Cottage Closing Tips

Here’s a handy checklist:

If you are leaving the electricity on at your cottage:

• Go room to room and unplug any unnecessary electrical devices. Consider turning off the power supply to major appliances or space heaters at the main panel.
  

• Remember to change the batteries if using a digital thermostat to control your electric furnace or baseboard heaters. If your batteries are dead, power outages and restorations can reset the thermostat to a setting of 20 to 22⁰C. It is likely this setting is much higher than your chosen setting and will result in an unexpected high bill.
  

If you are turning off the electricity at your cottage:

• Go room to room to turn off and unplug all electrical devices before flipping the main power switch. 
  

• Drain the plumbing system to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
  

• Drain your water tank. Just remember to turn off the power supply to the water heater first to avoid damaging the heating element.
  

• Leave the door to the refrigerator ajar to avoid a foul smell in the spring. Remove all food from the refrigerator and cupboards.
  

• Ensure all windows are closed and the fireplace damper is shut tightly to prevent animals from getting inside during the winter.  
  

• Store extension cords in rodent-proof containers. Check all cords for damage before using them again in the spring. 
  

• Take photos of each room and outside the cottage just in case there’s damage during the winter and you need to file a claim with your insurance company. 
  

Find more information about opening and closing your seasonal residence here.