If you are one of the many Canadians lucky enough to have a cottage or summer home, then you have probably already been thinking about cottage season. Whether you’re opening your seasonal property or planning your first trip up north, getting ready for cottage season early can save you time and stress.
To get you ready for the upcoming summer season, you can find our list of tips to help you get the most out of your weekend up north.
1. Prepare For Cottage Season Before Heading Up North
Two or three days isn’t enough time to prepare for cottage season. That is why it’s important to do as much prep work as possible before heading out on the road to the cottage. This means buying groceries, prepping meals, and organizing your keys and tools in advance. It’s important to be extra diligent about packing everything, too!
Make sure you have everything you need to make any necessary repairs. It’s also important to have all of your important documents in one place before you head out. This may include insurance papers, IDS, and health cards in case of an emergency. If any major projects or renovations are needed on the property, consider hiring extra help to complete them before your arrival!
2. Properly Open The Cottage Before You Relax
The first weekend up at the cottage is one of the most exciting parts of summer. Upon the first arrival, it can be tempting to jump out of the car and head straight to the lake for a dip after a long ride. Although there is nothing wrong with this, it’s always a great idea to do a little maintenance first, so you don’t forget!
Turn on your water and electricity, and inspect all systems for any issues. To avoid overwhelming yourself later, it is also good to unpack what you can so you are ready to tackle the weekend ahead. Here is a quick checklist for opening your cottage before cottage season:
- Check for leaks
- Inspect the pipes
- Test all the appliances
- Air out the space
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3. Meal Planning for Cottage Season
Meal planning is one of the best ways to save time during cottage season. Cottage season is about relaxing, so plan your meals to ease the load on everyone during your getaway. Nobody wants to miss out on the fun of a cottage weekend by being stuck in the kitchen for hours.
Consider meal kits for one as a convenient option that saves you time and effort while still letting you enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals. If you are going with friends or a few family members, plan a schedule for who will cook what meal, and make sure it’s evenly distributed so everybody has a turn cooking.
Ask your cottage-goers to plan what they will make and have them write a list of the necessary ingredients beforehand. This way, everyone has the opportunity to have a meal cooked for them without the added stress! This is also a great time to show off your kitchen skills. If your guests won’t be with you for the entire trip, have them bring a dish for a specific meal and go potluck-style.
4. Assign Tasks And Chores Evenly
For example, when planning your meals, assigning different tasks to each guest is always a good idea so that everyone contributes to the weekend chores. Creating a schedule for tasks, such as taking out the garbage or doing the dishes, can ensure you properly prepare for cottage season! If everybody pitches in with these tasks, the weekend goes by much more smoothly, with less cleanup and hassle. The less cleanup there is, the more time to kick back and relax!
5. Clean As You Go
We all know a cottage is a place to let loose. However, clean up after yourself when you’re there as you would at home. Cleaning after cooking and completing tasks or games helps minimize the amount of packing you’ll have to do when it’s time to hit the road on Sunday. This will allow you to get going earlier and avoid any suspected traffic. A good thing to remember is that garbage and recycling may work differently in cottage country, so always put it out and dispose of it properly when you’re up north!
6. Prepare For Those Rainy Days During Cottage Season
Let’s face it, sometimes the weather isn’t on our side when we plan a weekend away. Rain or storms can interfere with your plans to sit outside by the water all day. That said, it doesn’t mean you still can’t have a great time with your family and friends. Prepare for this by packing an array of board games or decks of cards. For the evenings, have your Netflix list prepped for a cozy night by the fire. When it comes to getting your tan on, there’s always tomorrow!
7. Use Eco-Friendly Disposable Items!
We all know that cottage season is all about relaxing and getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. So feel free to cut some corners where you can! For example, cut down on dish-washing time by using eco-friendly utensils, cups, and plates for the weekend. You’ll help the environment with eco-friendly options and won’t need to worry about cleanup! As mentioned before, you can always cut down on meal prep by asking your guests to bring their favourite dishes.
8. Do Your Research In Advance
This one applies more if you rent a cottage for the weekend or don’t visit your cottage frequently. Before your trip, plan your drive to avoid major traffic. Let’s face it, you probably aren’t the only one planning a trip up north for the long weekend! You can also discuss the on-site amenities with the cottage owner. Make sure to research the local area for grocery stores, restaurants, and hardware stores, so you know exactly where to make a pit stop.
9. Pack Up Properly
Nobody likes leaving the cottage and returning to their everyday lives. But packing up and leaving are crucial steps when visiting the cottage! Make sure you have properly locked up the cottage and any sheds. Spend some time ensuring you have unplugged all the appliances you used. Ensure that your water and electricity are turned off if you don’t plan on returning anytime soon. Also, make sure you have taken out any garbage or recycling that needs to be discarded. There will be nothing worse than coming back up to the cottage and realizing your cottage is infested with flies or maggots because of old garbage.
10. Make Sure Your Insurance Is Up To Date!
Reviewing your cottage insurance before cottage season is essential. Seasonal homes often face unique risks, such as weather damage, theft, and liability issues. Make sure your policy is up to date so you’re protected all season long. So, before cottage season hits, review your cottage insurance policy before renewal! With seasonal home coverage, you can maintain most of the coverage you’d have on your primary residence.
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Other Questions You May Be Asking About Cottage Season
What is Cottage Season?
Cottage season typically refers to the summer months when Canadians open and use their seasonal homes, usually from late spring through early fall.
When does cottage season start?
Cottage season in Canada typically begins in late spring (May) and runs through early fall (September).
What should I do before opening my cottage?
Before cottage season begins, inspect your property, turn on utilities, check for damage, and stock essential supplies.
Do I need insurance for a cottage?
Yes, cottage insurance helps protect against risks such as fire, theft, and liability that may not be fully covered under standard home insurance.
Cottage Season Takeaways
By taking the time to prepare for cottage season in advance, you’ll spend less time dealing with unexpected issues and more time relaxing by the water, enjoying time with family and friends, and making lasting memories. Remember, the most important tip of all is to have fun and enjoy your weekend getaway! If you require a cottage insurance quote or are looking to make a claim, get in touch with us today!
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