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Article written by LakeHomes.com intern Sarah Wright. Originally published on November 20, 2023.
As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, it’s approaching that period of the year when preparations are needed to ensure your lake home is sealed and well-maintained for during the off-season. Taking proactive steps can be a time- and cost-saving measure as winter approaches and temperatures drop. Lake property owners who plan to leave their homes unattended during the off-season, make sure to complete all the tasks on this checklist before securing your lake cabin for winter.
The Interior
For the inside of your lake home, there are a number of tasks to complete. Most are obvious, whereas some are often overlooked but are nevertheless crucial for ensuring your home’s safety during the off-season. Here is a list for your home’s interiors:
- Turn off your water heater.
- Throw away all perishables.
- Unplug all of your appliances.
- Check your fireplace—make sure there are no places where animals can find an entry or where cold air can enter.
- Exposed pipes can become frozen; be sure to insulate pipes in unheated parts of the house and open cabinets to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
- Set your thermostat at 55 degrees Fahrenheit for both day and night.
- Cover your furniture to prevent sun damage.
- Make sure all windows and doors are completely closed.
The Exterior
To ensure your lake cabin’s exterior is primed and ready for the cold and harsh winter elements, make sure these important items are marked off your list.
- Outdoor equipment and furniture should be brought indoors.
- Mow the lawn on your last visit during the summertime; winterize the lawnmower.
- Turn off the outside breakers.
- Clean your gutters.
- Seal any outside air leaks.
- Prepare your exterior pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting.
- Make sure no tree limbs are hanging over your house that could potentially fall and damage it.
For more information on prepping your property for the off-season, check out Lake Homes Realty CEO Glenn S. Phillips’ tips for winterizing your lake home.