Closing the Cottage: A Checklist for Winterizing Your Summer Home
- Inventory and Pack Essentials: Start with What You Must Store
- Protect Roof and Prevent Ice Dams: Snow, Insulation, and Roof Health
- Chimney and Fireplace: Safeguard Heat, Smoke, and Drafts
- Gutters and Exterior Drainage: Keep Water Away from the Roof and Foundation
- Trees, Pests, and Foundation: Prune and Seal for Winter
- Electrical and Plumbing Readiness: Power Down and Drain Sources
- Security, Neighbours, and Emergency Planning: Peace of Mind
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Keep Your Summer Home Powered and Safe This Winter With EcoFlow
As summer winds down, cottage owners face a familiar challenge: preparing their seasonal homes for the months ahead. Leaving a property unused for an extended period can lead to costly damage if certain steps aren’t taken in time.
Planning ahead, understanding key maintenance tasks, and organizing necessary supplies can make the transition easier. Taking a structured approach now can prevent headaches later and ensure that when spring returns, your cottage is ready to welcome you back without unpleasant surprises.
Inventory and Pack Essentials: Start with What You Must Store
Before diving into repairs or shutting off systems, the first step is to take stock of everything you need to pack and store safely. Treat it like creating a winter-ready inventory:
Fragile items: Wrap dishes, glassware, and delicate decor in bubble wrap or packing paper. Store them in sturdy boxes away from damp areas.
Linens and cushions: Remove pillows, blankets, and cushions from damp or sun-exposed areas. Use breathable storage bags to prevent mould and mildew.
Outdoor gear: Store life jackets, paddles, fishing gear, and garden tools in a dry shed or garage to prevent rust and damage.
Electronics and appliances: Unplug small appliances, and if possible, store them in a temperature-controlled space to avoid cold-related damage.
Food and perishables: Clear out anything that could spoil over the winter.
Protect Roof and Prevent Ice Dams: Snow, Insulation, and Roof Health
Caring for your roof is a crucial part of winterizing your cottage, as neglect can lead to leaks, structural damage, or costly repairs.
Start by inspecting the roof for loose or damaged shingles and removing any debris, leaves, or branches that could trap moisture. Clearing gutters and downspouts is essential to ensure water drains properly and doesn’t freeze at the edges.
Proper attic insulation and ventilation help keep warm air from escaping through the roof, which reduces the risk of ice dams forming along eaves. After heavy snowfalls, use a roof rake to remove excess snow and prevent uneven melting and refreezing. For older roofs or those showing significant wear, a professional inspection can provide extra peace of mind and prevent winter surprises.
If you have an RV, you should also take into account winterizing steps for your vehicle.
Chimney and Fireplace: Safeguard Heat, Smoke, and Drafts
Before winter sets in, your chimney and fireplace need a careful check to ensure they’re safe and efficient. Start by inspecting the damper to make sure it opens, closes, and seals properly. This prevents heat loss and drafts.
Next, examine the flue for any buildup of soot or creosote, which can be a fire hazard if left unchecked. Scheduling a professional chimney sweep is highly recommended, as they can thoroughly clean the chimney and check for structural issues.
Gutters and Exterior Drainage: Keep Water Away from the Roof and Foundation
Properly managing water around your cottage is important to prevent damage during winter. Start by cleaning gutters thoroughly, removing leaves, twigs, and other debris that could block water flow.
Check downspouts to ensure they are clear and direct water away from the foundation. Installing extensions or splash blocks can help guide runoff further from your home, reducing the risk of basement flooding or foundation issues. Taking the time to prepare gutters and drainage now keeps water from causing serious problems when snow and ice begin to melt.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station
Trees, Pests, and Foundation: Prune and Seal for Winter
Your property’s exterior needs attention, too. Start by pruning trees and branches that hang near the roof or power lines to reduce the risk of damage from snow or ice. At the same time, inspect your foundation, siding, and entry points for gaps or cracks where rodents and other pests could sneak in. Seal these openings with caulk or weatherproofing materials to keep unwanted visitors out and help maintain a safe, secure, and energy-efficient home throughout the colder months.
Electrical and Plumbing Readiness: Power Down and Drain Sources
One of the most important steps in winterizing your cottage is ensuring your electrical and plumbing systems are prepared for months of inactivity. Start by turning off the main power and unplugging all devices to prevent any potential hazards while you’re away. For plumbing, drain water from pipes, faucets, and appliances like dishwashers or washing machines to prevent freezing and bursting.
Consider leaving the heat on at a low setting in critical areas or investing in a home battery backup for winter storms. Alternatively, a power solution like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Series or the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station will maintain essential systems in case of outages.
Security, Neighbours, and Emergency Planning: Peace of Mind
Leaving your cottage unattended for months requires careful planning to protect both the property and your peace of mind. Coordinate with trusted neighbours to keep an eye on the home, collect mail, and notice any unusual activity.
Create an emergency contact sheet with local services, utility companies, and nearby friends or family so someone can respond quickly if needed. For added protection during winter storms or power outages, consider installing a whole-home generator to ensure essential systems remain operational while you’re away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Close Up a Summer House for the Winter?
To close a summer house for winter: drain water pipes, turn off utilities, clean thoroughly, store furniture and cushions indoors, seal windows and doors, cover outdoor items, and check the roof and gutters for maintenance.
How To Winterize a Cottage for Year-Round Living?
To winterize a cottage for year-round living, start by insulating walls, pipes, and windows to retain heat and prevent freezing. Upgrade the heating system and ensure proper ventilation. Seal drafts, check the roof and foundation for leaks, and winterize plumbing by draining or insulating exposed pipes. Also, consider getting a whole-home backup generator.
DELTA 3 Max Portable Power Station
Keep Your Summer Home Powered and Safe This Winter With EcoFlow
Winter doesn’t have to mean leaving your summer home in the dark or worrying about safety. With the right portable power solutions, you can keep lights, appliances, and heating running even during outages or harsh weather.
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station offers unmatched capacity and flexibility, making it a reliable choice for winter preparedness. For a more compact but still powerful option, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max series ensures your home stays safe, warm, and fully functional throughout the season.