Don't Let Your Illinois Home Face Winter Alone
January 2026 is here! And if you're a Chicagoland homeowner, you know what that means: we're heading into the long, harsh stretch of winter that tests both our resilience and our properties. With frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall, and unpredictable storms on the horizon, many families are already planning their seasonal escape to warmer climates or their cozy second homes in Florida, Arizona, or California.
But here's the question that keeps many homeowners up at night before they leave: Who's going to take care of my Illinois home while I'm gone?
The Hidden Risks of an Unattended Winter Home
Leaving your home unattended during a Chicago winter isn't just about missing out on shoveling the driveway. The risks are real and costly. Frozen pipes can burst, causing thousands of dollars in water damage. Snow accumulation can damage roofs. Mail and packages piling up at your door send a clear signal to would-be intruders that nobody's home. Even small issues like a malfunctioning furnace can snowball into catastrophic problems when there's no one around to catch them early.
Your home is one of your most valuable investments. It deserves attention and care, even when you're enjoying the sunshine elsewhere.
Evergreen Local: Your Home's Winter Guardian
This is where Evergreen Local comes in. We're a privately owned, small business based right here in the western suburbs of Chicago, and we specialize in exactly this kind of peace of mind. Our home watch and housesitting services are designed specifically for families like yours who split their time between Illinois and a second home.
While you're soaking up the warmth in your winter retreat, we're here making sure your Illinois property looks lived-in, stays secure, and remains in excellent condition. We visit your home on a schedule that works for you—typically weekly—and perform comprehensive safety checks that cover everything from your roof to your basement.
Our team checks every room, runs all faucets and flushes toilets to prevent frozen pipes, tests lights and garage doors, starts vehicles parked in the garage, waters your houseplants, and ensures all windows and doors are properly secured. We collect your mail and packages, remove newspapers and advertising flyers, clear debris from your property, and bring your trash bins to the curb on collection day. We're vigilant about checking for any signs of flooding, roof damage, or fallen branches, and we even drive by at off-hours to ensure everything looks secure.
The Evergreen Local Difference
The result? Your home maintains that essential "lived-in" appearance that deters problems before they start. No piled-up mail, no obvious signs of vacancy, no worries. Just a well-maintained home waiting for your return.
As you prepare to escape the bitter cold this winter, don't leave your Illinois home to face it alone. Let Evergreen Local be your trusted partner in protecting what matters most. Contact us today to discuss how we can customize our services to meet your specific needs this winter season.
