Free tool
Departure checklist
A generic 50-point list is easy to publish and easy to ignore. Describe the property and this becomes a shorter list where every line applies to your building.
This list is generic until you describe the property
Below is the version that applies to every property. Answer the questions at the bottom of this page — or on the risk profile — and the irrelevant items disappear while the ones specific to your building appear.
0 of 28steps ticked
Insurance & admin
Water
Heating
Exterior & grounds
Household
Security & access
Records
About the property
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The complete list
All 59 possible steps, grouped and unfiltered. The tool above shows only the ones that apply to your property.
Insurance & admin
- Call your insurer or broker and ask what conditions apply during your absenceSix weeks before
- Get those answers in writingSix weeks before
- Notify your insurer of the absence if the policy requires itTwo weeks before
- Check your condo bylaws for deductible chargeback, and confirm you carry cover for itSix weeks before
- Write down emergency contacts and share them with whoever is attendingTwo weeks before
- Set a written standing authorisation limit for urgent protective workTwo weeks before
- Identify a plumber and an HVAC contractor in advanceTwo weeks before
- Confirm the visit schedule and book the first visitTwo weeks before
Water
- Locate the main water shut-off and confirm it closes fullyTwo weeks before
- Photograph the shut-off location and share it with whoever attendsTwo weeks before
- Close the main water shut-offDeparture week
- Drain the system — open fixtures from the highest point downwardDeparture week
- Add plumbing antifreeze or mineral oil to traps after drainingDeparture week
- Close supply valves to the washing machine and dishwasherDeparture week
- Replace braided supply hoses more than about five years oldSix weeks before
- Decide what happens to the hot water tank, and consider replacing it if it is near end of lifeSix weeks before
- Shut off exterior faucets from inside and drain themDeparture week
- Book and complete the irrigation blowoutSix weeks before
- Confirm the fire sprinkler supply stays chargedDeparture week
- Test the sump pump and confirm the discharge line is clear and directed away from the foundationTwo weeks before
- Arrange for the well pump and pressure system to be checkedTwo weeks before
Heating
- Have the heating system serviced before you leaveSix weeks before
- Replace the furnace filterDeparture week
- Set the thermostat to your winter instruction and photograph itDeparture week
- Check that any smart-thermostat away or eco mode does not drop below your minimumDeparture week
- Confirm the heating is actually running and holding temperature before you goDeparture week
- Leave interior doors open and every register open, including in rooms you normally close offDeparture week
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior wallsDeparture week
- Write down the cold spots in this house so they get checked specificallyTwo weeks before
- Show whoever attends where the furnace intake and exhaust terminations areTwo weeks before
- Get system-specific advice before changing anything on a boiler or in-floor systemSix weeks before
Exterior & grounds
- Clear the gutters and confirm downspouts extend well clear of the foundationSix weeks before
- Have trees assessed and deadwood removedSix weeks before
- Clear window wells and confirm covers are in place and intactTwo weeks before
- Check that ground slopes away from the foundation, not toward itTwo weeks before
- Store outdoor furniture and secure anything that could move in a chinookDeparture week
- Arrange snow clearing for the season — and arrange for it to be verifiedSix weeks before
- Arrange lawn maintenance for the growing seasonSix weeks before
- Arrange for the driveway and access road to be kept passableSix weeks before
- Decide what happens to any vehicle staying at the propertyTwo weeks before
Household
- Remove all food, including everything in the pantryDeparture week
- Empty the fridge and freezer, switch them off, and prop the doors openDeparture week
- Remove all garbage, recycling and organicsDeparture week
- Empty the dishwasher and washing machine and leave the doors ajarDeparture week
- Write per-plant watering instructions — location, frequency, amount, anything unusualTwo weeks before
- Arrange mail collection or redirectionTwo weeks before
- Seal pest entry points, particularly utility penetrations and vent terminationsTwo weeks before
- Note filter sizes, bulb types and battery sizes somewhere accessibleTwo weeks before
Security & access
- Confirm every window and door is closed and locked, including the garage man-doorDeparture week
- Set lighting timers with variation rather than one lamp on a fixed cycleDeparture week
- Confirm exterior lighting is workingTwo weeks before
- Arrange key custody and record who holds whatTwo weeks before
- Notify your alarm monitoring provider who is authorised to attendTwo weeks before
- Change any shared door code, and use a time-limited code where the lock supports itTwo weeks before
- Register your attendant with the condominium corporation and arrange fob and elevator accessTwo weeks before
Records
- Photograph every room, plus the exterior on all sidesDeparture week
- Record a walkthrough videoDeparture week
- Photograph the mechanical room, the panel, and the water heater data plateDeparture week
- Photograph the utility meter readings on the day you leaveDeparture week
Would rather not do this yourself?
Departure preparation is a single visit that works through this list and finishes with a photographic baseline of the property.