Summer is finally drawing to a close. While the cooler weather is something everyone can enjoy, it’s also a sign that it’s time to close up your vacation home for the season. There’s more to the process than simply locking the doors and windows. Before you head home for the fall, follow these tips to make sure the house is ready for everything colder weather can bring.

4 Tips for Preparing a Vacation Home for the Winter

1. Take a Walk

Before you start closing up the house for the season, take a walk around the property with a notepad in hand. As you walk, make a note of the tasks and repairs you need to accomplish before leaving the property. Note issues or problems that can be left for the following summer and start prioritizing now to help you figure out your budget for the following season.

2. Turn Off the Water Supply

You never know when cold weather will strike and the last thing any vacation homeowner wants to do is risk ruptured pipes at their summer home. Before leaving the property, turn the water supply off. If you have a sprinkler system, blow the water out of the lines. Once the water is off, run the faucets to drain any remaining water out of the lines. This will keep the pipes in good shape throughout the winter, even if the cold temperatures last for weeks. Remember, a single ruptured pipe can lead to catastrophic water damage.

3. Give the Home a Deep Cleaning

Give yourself a head start on next year’s summer season and clean the vacation home thoroughly. Wipe down the countertops, clean out the refrigerator and freezer, scrub the oven, and clean the bathrooms from top to bottom. You’ll still have to dust and do light cleaning when the weather warms up, but you’ll have far less to do if you deep clean at the end of the season.

4. Put Outdoor Furniture Away

Summer is the season of cookouts and lounging in the sun. Before you leave the house for the season, bring any furniture, grills, yard games, and accessories inside. If you have a garage, they should be fine stored there. If not, put them in the entryway of the house. Even a small amount of shelter can help keep the materials in better condition and extend the life of your yard accessories.

Follow these tips, and your vacation home will be well prepared for the winter. If you don’t have a vacation property and still want to get away before the cold weather sets in, contact Heritage Land Company in Susanville, CA. They have the perfect vacation rentals for your needs, whether you’re looking for cabins for rent or want to relax by the lake. Learn more about their properties online or by calling (530) 825-2131.