As the oppressive heat and humidity envelop the South Florida landscape, many Estate Managers find themselves navigating a mass exodus to the cooler climes of the north, where they will oversee the operation of summer residences in idyllic locales such as Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and Southampton. For those who remain behind, however, the task of closing up the seasonal home and preparing for the potential onslaught of hurricanes, king tides, and other severe weather anomalies becomes the sole focus.
The extreme conditions that characterize the off-season in South Florida create an environment that is highly conducive to the proliferation of mold, necessitating the implementation of preventative measures to safeguard valuable items. Seasonal wardrobes are meticulously packed and transported to specialized storage facilities, while precious art collections and rare vintages find sanctuary in secure, climate-controlled vaults. Treasured automobiles are carefully loaded into enclosed shipping containers and transported to safer havens, often to alternate residences.
The successful closure of a seasonal home is a complex undertaking that requires meticulous planning and attention to detail. Comprehensive checklists are an indispensable tool in this process, ensuring that no critical task is overlooked. From the exterior of the property, where trees must be trimmed, and potential wind hazards secured, to the interior, where pantries must be emptied, and cabinets cleared of items that will expire before summers’ end, every aspect of the home must be thoughtfully prepared for the long months of disuse ahead.
The systems that maintain the home’s functionality must be inspected and adjusted to accommodate the change in seasons. HVAC systems and chillers require servicing, while landscape and lighting timers must be reprogrammed to emulate the patterns of a family in residence. Generators should be tested and fueled, while gas lines to grills and outdoor heaters are shut off, and tanks safely stored away.
Perhaps most critically, an Estate Manager must ensure that the home and summer staff are secure and well-protected against the harshest off-season weather. Storm shutters must be serviced and deployed, while hurricane evacuation plans are updated and reviewed with the remaining team. Insurance policies must be scrutinized and updated as necessary, and local security and neighborhood patrols informed of the home’s summer schedule.
In essence, the process of closing a seasonal home is a complex exercise of preparation, preservation, and protection. It requires a keen eye for detail, a wealth of experience, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and security of the property and its contents. By adhering to best practices and following local disaster preparedness guidelines, Estate Managers can effectively mitigate the risks associated with leaving a seasonal residence unoccupied for extended periods and ensure that the property remains in optimal condition for the family’s return.
