Home Watch Checklist: What Seattle Area Homeowners Should Do Before Leaving for an Extended Period

Whether you're heading south for the winter, taking an extended vacation, or traveling for business, leaving your home unattended for weeks or months can create unexpected risks. Water leaks, storm damage, power outages, pest infestations, and security issues often go unnoticed until they become expensive problems.

Before you leave, take these important steps to protect your Seattle-area home and enjoy peace of mind while you're away.

1. Inspect for Water Leaks

Water damage is one of the most common and costly problems in vacant homes.

Before departing:

✔ Check under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances for signs of leaks.

✔ Inspect water heater connections and supply lines.

✔ Look for dripping faucets or running toilets.

✔ Consider shutting off the main water supply if practical.

Even a small leak can cause thousands of dollars in damage if left undetected for weeks.

2. Adjust Your Thermostat

Seattle weather can be unpredictable year-round.

During Winter:

✔ Keep your thermostat set no lower than 55°F.

✔ Open cabinet doors beneath sinks located on exterior walls.

✔ Ensure your heating system is functioning properly before leaving.

During Summer:

✔ Set your thermostat to prevent excessive heat and humidity buildup.

Maintaining a stable indoor temperature helps protect pipes, flooring, electronics, and furnishings.

3. Check Doors, Windows, and Locks

Walk around your property and verify:

✔ All doors and windows are securely locked.

✔ Sliding doors have security bars installed.

✔ Garage doors are fully closed and functioning properly.

✔ Spare keys are secured and not left in obvious locations.

A vacant home can be an attractive target for opportunistic criminals.

4. Remove Potential Fire Hazards

Before leaving:

✔ Unplug unnecessary electronics.

✔ Discard flammable materials stored near heat sources.

✔ Replace smoke detector batteries if needed.

✔ Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Taking a few minutes now can prevent a major emergency later.

5. Prepare for Seattle's Weather

The Pacific Northwest is known for rain, windstorms, and falling branches.

Before you leave:

✔ Clean gutters and downspouts.

✔ Remove debris from roof valleys.

✔ Trim branches hanging over your home.

✔ Secure outdoor furniture and decorations.

Storm-related damage often starts small and worsens quickly if nobody is there to notice it.

6. Eliminate Food Sources for Pests

Vacant homes can quickly attract rodents and insects.

✔ Remove perishable foods.

✔ Empty garbage cans.

✔ Clean kitchen surfaces thoroughly.

✔ Seal pantry items in airtight containers.

✔ Check for gaps around doors and utility penetrations.

Preventing pests is far easier than dealing with an infestation later.

7. Arrange for Mail and Deliveries

A pile of mail is a clear sign that nobody is home.

Consider:

✔ Holding mail through USPS.

✔ Pausing newspaper subscriptions.

✔ Stopping routine deliveries.

✔ Asking a trusted neighbor or your homewatch service to collect any unexpected packages.

8. Test Security and Smart Home Systems

If you use security cameras, alarms, or smart devices:

✔ Test all equipment before leaving.

✔ Replace batteries as needed.

✔ Verify remote access works properly.

✔ Update emergency contacts.

Technology is helpful, but it can't replace a physical inspection when something goes wrong.

9. Notify a Trusted Contact

Leave emergency contact information with:

✔ A trusted neighbor

✔ A family member

✔ Your Home Watch professional

Make sure someone can be reached if an issue arises.

10. Schedule Professional Home Watch Visits

Even with thorough preparation, homes need regular monitoring.

A professional Home Watch service can:

✔ Check for leaks and water intrusion

✔ Inspect for storm damage

✔ Monitor heating and cooling systems

✔ Look for signs of pests or break-ins

✔ Verify everything is functioning properly

Problems caught early are typically minor. Problems discovered weeks later can become major repairs.

Enjoy Your Time Away With Confidence

Taking a few preventative steps before you leave can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your home. Regular Home Watch visits add an extra layer of protection and provide peace of mind while you're away.

At Seattle Area Home Watch Services, we provide professional visual inspections of homes throughout the Seattle area, helping homeowners identify issues before they become costly disasters.