The Ultimate 'Lock-up-and-Leave' Checklist: How to Winterize Your Algarve Property
November 6, 2025
The Ultimate 'Lock-up-and-Leave' Checklist: How to Winterize Your Algarve Property
For thousands of second-home owners, the end of the summer season in the Algarve brings a familiar ritual: the "lock-up-and-leave." You pack your bags, take one last look at your beautiful villa or apartment, and lock the door, often not to return for several months.
But with that click of the lock, the anxiety can set in.
Will my home be secure? What if there’s a winter storm? And the biggest fear of all: will I come back in spring to the damp, musty smell of bolor (mould)?
When people think of "winterizing," they imagine burst pipes and snow. In the Algarve, our mild winters present a different challenge: humidity.
A sealed-up property in a humid-but-mild climate is the perfect breeding ground for damp, mould, and pests. Preparing your property isn't about fighting the cold; it's about fighting moisture and ensuring security.
As property managers based in Loulé, we’ve seen everything that can happen to an empty home. This is our ultimate checklist to ensure you return to your Algarve property in perfect, "welcome-back" condition.
Why 'Winterizing' in the Algarve is a Non-Negotiable
The Algarve's winter is mild, but it is also wet. After the long, dry summer, the air becomes saturated with moisture. When those first heavy rains arrive, any weak points in your property—a clogged gutter, a loose tile, a poorly sealed window—will be found.
Inside, as the temperature fluctuates, that moisture in the air condes, forming damp patches on walls, in wardrobes, and on fabrics. This is what leads to bolor.
A smart "lock-up-and-leave" plan protects your property from:
Damp and mould
Pest infestations
Security breaches
Storm damage
Unpleasant "stale air" smells
The Ultimate Interior Checklist: The Battle Against Damp
Your number one priority indoors is ventilation and moisture control.
1. Air Circulation is Everything
Mould loves stagnant, damp air. Your goal is to create as much airflow as possible.
Open Interior Doors: Leave all internal doors, including bathroom and kitchen doors, wide open.
Open Wardrobes: Leave all wardrobe and cupboard doors slightly ajar to allow air to circulate inside.
Pull Furniture Away: If you can, pull sofas, beds, and heavy furniture a few centimetres away from the walls. This stops damp from getting trapped behind them.
2. Manage Linens and Fabrics
Fabrics are a magnet for moisture.
Wash and Dry ALL Linens: Do a final wash of all bedding, towels, and tea towels. Ensure they are 100% bone dry before storing them. Never leave damp towels in a laundry basket.
Store Smartly: For best results, store clean linens in vacuum-sealed bags.
Stand Mattresses Up: This is a pro tip. If you’re leaving for 3+ months, prop your mattresses up on their side. This allows air to circulate around the entire mattress and bed base, preventing mould from growing underneath.
Store Outdoor Cushions: Bring all outdoor cushions inside and store them somewhere dry and ventilated (not packed tightly in a plastic bag).
3. Control Humidity
Passive Moisture Traps: Place non-electric, salt-based moisture traps (available at any hardware store) in key areas: wardrobes, small bathrooms, and under-stairs cupboards.
Electric Dehumidifiers: For larger properties or homes in notoriously damp areas, an electric dehumidifier set on a humidistat or a timer is a fantastic investment. Set it to run for a few hours in the middle of the day.
4. Plumbing and Drains
Shut Off the Water: Turn off your water at the mains stopcock. This is the single most important thing you can do to prevent a catastrophic leak.
Flush and Cover: After turning off the water, flush all toilets to empty the cisterns.
Trickle of Oil: Pour a small cup of water mixed with a capful of cooking oil down every sink, shower drain, and bidet. This ensures the "P-trap" (the U-bend) is full, which stops sewer gases and insects from coming up the drains. The oil creates a film that slows evaporation.
Clean Drains: Use a drain cleaner to clear any hair or soap buildup before you go.
5. Appliances and Electrics
Fridge/Freezer: Empty, clean, and dry your refrigerator and freezer thoroughly. Leave the doors propped open with a towel or latch. A closed fridge is a guaranteed mould disaster.
Unplug Everything: Unplug all non-essential electronics—TVs, toasters, lamps, computers. This protects them from power surges during winter storms.
Washing Machine: Run a hot "service wash" with vinegar or a cleaner. Afterwards, wipe the rubber seal dry and leave the door and detergent drawer open.
The Essential Exterior & Security Checklist
Your goal outdoors is to secure the property against storms and intruders.
1. Secure Against Storms
Winter storms in the Algarve can bring high winds. Anything loose becomes a projectile.
Store All Furniture: Do not just stack or cover your patio furniture. If possible, store it inside a secure shed or garage. At a minimum, stack it securely and chain it together in a sheltered corner.
Secure Umbrellas & BBQs: Store parasols and their heavy bases. Secure BBQ covers or move the unit.
Check the Roof: Have a quick visual inspection (or ask a professional) for any loose tiles.
2. Garden and Pool Maintenance
Final Prune: Trim back any trees or heavy shrubs that are close to the house or power lines. This prevents branches from scraping against walls or breaking in a storm.
Clear Gutters and Drains: This is critical. Gutters filled with pine needles and leaves will overflow, sending water cascading down your walls, which is a primary cause of damp.
Winterize the Pool: "Winterize" your pool by lowering the water level slightly, balancing the chemicals, and setting the filter system on a reduced timer. Ensure the pool cover is secure.
Shut Off Irrigation: Turn off your garden irrigation system to prevent leaks.
3. Property Security
An empty house is a target. Make it look as unappealing as possible to intruders.
Shutters and Blinds: Close all estores (shutters) and blinds. This is a strong physical and visual deterrent.
Test Your Alarm: If you have an alarm, test it. Ensure your keyholder has the correct code and procedure.
Light Timers: Use 1-2 simple internal light timers set to come on for a few hours in the evening. This gives a believable illusion of occupancy.
No Hidden Keys: Never, ever leave a key "hidden" under a pot or mat.
The Final Step: Who is Checking In?
You can follow this entire checklist, but what happens if a storm hits in January? What if a moisture trap overflows? What if your postbox is overflowing—a clear sign to thieves that the home is empty?
A checklist is static, but a property is dynamic.
This is the real value of a professional keyholding service. It’s not just about having someone hold a key. It’s about "peace of mind."
A good property manager (like Solid Key Management) will conduct regular inspections. We will:
A-ir the property on dry days, opening windows for 30 minutes to flush out humid air.
Check for damp and bolor, spotting small problems before they become big ones.
Collect your mail to keep the property from looking abandoned.
Inspect after storms to check for damage, leaks, or tripped electrics.
Prepare the house for your return, turning the water and fridge back on, so you arrive to a fresh, welcoming home, not a to-do list.
Leaving your property in Vilamoura or Almancil shouldn't be a source of stress. With the right preparation and the right local partner, you can lock your door with confidence, knowing your investment is in safe hands.
Contact Solid Key Management for a free consultation on our keyholding and property management services in the Algarve.
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