Seasonal home care in Southwest Florida
Seasonal homes in Southwest Florida stay in the best shape with an opening cleaning before you arrive, regular visits while you are here, a closing cleaning when you leave, and light refresh visits during the summer.
- Insured
- Certified cleaners
- Family owned
- Free estimates
What does a seasonal home need through the year?
Southwest Florida homes have a clear rhythm: arrival in the fall, full use in winter and spring, and a long, humid summer while many owners are away.
| Time of year | What to schedule |
|---|---|
| Before you arrive | Opening cleaning: air out, dust, bathrooms, kitchen, fresh linens |
| While you are here | Recurring cleaning every week or two |
| When you leave | Closing cleaning: empty the fridge, clean bathrooms, protect surfaces |
| While you are away | A light refresh every four to six weeks, with notes and photos |
| Rainy season | Extra attention to humidity, bathrooms, and air conditioning areas |
What should a closing cleaning include when you leave for the summer?
Leave the home clean, dry, and easy to reopen.
- Empty and wipe the refrigerator; leave the door as you prefer
- Clean bathrooms and leave them dry
- Wash linens and towels before storing
- Take out all trash and recycling
- Clean sliding door tracks and close blinds
- Set the thermostat to the temperature you choose for summer
What do clients ask about seasonal homes?
Short answers to the questions we hear most. For anything else, give us a call.
How should I prepare my Florida home before returning for the winter season?
Schedule a full cleaning a few days before you arrive, so the house is aired out, dusted, and ready instead of becoming your first project. A home closed through the summer collects dust, stale air, and sometimes small surprises.
- Open the house and run the air conditioning and ceiling fans.
- Dust fans, vents, blinds, and shelves, which collect the most dust while you are away.
- Clean bathrooms, flush toilets, and run water in every sink and shower.
- Wipe the inside of the refrigerator and check for anything left behind.
- Wash or refresh bed linens and towels.
- Clean sliding door tracks and lanai glass.
All Shiny prepares seasonal homes in Naples, Bonita Springs, Sanibel, and Fort Myers before owners arrive.
What should homeowners check before opening a vacation home that has been unoccupied for several months?
Before cleaning, walk the home and look for moisture, signs of pests, and anything that changed while it was closed. Then clean and refresh the rooms in order.
- Musty smells, damp spots, or discoloration on walls, ceilings, and under sinks.
- Air conditioner drain lines and the area around the air handler.
- Toilets, sinks, and showers: run water to refill traps and check for leaks.
- Refrigerator and freezer: check for spoiled food or an unplugged unit.
- Windows and doors: check seals and tracks for sand and debris.
- Signs of insects in cabinets, closets, and corners.
If you find active moisture or mold growth, contact a licensed specialist first; the EPA guidance on mold and moisture explains why moisture must be fixed before cleaning. Once the home is sound, a seasonal opening cleaning gets it guest-ready.
How often should seasonal homeowners schedule cleaning while they are away?
For most closed homes, a light refresh every four to six weeks is enough, with a full cleaning before you return. Homes that are rented while you are away need a cleaning after every stay instead.
A light refresh usually includes dusting, running water in every fixture, a quick bathroom and kitchen wipe-down, a check of the refrigerator, and a note to you about anything unusual, such as a damp smell or a dripping faucet. That regular attention keeps dust from building up and gives you a set of eyes on the house between visits from your property manager or neighbors.
If you are away for most of the summer, ask your cleaning company to schedule refresh visits around the rainy season, when humidity is highest.
How do I arrange cleaning for a vacation home when I live in another state?
Choose one company you can manage remotely, set up access and payment once, and ask for a short report with photos after each visit. That way you stay informed without needing to be there.
- Agree on a written checklist and a schedule for regular visits and arrival preparations.
- Set up access with a lockbox, smart lock, or a key held by your property manager.
- Store your gate code, alarm instructions, and parking notes with the company.
- Pay by card or invoice so nothing waits on a check.
- Ask for photos and notes after each visit, especially before your arrival.
Many of All Shiny's Sanibel and Naples clients live out of state for part of the year, and we coordinate everything by phone, text, and email.