The days are growing shorter already and soon the leaves will start changing colour. Whether your are a new cottage owner or seasoned cottager, it’s time for owners to start thinking about preparing for another winter.
Time spent closing down properly this fall will help you avoid headaches and get right to enjoying the place next spring.
If you don’t plan on going back to your cottage until spring, or are going to be leaving it for an extended time, keep in mind these shutdown tips.
Cottage Closing Checklist
Don’t leave any valuables in the cottage that might tempt thieves. “ ‘Lock it or lose it,’ the police always tell us,” says Rees. Make sure that items such as outboard motors, fishing rods and equipment, water skis, chainsaws, generators, ATVs, and electronics are securely locked. Don’t leave any alcohol, firearms or weapons on the property.
Make sure the electricity is shut off. A good tip, according to the Electrical Safety Authority, is to turn off the individual breakers before turning off the main switch. This will protect appliances from power surges when you fire them back up in the spring. If you have a fuse panel, turn off or unplug all appliances and electrical devices before switching off the main power.
Protect your property from wildlife such as rodents. Don’t leave out any food, for instance. “Animals get hungry, and if you leave out food, they’ll get inspired to break into your property and have their way,” says Rees. Seal up any possible entry points into the cottage and store extension cords in containers to prevent mice from chewing through them.
Turn the water off. “Drain all the water that you can,” says Rees. “Don’t leave anything that can freeze. Plumbing surprises in the spring are kind of a rite of passage” for cottage owners.
Have a good look around the property for any hazards. If tree branches are close to wire lines, for instance, cut them back. Keep in mind those branches will sink lower when covered with snow. Clean up debris that could fly about and cause damage during windstorms or that might become a fire hazard during a lightning strike. Put away outdoor furniture
Try to have a keyholder, someone you trust, to do periodic checks on the property during the winter to ensure snow isn’t piling up on the roof or that people or animals haven’t broken in.
Secure all the doors and windows around the property, and make sure the blinds or curtains are closed.
Make sure heating sources like the chimney, wood stove, and baseboard heaters are cleaned and in good working order.
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