By Nicole LoCicero
With the end of summer approaching, it’s time to start closing up your beach house for the year. Before locking up for the season, it’s important to make sure your home will be well-protected from storms and potential fire hazards while it’s unoccupied. Use the following tips to get your beach house ready for the off-season.
Shut Off Non-Essential Utilities
If your beach house won’t be occupied again until next summer, talk to your utility companies about having your water and gas shut off. This helps reduce the risk of leaks and accidents, and it also saves you money on utility bills.
Unplug Appliances
Leaving appliances and electronic items plugged in increases the risk of fire. Before you leave, go around your entire beach house and unplug all appliances and electronics. You’ll have fewer fire hazards to worry about while you’re gone and you’ll lower your electric bills. Don’t forget to make sure all of the lights are turned off as well.
Get Rid of Fire Hazards
Take anything that could spark a fire, such as stacks of paper or oily cloths, out of your beach home and store them somewhere safe or dispose of them. Double check to make sure you’ve removed all potentially flammable items from your house before locking it up for the season.
Clean Out the Kitchen
Throw out any food in the refrigerator, pantry, and cabinets so that it won’t spoil and attract bugs or rodents. You can also keep these critters away by thoroughly wiping down your stove top and counters and sweeping up the floor to get rid of crumbs. Gather up trash and put it in outdoor bins for pickup. Your beach house should be completely clear of trash and food debris before you leave for the season.
Wash and Store Linens
If you’re keeping sheets, towels, and other linens in your beach house for next season, wash them before leaving. Store them in plastic bins to keep them safe from moths and other insects that might get inside your home. Leave mattresses bare to let them air out until you return.
Store Outdoor Furniture
Bring outdoor furniture inside for the winter so that it won’t be ruined by excess moisture. This also prevents these objects from being blown around and causing damage to your home or other homes during storms with heavy winds.
Update Your Beach House
Get a head start on next season by giving your beach house a new look. As you prepare to close up for the season, do a few simple remodeling projects such as investing in new furniture, new light fixtures, or new rugs. You could also add some artwork to spruce up your vacation home and give it a fresh look.
Close Storm Shutters
Hurricane season typically peaks in September, but hurricanes and tropical storms can occur in the Gulf region through the end of November and even in the off-season. Make sure your beach home is protected from devastating winds by closing all storm shutters before leaving.
Turn On the Security System
A security system helps protect your vacation home from intruders while you’re away, and it can also give you peace of mind. If your beach house has a security system, make sure it’s fully on before you leave. You can also take extra security measures by setting indoor lights on a timer or having motion-activated outdoor lights installed.
Lock Windows and Doors
Go around your beach home and check all of the windows and doors to make sure they’re fully closed and locked. This also helps deter intruders and protects your furnishings and belongings.
Taking the time to properly prepare your beach house for the off-season means that you’ll have less to do when you open it again next summer. You’ll also have less to worry about while you’re away from your vacation home.
Her love of the ocean drove her to open BeachDecorShop.com
Posted in 
