The Ultimate Canadian Snowbird Checklist

Canada has some of the chilliest winters where one can expect the temperature to go down to -30 to -40 degrees.

The chilly winter breeze makes it clear that winters are around the corner, and it also means that one needs to create a checklist before heading south.

When it comes to being a true snowbird, the most significant advantage is that the person experiences the best of both worlds.

On the one hand, they get to enjoy the mild northern summers and on the other, the warm southern climate.

However, the lifestyle also requires ticking off specific points from the Canadian snowbird checklist before commencing the journey.

The Essential Checklist For Snowbirds

With the snowbirds getting ready to head south, it is time to take care of a few things before starting your descent towards the southern part.

Firstly, one would need to prepare their home for complete safety, as they went for an extended period.

Given below are the five major points, which one needs to remember in their printable snowbird checklist

1. Install motion-sensitive exterior lights, deadbolt, and other security measures to keep away intruders.
2. Making sure the alarm system is working and activated before leaving home.
3. Checking to ensure all windows are correctly locked. Also, close the drapes and shades.
4. Remove valuables from home, including jewelry and anything expensive.
5. Ensuring the smoke detectors are working in top condition.

After the home is secure, one needs to make sure the house is safe against any risk of water leaking and turning it into a swimming pool.

The Plumbing

With that said, it is time to check off six items from the checklist before finally locking the door and moving out.

1. Turn off maximum access to the water, if that is possible. We recommend that the individuals turn off the total water supply, as they are leaving for a longer time.
2. In the case of the home has a fire sprinkler system, one might need to leave out specific water systems.
3. If someone is there from time to time, then one should shut off the water to the toilets, sinks, and dishwashers.
4. Some water heaters come with an advanced mode, and in case of the heater not having one, the individual should turn off the heat source and water supply to the radiator.
5. Drain the pipes by opening all faucets and flushing out the toilets. The homeowners should contact a professional to take care of this aspect and check for any potential leaks.
6. The person needs to cover sinks, toilets, toilet tanks, and floor drains with plastic wrap. It keeps the water in the tap from evaporating and allowing sewer gases into your home.

Keeping the Home… Like a Home

Now, lastly, no one would want to live in a house that looks more like a teenager’s room. With that said, here are the four tips to help the person give their home the best.

1. Put lights on timers around the house to turn off and on at different times.
2. Forward all the emails and stop the delivery of newspapers or any magazine for the time being.
3. Inform the neighbor or property manager about the plan and stop by to pick up any mail delivered to the house.
4. Get lawn maintenance done throughout the summers to give the outside a livable appearance.

Endnote

Thus, these are the points, which one must remember to tick off from their Canadian snowbird checklist to have a great journey towards the south. It will allow them to enjoy this time with friends and family without fretting over what is happening to their property.