Indoors

Shut Off and Drain the Water

Perhaps one of the most costly errors you can make is not shutting off and draining the water in your cottage. Water that’s left in the pipes can cause them to burst, which can result in a lot of damage. 

To prevent any catastrophes, turn off the main supply and drain the pipes, faucets, and water lines. Don’t forget to do the same for any outdoor hoses and to empty your hot water tank. You can also put anti-freeze in your toilet bowl, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures to prevent the water there from expanding. Leave cabinet and sink doors open to promote heat flow to the pipes.

Note: If you don’t completely turn off your heat in the winter, it’s recommended you leave your cottage at about 55°F (13°C) to prevent freezing.

Remove Perishables and Clean

Get rid of any perishable food items in your cottage. If you decide to leave any non-perishable food items, try to wrap them up or put them into containers to prevent any wildlife and pests from getting at them.

Once removed, give your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry/cabinets a good cleaning. Leave the appliance doors open so that mold and mildew doesn’t form during the winter. That way, they’ll be ready when you open the cottage again.

Unplug Appliances

Unplug any non-essential appliances and electronics as a safety measure against any power surges and potential fire hazards.

Note: If you have a sump-pump, you want to keep it running all winter long. Your sump pump should be connected to an electrical system or powered by a pressurized water system.

Clean Thoroughly

A good cleaning through the cottage will ensure it’s ready to move in come spring. Dust, mop, vacuum, and scrub the cottage thoroughly before closing up.

You can also store your linens and blankets away in a sealed bag, just in case anything tries to get to them. Add moth balls or dryer sheets to the bag to prevent insect damage. If you want to go a step further, cover your furniture with dust covers to protect them from moisture.

Seal up Openings

Close up any gaps or openings where critters could enter, especially doors and windows. Add weather stripping if you notice areas that are particularly breezy or open. Any major holes should be fixed before the winter season arrives.

Close Up the Fireplace

Clean out the fireplace and close the damper before leaving the cottage. It’s also not a bad idea to block the opening with a piece of wood to prevent rodents from entering. 

Exterior

Inspect the Roof & Gutters

Build up in your gutters and downspouts can cause ice dams to form, which can cause a hefty amount of damage. Clear them out beforehand so that the melting snow has a path to drain down. You’ll also want to ensure the roof is in good condition, as a small leak in the roof can become a major issue once the heavy snow has fallen on top.

Store Outdoor Furniture & Tools

Put away all your patio furniture and tools in a shed or garage–and don’t forget to drain the fuel from gas-powered equipment. You’ll also want to drain anything that uses water, such as a power washer, as water expanding in its container could cause damage.

Trim the Trees

Tree branches can easily break off during the winter once they’re weighed down by snow, so it’s best to trim any branches that are in danger of falling on your cottage. 

While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to clear the leaves and potential kindling away from your cottage in case of a fire.

Prepare Your Dock

If you have a standing dock you’ll want to take it out of the water before winter hits. You may also want to remove your floating dock if your property is prone to ice movement. Alternatively, you can set up a bubbler system to prevent the water from freezing around your dock. Of course, power will need to be on for your bubbler system.

Once you’ve locked up and prepared everything for winter, returning for spring will be as easy as moving right in!