Closing the Cabin - It's a Wrap For Another Season!

Mornings with a nip in the air, ripening apples and pumpkins, orange, red, and yellow appearing on the leaves... there's no doubt that fall has arrived. If you have a cottage or cabin where winter temperatures drop below freezing, then you will be turning your thoughts to closing for the season.

"A checklist is a simple but important tool in ensuring that your valuable property is secure for the winter," says Sandra Thornton of Rustic-Lodge-Lifestyle.com. "That way you're not going to forget an important step during what is normally a very busy time... winter close-up."

Water

Water is your biggest issue. You need to drain all the lines by turning off the water pump at the circuit breaker and opening all the taps and valves and a drain valve. Blow the remaining water out with air after draining using a compressor or a hand-operated diaphragm pump. Leave the faucets open.

Use a non-toxic RV antifreeze (propylene glycol) in anything that can't be drained, such as the drain traps. Failing to use antifreeze in areas with extreme cold could result in freezing of the pipes and their subsequent cracking, which could result in hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage.

- Hot water tank. Turn off the gas or electric circuit to the water heater and drain the tank (from the valve at bottom) to avoid damage by freezing.

- Toilet tank. Turn off water valve for toilet and flush to empty tank. Pour RV antifreeze in tank and bowl.

- Sinks and tub traps. After the water is off and the lines have been blown clear, add antifreeze to all drain traps. Don't forget the washing machine drain, if you have one!

Thorough cleaning to prevent pests

Next to water, pests are the biggest concern. Remove ALL food when you are closing the cabin - even a box of cracker crumbs may attract mice! To prevent damage from undesirable rodents, inspect both the interior and exterior of your cabin to make sure there are no openings through which these pests may enter. You may want to use mouse poison - with caution.

Wash and wipe cupboards inside and out so there are no crumbs or food bits remaining. Wipe down counters, appliances, and tables. Empty the refrigerator, clean thoroughly, unplug, and prop the door open. And, use a disinfectant cleaner to eliminate all odors from garbage and recycling containers and lids.

Strip the beds and wash all sheets as well as any used towels, dishtowels, or soiled clothes. If you can't wash them, take them home with you. Oils from your body, traces of food, and bacteria in the fabric can attract insects and vermin.

If your linen or clothes cupboards are open, cover them with plastic. I use large green garbage bags. You may want to put mothballs in linens to further protect them. Some recommend cedar chips as another way to deter moths and other fabric eating insects.

Unplug the TV, stereo, microwave, refrigerator, and electric blankets. Basically, unplug everything! OR... turn off the main power supply on the circuit panel to prevent any electricity use during the winter.

In the garden

Empty hoses and store them in the garage or shed. Store your barbeque in a secure shed as food residues can attract animals. Stack and store lawn chairs in a shed or under the eaves or porch roof. Dismantle and store umbrellas and gazebos. Metal or glass tables will weather well but to protect your wood tables and other wooden outdoor furniture, store them in a shed or garage. These steps will prolong the life of your outdoor items and add years of enjoyment.

Empty all your flower pots, so they are ready for planting next spring. You'll be glad you did when it's time to replant!

Conserve on phone bills

As cell phones become more prevalent, more and more people are forgoing "land lines" at recreational properties but if you do have a land line you may be able to have your phone service suspended for a specific period without losing your phone number or paying re-installation charges. This can make a lot of sense if you will be closing the cabin for 3 - 6 months. Check with your phone company.

Security

Police say that more thefts occur from empty recreational properties during the winter than at any other time of the year. Make sure all doors and windows are secure and locked. Close blinds and curtains on all windows (upstairs and down). Some people install wood covers on windows and doors for added security.

Take an inventory and photographs of your dwelling and contents. Write down serial numbers where applicable. This will be of great benefit in the unfortunate event you have to make an insurance claim. Take anything that's really valuable (monetarily or emotionally) home for the winter and check with your insurance company regarding restrictions or conditions with respect to your coverage.

Now you can relax, secure in the knowledge that your retreat is secure for another winter.

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