Compile detailed lists of everything that you need to do and when you need to do them. Include a list of things in the freezer and refrigerator that you need to use in the week or two before leaving and a final clean out the day before.
Contact regular delivery services in advance to get their schedule of notifications. If you are temporarily cancelling newspaper, mail deliveries, or any regular deliveries to your home, schedule a last date for delivery and first date to start them back up.
Ask a nearby friend or family to check on the house. Make sure they know the exact dates you will be away and expect to return. Provide keys and any security codes needed to access your house.
Have your friend place any trashcans at the curb on the appropriate days and remove any advertising flyers left on the doorknob, as well as check the mailbox, just in case the post office has not stopped delivery yet. In summer, ask someone to mow a lawn, if needed. In winter, ask them to shovel your walk and driveway or at least drive a car over your driveway so the house looks lived-in.
Lock up valuables in a safe or safety deposit box at a bank. If none is available, hide valuables in a shoebox under the sink or in a storage box in the garage where they would be out of sight. Avoid the common areas people use as hiding places, like the freezer, faux books or jewelry boxes.
Clean up the outside of your house. Remove any tools, toys, car supplies, and any objects that could be damaged by unexpected weather conditions.
Leave curtains and blinds the way you would normally have them. Ask your friend or family member checking the house to periodically open or close them while they are checking the house.
Unplug all electronics, including television, computer, printer, shredder, iron, blow dryer, toaster oven, coffee pot, radios or any other fixtures that use electricity and are subject to surges during storms. Use any "economy" settings provided by electronics. Set outdoor electronics, such as fountains, hot tubs and lights on automatic or turn them off.
Set your thermostats for water heaters, air conditioners and heaters so they maintain an even temperature without wasting power.
Set any automatic timers for security systems or lights.
