May 2026- Tips for Closing Up Your Desert Home for the Summer
As another Arizona summer approaches, many seasonal residents begin preparing to leave their desert homes for several months. Unlike homes in cooler or more humid climates, desert properties require special consideration before being left vacant through the extreme heat and monsoon season. Proper preparation can help prevent water damage, HVAC strain, pest issues, landscaping loss, storm damage, and other costly surprises upon your return.
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is turning the air conditioning off completely. In the desert climate, maintaining some level of cooling is important to protect finishes, cabinetry, electronics, artwork, and overall indoor air quality. Monsoon storms also introduce unique challenges, bringing powerful winds, dust, and sudden heavy rain that can affect landscaping, patios, irrigation systems, and outdoor furnishings.
Every home is different, but developing a personalized seasonal departure checklist is one of the best ways to protect your property and create peace of mind while you are away.
Checklist for Closing Up Your Desert Home
- Arrange for mail and regular deliveries to be stopped or forwarded
- Arrange for storage of valuables and important documents you are not taking with you
- Notify your cable/internet provider to place services on hold if appropriate
- Notify your HOA of your departure and return dates
- Consider a yard care service for weeds, trimming, and irrigation monitoring
- Set or check timers for lighting and irrigation systems
- Arrange for pool service and pest control
- Remove standing water from fountains, bird baths, and containers
- Secure or cover patio furniture to protect it from dust and monsoon storms
- Remove propane tanks or combustible items from patios and garages
- Unplug the garage door opener
- If you have a golf cart, add water to batteries or disconnect them
- Consider covering vehicles to protect them from dust buildup
- Store candles in the refrigerator or coolest area of the home
- Check whether your water softener or reverse osmosis system requires special preparation
- Change HVAC air filters
- Set the air conditioning to a higher temperature, but do not turn it off entirely
- Turn off the home’s water supply at the main valve
- Drain remaining water from faucets and fixtures
- Close drains and cover toilets with plastic wrap to help prevent evaporation and odors
- Remove food from refrigerators, freezers, and cupboards
- Store cereal, boxed foods, and pet foods in sealed containers
- If turning the refrigerator off, leave the doors open after cleaning
- If leaving it running, place water bottles inside to improve efficiency
- Leave washer, dryer, dishwasher, and appliance doors slightly open
- Unplug small appliances, computers, and electronics
- Close blinds and drapes, but leave interior doors open for airflow
- Strip mattresses to allow them to air out
- Ask a trusted neighbor, friend, or home watch professional to periodically check the property, especially after monsoon storms
All homes, systems, and circumstances are different, and some items may not apply to your property. Over time, many Arizona homeowners create a permanent seasonal checklist tailored to their home, community, and service providers. Keeping a written list with important contacts and recurring maintenance details can make each departure significantly easier year after year.
