Labor Day has come and gone, marking the end of another unforgettable summer. It’s time to start closing up your summer home, and if this is your first season doing so, it can seem like a daunting task. Follow these suggestions to make this process painless.

Unplug appliances

From the television to the coffee maker to all of the light fixtures in-between, be sure to unplug any appliances throughout the house. If there’s a storm, anything that remains plugged in could become a safety hazard.

Turn off the power, gas, and water 

You can never be too safe, especially when leaving for an extended period of time. Even if you think you’ll be spending some weekends at your vacation home before winter, electricity should still be shut off until then, along with the main water supply and the gas.

Triple clean

Cleaning out rooms and dusting every surface should be a no brainer, but double checking everything is never a bad idea. The kitchen especially should be given extra attention. You don’t want any unwanted critters welcoming you back when the cold weather disappears.

Remember the outdoor furniture

You made sure the inside of your house is in tip-top shape, but how’s your porch and exterior looking? Don’t neglect your outdoor furniture: remember to cover it, place things upright, and power wash the deck if need be.

Do a security check  

If you have an alarm system (which you should), make sure it’s turned on. Close and secure all windows and doors, and draw the curtains in rooms that get the most light. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially in beach towns that are mostly vacant in the off-season.

Heed these vacation home-closing tips as summer comes to an end, and go into autumn with peace of mind.