Top Tips for Closing the Cabin
By Paul Reynolds on SelfStorAll
As autumn makes its grand arrival, the time has also come to close your summer getaway. Following some practical tips can help to protect your investment and ensure your return in the spring is a pleasant one.
“In the off season, our summer homes are often left to fend for themselves,” says Carla Bouchard, a broker with Royal LePage Metro in Moncton, New Brunswick. “By following a regimen of indoor tasks to prepare your cabin for the winter months, will help prevent damage from water, weather and pests.” Bouchard recommends the following:
1. Drain the plumbing. Turn off your water system and drain your hot water tank, toilet, sink traps and appliances. If excess water remains, siphon it into a bucket. In areas where water cannot be siphoned, use a non-toxic anti-freeze.
2. Place mothballs in strategic locations. Mothballs can help prevent animal and insect infestations. Place them with linens, bedding and under seat cushions.
3. Cover your windows with shutters and apply weather stripping. Shutters deter intruders and protect your upholstery from fading by blocking out sunlight. Add weather stripping on the inside of windows and door frames to protect against moisture and the outside elements.
4. Pack up all food and bring it home. Canned and packaged goods can break open under freezing temperatures and attract pests. It’s best not to leave things to chance. Like your perishables, all food items should be packed up and brought home.
5. Turn off and unplug electrical appliances. Unplug all fixtures and appliances to avoid damage from power surges. This includes your baseboard heaters, which are responsible for many fires when summer homes are unattended during the winter.