replace filter
- Set thermostat to 55-60°F minimum
- Open cabinet doors beneath sinks on exterior walls
- Shut off main water supply and drain lines
- Add RV antifreeze to toilets and drain traps
- Set water heater to vacation mode
- Disconnect outdoor hoses and close exterior faucet valves
- Clean gutters and inspect roof
- Test sump pump and battery backup
- Arrange snow removal service
- Program light timers
- Secure all doors and windows
- Notify security monitoring company
- Submit mail hold request and pause subscriptions
- Provide spare key and contact information to trusted neighbor
- Disconnect non-essential electronics
- Remove trash and perishable items
- Document home condition with photographs
Professional Assistance
Preparing a home for extended winter travel involves numerous considerations, and certain tasks benefit from professional expertise. From heating system maintenance and sump pump inspection to smart thermostat installation and comprehensive winterization, TruBlue of Plymouth & Maple Grove provides the handyman and home repair services necessary to protect your property.
Our Tru-Pro Technicians can develop a customized winter preparation plan for your home, complete required maintenance tasks, and provide periodic property checks during your absence. We also offer senior home safety assessments to ensure your home remains safe and accessible. We serve homeowners throughout Plymouth, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Hopkins, Golden Valley, New Hope, Crystal, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Osseo, and surrounding communities.
Contact TruBlue of Plymouth & Maple Grove to schedule a pre-departure home assessment and travel with confidence knowing your property is properly protected.
Call (763) 400-3748 or visit trublueally.com/plymouth-maple-grove to request an estimate.
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