Cottage Opening Checklist

I don't know about you, but we're excited to even be writing this post! Cottage season is finally around the corner and we couldn't be more ready after a winter like that. Although opening the cottage is probably the most exciting time of the year, it can also be a stressful time. As always, the proper planning can help alleviate this stress. So, we've scoured the internet and put together the ULTIMATE cottage opening checklist. Before you even leave your house, there's a few key things to make sure are in order.

• Be sure to have called your utility service providers before you make your way to the cottage to avoid any interruptions.
• Verify that all your insurance papers for your boats or trailers are up to date.
• Put some form of toolkit together for repairs and don’t forget the duct tape.
• You’re definitely going to need to do a little bit of cleaning this weekend so don't forget those supplies.

Before you walk down to the dock and crack open a beer it's probably best to check these other items.

• Do a preliminary walk-around inspection of the cottage.
• Trim back trees overhanging the cottage.
• Gather loose brush into piles for kindling.
• Check for and replace chewed electrical wires.
• Put up screens and patch holes before bugs find them.
• Take care of foot valve.
• Reconnect water pipes.
• Check for shifting foundations.
• Prime and start the pump.
• Clean eavestroughs.
• Buy fuel for oil lamps.
• Discard food in pantry if it shows signs of mice or bug visitation.
• Check appliances for critter damage or habitation before turning on.
• Fill the hot-water tank (before turning on the heating element).
• Test batteries in flashlights and smoke and CO detectors.
• Clean the wood stove and fireplace chimneys.
• Inspect and tighten loose deck stairs and railings.
• Inspect life preservers for damage; make sure there are enough for everybody.
• Hammer in raised nails on dock and repair loose boards.