Winterizing Your Cottage: Essential Tips and Products for a Cozy Winter Closure

In our family, Thanksgiving wasn’t just about relaxing around the table, eating turkey and mashed potatoes. It was also the weekend we took on the task of closing our family cottage, knowing that a job well done meant a hassle-free spring opening.

And as owners of a Home Hardware in Kawartha Lakes, we’ve had the privilege of meeting countless customers getting their own retreats ready for winter. We've picked up a few tricks along the way and become the go-to place for all things winterizing.

a) Prevent Pests and Unpleasant Surprises:

As the winter chill sets in, your cottage becomes an inviting shelter for all sorts of critters seeking warmth. To keep pesky mice at bay, here are some practical tips:

• Remove Perishable Food: Don't leave any perishable food items behind. Empty your pantry, fridge, and cupboards to avoid attracting rodents.Clean Thoroughly: Wipe down countertops, clean out crumbs in cupboards, and give your fridge a thorough cleaning. Mice love food residue.
   
• Store Non-Perishables Securely: Invest in rubbermaid containers with lids or ziplock bags for items like soap, which mice find quite appetizing. They also like to get into open boxes of tissue or paper towel to make their nests so if you’re leaving items like this in your cottage over the winter then put them in packaging that mice can’t get into. 
   

• Secure Linens: Place your linens in garbage bags and tie them up tightly to prevent mice from making nests in them. A trick we use is placing Bounce dryer sheets in the garbage bags full of linens, as well as in cupboard drawers. We also put Bounce sheets on the mattresses. For some reason mice don’t like the smell of scented dryer sheets. 
   
• Use Deterrents: Consider placing mothballs or cedar balls in areas where you want to keep mice out. These scents are known to deter rodents.
   

b)  Mold and Mildew Prevention:

During the winter months, when your cottage is closed and less ventilated, moisture can accumulate, creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth. Left unchecked, mold and mildew can damage wood, fabric, and even pose health risks to anyone spending time in the cottage. Cleaning surfaces, especially in areas prone to moisture like bathrooms and kitchens, and ensuring there's no food residue can help reduce the risk of mold and mildew formation. A great product we use when cleaning and drying areas prone to moisture is called “Mold Control” by Concrobium. 

As temperatures drop, one of the critical steps in winterizing your cottage is properly draining the water systems, including water heaters and irrigation, if applicable. Failing to do so can result in frozen and burst pipes, including those connected to your water heater, which can lead to costly repairs. To prevent this, make sure to thoroughly drain your pipes and systems. Additionally, it's essential to use antifreeze in the right places to protect your plumbing from extreme cold. Given the potential negative consequences of improper winterization, such as damage to your water heater and plumbing, we recommend consulting or hiring a professional if you're not confident in handling this task yourself. 

During the winter, one of the top concerns for cottage owners is keeping pests at bay. Mice, in particular, pose a significant risk as they seek warmth and shelter indoors. An unchecked mouse infestation can lead to property damage and unpleasant surprises upon your return in the spring. To tackle this, your local Home Hardware or hardware store will offer a range of mouse control products, including traps, repellents, and barriers, to help keep these unwanted guests out of your cottage.

Speaking from our own experience, we've been winterizing our boat house for the past few years, and a product we highly recommend is "Pest Chaser" by Victor. 

When it comes to winterizing your cottage, one task that often gets overlooked is sealing gaps and cracks. It's a simple yet crucial step with multiple benefits. Not only does it keep pests like mice and insects out, but it also plays a significant role in keeping your cottage well-contained and clean throughout the winter months, protecting it from the elements outside. By sealing openings around windows, doors, pipes, and other potential entry points, you create a barrier against unwanted intruders seeking shelter from the cold. Moreover, a well-sealed cottage is more energy-efficient, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature and potentially reducing heating costs.

Keeping your roof and gutters clear of leaves and debris is essential to the overall maintenance of your cottage. As the fall leaves begin to fall, they can accumulate on your roof and clog your gutters, causing potential water damage and structural issues. To tackle this, consider using tools such as a sturdy ladder, a leaf blower, or a roof rake to safely clear away debris and always be extremely careful doing this task or consider hiring a professional. Regular maintenance ensures proper water drainage and extends the lifespan of your roof and gutter systems.

Before closing up your cottage for the winter, it's crucial to secure outdoor furniture and equipment. Harsh winter winds and snowstorms can wreak havoc on unsecured items, causing damage and making a mess. To protect your outdoor investments, use products like tarps to cover and shield furniture, bungee cords to secure loose items, and storage solutions such as sheds or containers for seasonal equipment. By taking these precautions, you'll not only preserve the condition of your outdoor belongings but also ensure a tidy and hassle-free spring opening.

Ensuring the security of your cottage is paramount, especially during the winter months when it may be unattended for extended periods. Consider investing in security measures such as motion detector lights, which can deter potential intruders by flooding the area with light upon detecting motion. Solar-powered options are both eco-friendly and efficient. At our family cottage, we found that securing the property's perimeter with a chain across the driveway served as a visible deterrent to trespassers, signalling that the property was attended to and protected. Explore these options to find the right combination of security measures that suits your cottage's needs and provides peace of mind during the winter season.