Closing the Cabin for the Winter

1. Bring in the dock. It’s important to keep up with maintenance on your dock, including bringing it in before the lake becomes iced over. Ice can damage a dock just in one season. It’s important to have at least 2-3 people to help bring in the dock.
2. Winterize the boat and cover it properly. If you do not have an area to protect it from the wind, snow, animals, etc., we highly recommend having it shrink-wrapped for the winter.
3. Store cushions, life jackets, floatations and any other water toys. These items need to be completely dry to prevent mold and mildew. It’s also important to have a well-ventilated space with no critters, since mice can wreck havoc on these types of items.
4. Speaking of critters, spot check your interior and exterior. Check floorboards, vents, eaves, roofs and any other points of entry that critters might use to make their way in. And if critters have been an issue in the past, consider leaving out mouse traps for the winter, cover heating vents and check for holes around the exterior of your home.
5. Turn off the water, plumbing and furnace. If you are completely closing up for winter, you should bleed the pipes and shut down plumbing. You should also consider pouring anti-freeze in the toilets to prevent freezing and cracking. Always use non-toxic waterline anti-freeze!
6. Unplug all appliances, lamps, charging cables, etc. Check the outlets behind couches, under beds and in conspicuous places you might otherwise forget. Remember, if you have a gas stove, it is important to turn off the pilot light as well.
7. Make it look occupied. Although you may not be enjoying the cabin in the winter, it’s important to make it look like someone is living there or at least frequently visiting. Snow removal is a big one. If the snow drifts sit untouched all winter, that is a dead giveaway that no one is monitoring the property and may be a target for unwanted visitors. If you aren’t going to occasionally check on the cabin, consider hiring a trustworthy individual who can do that for you.
8. Countdown the days for cabin opening!

If you have any questions about cabin ownership in the Brainerd Lakes area, please feel free to reach out by phone at 218-820-7355 or by email at sales(at)upnorthproperties(dotted)com.