Closing Down Your Cottage — The Complete Fall Checklist

1Water — the #1 cause of winter damage

• Shut off the main water supply
• Drain all pipes — open every faucet (hot and cold), lowest points first
• Blow out the lines with an air compressor (the step most people skip)
• Drain the water heater
• Drain the pump and pressure tank; bring the pump inside if lake-fed
• Flush all toilets and add plumbing antifreeze to every tank, bowl, and drain trap (sinks, tubs, showers, floor drains)
• Drain the dishwasher and washing machine; add antifreeze to their traps
• Disconnect and drain all garden hoses; shut off and drain exterior taps
• Drain any water softener, filters, or treatment system

2Heat & utilities

• Decide: fully winterize (heat off) or keep low heat on — this affects your insurance (see §8)
• If keeping heat: set the thermostat to a safe minimum (commonly 10–15°C) and confirm it works
• Turn off the water heater breaker or gas
• Unplug non-essential appliances and electronics
• Confirm propane/oil arrangements for winter
• Test the generator (if you have one) and confirm fuel

3Appliances & interior

• Empty the fridge/freezer, clean it, and prop the doors open to prevent mould
• Remove all perishables and anything that can freeze (canned goods, drinks, cleaning liquids)
• Take out the trash and recycling
• Close blinds and curtains (UV protection and privacy)
• Remove or secure valuables

4Exterior & waterfront

• Remove the dock (or confirm it’s rated to stay in over winter)
• Store outdoor furniture, cushions, umbrellas, and the BBQ
• Pull the boat, drain and winterize it; store the lift as needed
• Clean gutters and downspouts (prevents ice damming)
• Trim branches overhanging the roof
• Lock and secure sheds, the boathouse, and outbuildings

5Security

• Lock and check every door and window
• Set the alarm; confirm it’s monitored and your contact info is current
• Put a few interior lights on timers (a lived-in look deters break-ins)
• Hold or forward the mail; stop deliveries
• Make sure a trusted local has keys, gate/alarm codes, and your contact info

6Wildlife-proofing

• Cap the chimney and cover vents (keeps out birds, squirrels, and bats)
• Seal gaps around pipes, wires, and the foundation (mice need only a dime-sized hole)
• Set traps or deterrents in the basement and crawl space
• Store all food in sealed containers or remove it entirely

7Write it down (so nothing’s lost)

• Note where the water shutoff, breaker panel, and key valves are
• Photograph the closed-up condition (useful if you ever need to make a claim)
• Keep a list of your contractors and their contacts

8Insurance — don’t skip this

Most Ontario policies exclude frozen-pipe water damage once a cottage sits unattended for a set number of days in winter — unless you either fully drain the system or have a competent person physically check on it on a schedule (often every 3 days to weekly) to confirm the heat is on. A Wi-Fi thermostat alone usually doesn’t satisfy the wording.

• Call your broker and confirm your policy’s exact vacancy/heating-season requirements
• If keeping heat on, arrange documented check-ins (dated photos of the thermostat = your proof if you ever claim)
• Keep a record of who checked the cottage and when