Closing Up the Cabin for Winter: A Practical Checklist

There is a particular feeling to the last weekend at the lake in fall. The air is sharp, the water is quiet, and you know the place needs to be ready for a long northern winter. A good checklist makes closing up calm rather than rushed, and it helps you open in spring without surprises.

Water: the most important job

Frozen pipes cause more winter damage at lake homes than almost anything else. If the home will be unheated or kept at a low temperature, water needs careful attention. If you are not sure how your system should be winterized, have a qualified plumber do it the first time and watch how it is done.

• Shut off the main water supply and the well pump if the home will not be heated.
• Drain the water lines, opening faucets on every level.
• Drain the water heater, following the manufacturer's directions, and turn it off.
• Drain or blow out lines to outdoor spigots and any lake water systems.
• Add plumbing antifreeze to traps and toilets as recommended for your system.
• Disconnect and store hoses.

If you keep the home heated through winter, still shut off water to outdoor fixtures and consider a water shutoff when no one is there.

Heat and the house itself

Decide whether the home will be heated, set low, or fully shut down, and plan around that choice. A heated home needs a reliable fuel supply and a way to know if the heat fails.

• Have the furnace or boiler serviced before the cold sets in.
• Confirm propane or fuel delivery arrangements for the winter.
• Consider a remote temperature and water sensor that alerts your phone.
• Close the fireplace damper and make sure ashes are cold and removed.
• Clean gutters so snowmelt drains properly.
• Check the roof for loose shingles or flashing before snow load arrives.
• Unplug appliances and electronics that do not need to run.

As a builder, I always suggest a walk around the outside of the house. Look for gaps where siding meets the foundation, damaged vents and anything that could let water or animals in.

Keeping pests out

An empty cabin in the woods is an inviting place for mice and other animals. A little effort now saves a lot of cleanup in spring.

• Remove all food, including pantry items, pet food and birdseed.
• Clean the kitchen thoroughly and empty the refrigerator. Prop the door open if it will be off.
• Seal gaps around pipes, vents and doors.
• Store linens and bedding in sealed containers.
• Close chimney caps and check screens on vents.

Docks, lifts and the shoreline

Ice can be hard on anything left in the water. Many owners on the chain pull docks and lifts each fall, while others have systems designed to stay in. Follow the manufacturer's guidance for your equipment, and be cautious about doing heavy dock work alone in cold water.

• Remove docks and lifts, or secure them as designed for winter.
• Store dock sections well above the water line.
• Pull swim rafts and other floating items.
• Bring in kayaks, paddleboards, cushions and lake toys.
• Take a look at the shoreline and note any erosion to address in spring.

If you are considering new dock or lift equipment, ask the Minnesota DNR and your county or city what applies to your shore before you buy.

Boats and motors

Boat winterizing is its own job, and many owners have it done by a qualified marine service. In general, the steps include:

• Stabilizing fuel and running the engine to circulate it, or following the engine maker's guidance.
• Changing oil and lower unit fluids as recommended.
• Draining water from the engine and any onboard systems.
• Cleaning, drying and covering the boat, or shrink-wrapping for outdoor storage.
• Removing or maintaining batteries as recommended.

Before the boat leaves the water for the year, remember the habit that protects the whole chain: clean, drain and dry, so nothing hitches a ride to another lake.

Before you lock the door

• Lock windows and doors and close blinds.
• Set lights on timers if you like.
• Leave a key and your contact information with a trusted neighbor or caretaker.
• Arrange for snow removal if anyone will need access.
• Check your insurance policy for any vacancy or unoccupied-home provisions. Requirements depend on the carrier, so ask your agent.
• Take photos of each room for your records.

As a licensed insurance agent as well as a builder, I see how much simple preparation helps if something ever does go wrong. Good records and a home that was closed carefully make any conversation with a carrier easier.

Talk it over with David

Closing up is also a natural time to think about the future of the place. If you are wondering what your lake home is worth or what your options might be, a private valuation is a quiet way to start, and the sellers page explains how I work. You can also learn more about your lake in our lake guides.

Begin a private valuation · Call/Text 218.513.2677

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