23 years of 6 & 6
Lesson learned... Turn water off at street. A $15,000 lesson, most covered by insurance. In particular, polybutelene pipes and fittings which were in use until the mid 1990's and are still being used today in some places. Also, nylon toilet riser connection nut made subject to chemical corrosion. Even with water being turned off at the street, copper gate valves often leak, allowing pressure to build up in interior pipes, as happened in our case. Turn off water at each plumbing unit.
Out to-do list begins about two weeks before the move, and covers 5 or 6 pages.
Here's a simpler list I found from 2008...most of which was already covered:
..................................
Stop Newspapers
Send Notification to Post Office... Call Post Office in both locations to verify
Change billing Address for
Water and Electricity
Bank
Insurance
Credit Cards
Gas
Cancel Paper
Checks for maintenance/dues/meberships etc.
What bills may be due?
get cash for trip
Doctor contacts? appointments... latest medical records, blood tests,Xrays
Cancel Comcast
Order Comcast
Check w/ city for water shut off at street
Advise gated community we are leaving....................................................
clean refrigerator
saran wrap plumbing fixtures
check glove compartment papers, first aid,tel #s insur+registration
remote themometer to neighbor
thermometers into windows
key to neighbor
turn off water inside house
give cell phone number to neccessary neighbors
clean refrigerator give away food
get telephone number print out
bring financial records (review papers)
seniorcare check status, papers
pour anti freeze intraps
lock all doors
unplug all but necessary electrical cords
leave blinds open? North yes, south no.
check "stuff" in desk drawer- cards papers etc.
What bills may be due?
Neighbor to verify mail is stopped? Trust but verify
Clean Furnace
checks money from ATM
wash car
Check out car fluids air in tires .. get gas
Send EMail notes to all
Take in grille and lawn furniture
Set out trash for the last time.
check mailbox
Bug Spray
lock all doors, disconnect garage opener
wrap all drygoods to be carried over, cupboards
personal papers review what nees to be taken
last trash bag to neighbor
wrap grille.. pull out grille parts and oil.
Pack some water and food for trip
shut off water heater