Cottage Closing Checklist: Don't Skip These Steps Before Winter

Every September, the question is the same: how much do I actually need to do to close the cottage properly? The honest answer is that what you put in at closing directly determines what you walk into at opening in spring. Cut corners in October, and you'll pay for it in May.

For cottages in Simcoe County and along Georgian Bay, a thorough closing is especially important. Hard winters with sustained deep freezes mean plumbing left with any moisture can crack, and structures left unchecked can develop problems that compound quietly through months of cold and snow load.

Winterizing the Plumbing System

This is the single most important item. Shut off the main water supply at the meter or pump. Open all taps — hot and cold — at the lowest point in the system to let water drain fully. Don't forget the outdoor hose bibs, toilet tanks (flush and then sponge out the remaining water in the bowl and tank), and the hot water tank itself if it's being left unheated.

If the property will be maintained above freezing, you can leave the water on but set the thermostat no lower than 10°C (50°F). For unheated cottages, a full blowout with compressed air is the most reliable method — it eliminates any residual water in traps and low-lying lines.

Protecting Against Pests

Rodents start looking for warm shelter in September and October. A thorough exclusion pass around the exterior is essential. Seal any gap larger than a pencil width around pipes, wires, vents, and foundation sills. Steel wool and foam together work better than foam alone. See our year-round property maintenance guide for a full seasonal exclusion and upkeep schedule.

Inside, remove all food from cupboards — including canned goods, which mice can gnaw through. Empty the refrigerator, leave it open, and unplug it. A box of baking soda in the fridge and another in the freezer helps with odours over the winter.

Exterior and Mechanical Systems

Shut off propane at the tank valve and have the tank level noted. If you have an outdoor grill, disconnect it and store the tank outside (never in an enclosed space). For boats, docks, and lifts, follow the manufacturer's winterization procedures or bring in a marine service before the freeze. Your deck should also be inspected and protected before the freeze — see How to Extend the Life of Your Deck with Seasonal Maintenance for the full fall prep walkthrough.

Walk the roof perimeter and clear debris from gutters. Trim any branches hanging close to the roofline — under snow load they can come down and cause real damage. Make sure all storm windows and doors are latched securely.