5 tips to close down the cottage for the season

Closing the cottage for the season is never the most exciting part of ownership, but it is one of the most important. A little extra effort in the fall can help prevent water damage, pest issues, surprise repair bills, and unnecessary utility costs over the winter. Whether your cottage is a small lakeside getaway or a family property you visit every summer, taking the time to close down your cottage properly can make spring reopening much easier.

Give yourself enough time

Try not to treat cottage closing like a quick final visit. It is easy to miss problems when you are rushing to pack the car and get home before dark. Give yourself at least a full day, and more if your property is larger or has outdoor structures, docks, boats, or equipment to manage.

Start with a full walk-through inside and outside. Look for loose shingles, cracked windows, damaged screens, soft spots on decks, blocked vents, broken locks, or anything that could become worse during winter weather. Small issues can turn into expensive repairs if snow, ice, wind, or moisture gets in.

It also helps to keep a written checklist. Cottage closing often includes many small tasks, and a list can reduce the chance of forgetting something important.

Shut off water and protect pipes

Water damage is one of the biggest risks when a cottage is left empty through a Canadian winter. If pipes freeze and burst, the damage may go unnoticed for weeks or months. Before leaving for the season, turn off the main water supply and drain the lines as needed.

Outdoor taps, hoses, pumps, and irrigation lines should also be dealt with before freezing temperatures arrive. Disconnect hoses, drain them, and store them somewhere dry. If your cottage has a more complex plumbing system, well, septic setup, or water pump, it may be worth having a professional winterize it.

If you plan to turn the heat down or off, water shutoff becomes even more important. Make sure sinks, toilets, appliances, and any water-connected systems are handled properly before you lock up.

Clear out food and clean thoroughly

A clean cottage is less likely to attract pests, smells, mould, or mildew while you are away. Remove all perishable food from the fridge, freezer, cupboards, and pantry. Even dry goods can cause problems if containers are not sealed well.

Once food is removed, unplug and clean the fridge and freezer. Leave the doors slightly open if it is safe to do so, as this can help prevent odours from building up. Empty garbage, recycling, compost, and bathroom bins before you leave.

Wipe down counters, sweep or vacuum floors, clean bathrooms, and make sure bedding or towels are stored dry. A deep clean at closing time can make your first trip back in the spring feel much less overwhelming.

Unplug appliances and manage utilities

If you will not be using the cottage over the winter, there is usually no reason to keep major appliances running. Unplug items like small kitchen appliances, televisions, chargers, and other electronics. This can help reduce energy use and lower the risk of electrical issues while the property is empty.

For larger systems, think carefully before shutting everything off. Some cottages need a minimum heat setting to protect certain materials or systems, while others are fully winterized and left unheated. Your decision may depend on the cottage design, plumbing, insulation, insurance requirements, and local winter conditions.

Check your insurance policy before making changes to heat, water, or security. Some policies have vacancy or maintenance requirements that owners need to follow.

Secure the property for winter

Before you leave, lock all doors, windows, sheds, garages, and storage areas. Bring in outdoor furniture, tools, water toys, cushions, and anything that could be damaged or blown around in a storm. If you have a dock or boat, follow the proper seasonal storage steps for your setup.

Trim branches that are too close to the cottage, clear gutters if needed, and make sure water can drain away from the foundation. Good drainage helps protect the property through heavy rain, freeze-thaw cycles, and spring melt.

Finally, consider asking a trusted neighbour or local contact to check on the cottage periodically. When you close down cottage life for the season with care, you are protecting both the property and the memories attached to it.

If you have any questions about your mortgage, get in touch with us at the Clinton Wilkins Mortgage Team! You can give us a call at (902) 482-2770 or contact us here.