After a long, cold winter, one of the first priorities for most cottage-owners is getting out to their property to open it up for the summer.
The first cottage weekend of the year is always an exciting one, but it’s one that involves just as much work as it does relaxation. Winter can be tough on cottage properties, and you never really know what you’re going to find when you arrive, which is why it is important to be prepared for anything.
Here’s a short checklist of things to keep in mind when opening up your cottage so it’s ready for the first long weekend of the year.
Be Prepared to Repair
No matter how big or small your cottage is, there’s a good chance you’ll need to do at least a few repairs around the property when you arrive. Winter storms, frozen pipes, and animal infestations can all cause damage, so make sure to pack a basic repair kit including tools, caulking, and patching materials.
It’s also a good idea to make sure your insurance papers are handy, in the event of more significant damage.
Cleaning Supplies
No matter how careful you are about putting your cottage to bed at the end of the season, you’re going to have to give it a good clean when you arrive. And if animals have gotten into the place while you’re away, you’ll definitely want high-powered cleaners on hand to get rid of strong odours and stains.
Order Food in Advance
One of the biggest challenges with the first cottage trip of the year is always how to get everything you need up to the property. For those who don’t have big trucks or SUVs, packing all your supplies in can be a big challenge.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to make sure that whenever possible you have your food delivered directly to the property itself. It will save time shopping, and will also free up space in your car for important supplies. You can click here to learn more about specialized meat delivery services that can offer you delivery even at the cottage.
Bring Batteries and a Generator, Just in Case
One of the biggest problems facing cottages that are tied into the power grid is electricity cut-offs caused by downed power lines. This isn’t the sort of problem you can fix on your own, which is why you should make sure you have a backup power source in case you need to call an electrician.
Don’t Forget to Have Fun
While there’s going to be plenty to do in that first weekend back, don’t forget to schedule yourself some downtime. Spring is a beautiful season, and being able to spend a few quiet hours soaking in the solitude and splendour of the outdoors is the reason you have a cottage in the first place!
Though it involves a lot of work and planning, for most cottage-owners, the first trip up at the beginning of spring is one of the most exciting of the year. Getting out of the city, smelling the freshness of turned earth and lake water, and seeing new life blooming around you is rejuvenating, and going back to your favourite summer retreat is sure to trigger many happy memories.
