Closing Your Cottage for Winter? Here are Some Simple Tips!

Crisp mornings, the lake reflecting the changing leaves, and the first hint of frost. You know what that means... cottage closing season! Here are some of our favourite tips you can use to help protect your cottage and make spring cleaning a breeze.

1. Give Your Cottage a Good Clean

Before you turn off your water, give your cottage a thorough clean! It’s the best way to avoid mold, weird smells, and unwanted critters over the winter.

Kitchen

• Empty the fridge and freezer. Wipe down the insides to remove crumbs and sticky spots. Prop the doors open to prevent mold, mildew, and odours. (Bonus: pop a box of baking soda inside!)

• Unplug the fridge. Even if you leave your hydro on all winter, power can go out for weeks during the winter. It is best to just unplug it and leave the doors open.

• Remove all food (even non-perishables). Mice love a good midnight snack.

• Wipe out cupboards and drawers to remove crumbs.

• Clean the inside of your oven and don’t forget the bottom drawer if you have one!

• Clean out your toaster and store it in a plastic bin for winter. (Trust me, you don’t want to find a mouse stuck in there come spring).

• Unplug everything including coffee makers, kettles, microwave and anything else you may have.

• Empty all garbage cans and give them a wipe to remove any crumbs or sticky residue in the bottom.

• Clean under your appliances such as your fridge and oven to remove any crumbs that mice might find!

• Vacuum and mop floors.

Bathrooms

• Clean your toilets inside, outside, and don't forget to get under the rim!

• Clean your showers and bathtubs. Soap scum gets stubborn after sitting all winter.

• Keep toilet paper and hygiene products up high or in sealed bins (mice-proofing is key!)

• Empty all garbage cans and give them a wipe to remove any crumbs or sticky residue in the bottom.

• Vacuum and mop floors.
  

Other Indoor Living Spaces

• Store bedding, towels and other linens in sealed plastic bins or vacuum sealed bags so mice can't make a cozy nest in them during the winter.

• Go room to room and unplug anything that doesn't need to be plugged in, such as lamps, fans, chargers, TVs, power bars, etc.

• Vacuum the couch including under the cushions, the cushions themselves and underneath the couch (crumbs love hiding in all these spots)

• Wipe off the dining room table and any other surfaces that collect dust or crumbs.
  

Tip: The more cleaning you tackle now, the less scrubbing you’ll have to do in the spring! ♥ Bonus Tip: We can help you with this! Check out our Fall Cottage Closing Service!

2. Close Windows, Doors, and the Fireplace

Closing windows, locking doors, and securing the fireplace go a long way toward protecting your cottage all winter.

Fireplace

• Close the damper to keep animals out. You can also cover the opening on the roof with a screen or a piece of wood to help keep animals out as well.

• Tip: Give your fireplace a clean now so it’s ready for spring!

Windows and Doors

• Make sure all windows are closed and locked

• Make sure all doors are closed and locked.

Tip: Don't forget the doors and windows in the boat house, or any bunkies or sheds you might have!

3. Protect Your Plumbing

This is NOT my specialty, but I do know how important this is! Frozen and burst pipes are not fun (and are very expensive to fix). If you’re unsure how to do this properly and thoroughly, I highly suggest hiring a professional. They will know how to:

• Shut off your water and drain all pipes

• Empty your water heater, well, and lake pump

• Drain your washing machine and dishwasher

• Add antifreeze to toilets and sink traps

• AND they will likely do other things I didn't even know need done!!

Trust me, this is one job you want done 100% perfectly.

4. Protect Yourself (and Your Peace of Mind)

This is so important. Winters can be unpredictable, and damage can happen to your cottage. Before you say goodbye for the season,  take photos and a short video walkthrough of your cottage.

• Make sure to include every room, detailing any appliances, electronics and furniture.

• Do the same outside with your patio, bunkie, shed, boathouse and dock. Make sure to include any water toys, such as kayaks, you may have stored somewhere else outside.

If anything happens over winter, these photos will make insurance claims way smoother!

5. Check your Roof and Gutters

This is also not my specialty, but as someone who had their laundry room roof leak this past winter, I can vouch for how important this step is, After most of the leaves are off the trees and before the snow starts:

• Check your roof for any loose or missing shingles.

• Clear gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can result in water backing up toward the roof, which can get under the shingles and cause damage, especially when it freezes.

Closing your cottage for winter might feel like a lot, but a little planning and prep now will save you time, stress, and unpleasant surprises in the spring.

Just remember, you’re setting your cottage up to stay safe and protected all winter long.

Come spring, all this hard work will pay off, and your only job will be to unpack, relax and enjoy your beautiful cottage! ♥