Closing Down the Cottage
October 29, 2008 by Dave
Filed under Cabins, Cottages & Homes, Waterfront Life
Well, it is that time that many of us dread. There is a chill in the air, the leaves have fallen and now it is time to close down the cottage. But, with careful planning and a good checklist, you can rest comfortably this winter knowing your cottage is safe from the winter snow and wind.
Our checklist of closing down the cottage:
Drain water heater, shut off the gas valve if it is a gas water heater, or turn off electric to the water heater if it is electric. Always be sure to leave water valve open.
Open all faucets in the cottage, don’t forget the tub or shower. Flush all toilets, drain water lines from the lowest point or use air compresseor to blow out the waterlines.
Pour antifreeze into the sinks and all drains, as well as the toilet bowl and tank.
Make sure the breaker for the water pump is turned off.
Take one last look through all kitchen and bathroom cabinets and remove all jars, cans of food or anything else that could freeze. Empty the refrigerator, defrost it and leave the door ajar. My wife always places a box of baking soda in the refrigerator. I always unplug it.
Empty all wastebaskets and trash recepitcals and take trash home with you.
Vacuum the cottage one last time.
Check all windows to make sure storm windows are properly in place and screens are stored and windows locked. Pull curtains shut and lower the blinds so no one can look in and be tempted by what they may see.
Make sure all things of value are removed or at least well hidden.
Make sure all outdoor equipment, furniture and tools are stored away and properly secured.
Check to make sure fireplace damper is closed.
Make sure you lock the door to the cottage and the outbuildings.
Notify a neighbor you are gone for the season.
Don’t part with your cottage just because it is winter. Enjoy it year round. After all we live in Michigan and if you don’t enjoy getting outside in the winter then why on earth would you want to live here. Granted some cottages just were not set up for the winter but with some ingenuity you can modify your plumbing to drain quickly when you leave. I can winterize our place in about 5 minutes. I am not sure if there is anything I enjoy more then heading up to the north country and hitting that last 1/2 mile of our unplowed private road to arrive at the dark cold cottage through a foot of snow. Sometimes it is below freezing in there and we often make dollar bets on the trip up to guess how cold it actually is in there. Another bet we make is winner does not have to do dishes the whole weekend.
Upon arriving I am the fire master and proceed to get the kindling going in the wood stove and within 10 minutes we have a roaring fire and the Blazer is all unpacked and it’s time for a cocktail. By the time we hit the sack there is a very rude awakening waiting up stairs for you. Have you ever climbed into a bed that was sitting in a 25 degree cottage? They don’t warm up very fast. All it took was doing that once and we bought an electric blanket. When you arrive you just fire that up and you will be good to go in an hour. If you don’t have the electric blanket then in a pinch keep your long johns on and fight over the family dog. A dog between your legs and under the blankets is like having your own little furnace in there. Then when the sun comes up you can get out and enjoy whatever it is that you like to do outside in the winter. For us it is skiing, boarding, snowmobiling and ice fishing.