Florida winters are paradise for seasonal residents. The sun is warm, the ocean breeze is gentle, and life on the Gulf Coast feels effortless. But as spring turns into summer, many homeowners in St. Petersburg, Tierra Verde, Gulfport, and Treasure Island begin preparing to head north.

Before you lock the door and head to the airport, there’s something you need to ask:

Is your home ready to be left alone for the next three or four months?

At In Good Hands Home Watch, we work with hundreds of part-time Florida homeowners who leave for the season. And every year, we help prevent major headaches just by doing the right checks at the right time.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through exactly what you should do before leaving and why having a home watch professional can make all the difference while you’re away.

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The Hidden Risks of Summer in Florida

Many people assume the only real risks come during hurricane season. While storms are certainly part of the equation, the bigger issue is what happens to a closed-up home over time — especially in the heat and humidity.

Here are just a few things that can go wrong while you’re gone:

Humidity rises and mold begins to grow
AC systems fail and no one knows for weeks
Leaks go undetected and create water damage
Mail and packages pile up, making the home look vacant
Storms hit, and you’re not there to prep or inspect
Pests move in while the home is quiet and dark

All of these things are common in empty Florida homes. And the longer you’re gone, the greater the risk.

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What Should You Do Before Leaving?

Here’s a helpful pre-departure checklist every seasonal homeowner in Florida should follow:

1. Set your thermostat properly
We recommend setting it between 75 and 78 degrees with the fan on auto. If your system includes a humidistat, set it to around 55 percent. The goal is to maintain airflow and keep humidity low.

2. Clean out your fridge and freezer
Toss anything that could expire or melt. Wipe down surfaces and leave the door slightly ajar if you plan to unplug it. If you’re leaving it on, keep it mostly empty and leave a box of baking soda inside.

3. Shut off the water at the main valve
This simple step can prevent a flood if a pipe fails while you’re away. If you need to keep the water on for irrigation, at least turn off water to sinks, toilets, and the washing machine.

4. Unplug electronics
Protect devices from lightning or power surges by unplugging TVs, computers, routers, and other non-essential appliances.

5. Forward your mail
Let the post office know when you’ll be gone, and pause newspaper delivery. Unattended mail is a major sign that no one is home.

6. Bring in or secure outdoor furniture
High winds can turn patio furniture into projectiles. Even when storms aren’t in the forecast, it’s best to tie things down or store them inside.

7. Schedule a home watch service
This is the most important step. A trusted professional can walk your home every week or two, keep everything running smoothly, and notify you the moment something seems off.

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Why Home Watch Services Are Essential for Seasonal Residents

At In Good Hands, our seasonal clients rely on us for more than just peace of mind. They trust us to handle the things they can’t see or fix from 1,000 miles away.

Here’s what we do during each home watch visit:

• Walk the entire exterior and interior of the home
• Check AC operation and humidity levels
• Look for leaks or moisture around sinks, toilets, and ceilings
• Flush toilets and run water to prevent dried-out seals
• Look for signs of pests or intrusion
• Bring in mail and packages
• Check storm shutters, doors, and windows
• Provide a detailed report with photos after each visit

And if something is wrong, we act fast. We contact you, help coordinate repairs, and make sure your home is protected until you return.

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We Serve All of South Pinellas County

If you own a home in any of these areas, we’re already helping your neighbors:

• St. Petersburg
• Tierra Verde
• Gulfport
• Snell Isle
• Coquina Key
• Treasure Island
• St. Pete Beach
• South Pasadena
• Old Northeast
• Bayway Isles

Whether it’s a single-family home, condo, or waterfront property, we’ll build a custom home watch plan that matches your exact needs.

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You Don’t Have to Worry While You’re Away

One of our longtime clients, a retired couple from New York, used to stress every summer about what was happening back at their Florida home. Since hiring us, they’ve never had to wonder. They get photo reports after every visit and know we’ll take care of anything that comes up.

They said:

“We don’t think about the house at all anymore. We just enjoy our time up north. That’s the difference this service made for us.”

And that’s exactly the point. Your seasonal home should bring you peace, not stress.

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Get a Free Home Walkthrough Before You Leave

Before you head north for the season, let’s walk through your home together. We’ll point out what to adjust, help you prepare for your absence, and create a custom home watch plan that fits your schedule.

Your first visit is always free, and there’s no pressure to commit.

📞 Call us today at 781-290-9780
📧 Or click here to schedule your free visit

Your Florida home deserves real care — not just luck and good weather.

In Good Hands Home Watch — Trusted by seasonal homeowners across St. Petersburg, Florida.