Preparing Your Cottage for Summer: A Complete Checklist
There is no better feeling than getting out of the city for a while, breathing fresh air, and soaking in the sun at the cottage. That being said, without the right preparation, your time may be spent worrying instead of getting some much-needed relaxation.
At James Campbell Insurance, we put you first. Our clients are our top priority and the backbone behind everything we do. For this reason, we’ve put together a complete checklist of the six things you should do to prepare your cottage for summer so you can spend less time stressing and more time relaxing.
1. Prepare, prepare, prepare
This advice may seem obvious; however, you would be surprised at how many people leave their cottage planning to the last minute. Even if you are an expert packer, two or three days truly isn’t enough time to prepare for a full season of cottage activities.
Preparing for the summer season at your cottage goes beyond simply packing the right outfits. It also involves buying groceries, prepping meals, and organizing any outstanding items like multiple sets of keys, as well as tools you may need.
When packing for your time away, it’s important to be extra diligent. While you cannot predict every possible scenario, you can put yourself in a position to be ready for multiple different possibilities. Having everything you need to make any necessary repairs will go a long way in ensuring your visit happens smoothly.
In addition, you should organize any important documents you may need to access while at the cottage. These can include insurance papers, IDs, and health cards, in case of an emergency. If there are major projects or renovations taking place at the property, you will require copies of any permits, contracts, etc. Keep in mind, however, it’s ideal to complete these before the season officially begins!
Seasonal homes are often more susceptible to theft, vandalism, and other damage than average residential, full-time homes. Fortunately, cottage insurance in Ontario helps protect against these incidents while also offering peace of mind when you’re not using the space.
2. Properly open up the cottage
Anyone who owns a cottage—whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro—knows that the first weekend is often the most exciting. After being cooped up all winter, there’s nothing better than taking in fresh air for the first time before diving into the lake for that initial dip. However, while there’s nothing wrong with wanting to relax right away, we recommend you complete some general maintenance on the cottage first.
Don’t be afraid to open some windows in order to air out the space. Check the plumbing and electrical panels to ensure everything is running properly. Remember to turn on the water and electricity immediately so you can use the facilities as needed. It is important to check for any leaks or issues that may have popped up over the winter. It’s also a good idea to unpack things sooner rather than later, saving yourself both time and stress once you’re settled in.
When selecting your cottage insurance in Ontario, it’s important to consider what exclusions are listed. For the same reasons that you should complete regular maintenance on your cottage, you also want to ensure you will be protected if you ever have to file a claim. You may want to discuss additional coverage for more comprehensive protection if necessary with your broker.
3. Meal prep ahead of time
Although barbequing may be a relaxing activity for some portion of your trip, you don’t want to spend all your cottage time in the kitchen cooking. Whether you’re going with family or friends, it can be helpful to determine a cooking schedule where everyone contributes an equal amount. Planning ahead gives everyone the chance to have input into the types of meals you will be having, while giving you enough time to purchase the necessary ingredients.
Having everyone take responsibility for at least one meal ensures that each individual has a chance to relax. You can even use this time as an excuse to experiment with some new recipes, show off your personal cooking skills, or even whip out a cottage favourite. The possibilities are endless when you plan far enough ahead! Ensure you are checking the stove and barbeque are clean and free of any vermin debris to avoid potential fires.
4. Distribute chores
Similar to the other elements of cottage preparation, planning for the eventuality of various household chores is essential. The duration of your cottage stay, along with the number of visitors you plan on having, will help determine the number of chores you will need to complete.
Consider creating a schedule for the different chores that must be completed. These could include taking out the garbage, doing the dishes, washing laundry, etc. Having everyone pitch in for the different tasks ensures the time spent there will feel effortless.
Another good trick is to clean as you go. This may sound like a cliche, but it could really come in handy near the end of your trip. While you should let loose and have fun, taking the time to clean up after cooking, playing games, or completing tasks will help minimize the amount of packing and maintenance you need to do before leaving. Ensuring your cottage is kept in a clean, decluttered condition can help prevent potential losses.
5. When it rains, it pours
Despite your extensive planning and preparation ahead of time, the weather can still be unpredictable. Rain storms often happen at the worst times, interfering with any outdoor plans, for instance. When this is the case, it’s important to pack a wide variety of indoor activities such as board games, decks of cards, and even special treats that you can spend the day cooking.
When you first arrive, you should also ensure that the entire cottage is weather-proofed or at least capable of resisting any potential rain. The last thing you want to experience is flooding or leaks due to the weather. Review the expected forecast ahead of time and pack accordingly.
It’s also a good idea to have an emergency kit readily available in case of a power outage or severe weather incident. Having flashlights, batteries, satellite radios, etc., could mean the difference between being stuck in the dark or not.
Whether you already own a seasonal home or cottage or are looking to purchase one, it’s important to ensure that you have the right level of cottage insurance in Ontario to protect against fire, weather damage, theft, or vandalism.
6. Confirm your insurance covers everything
When cottage season rolls around, it’s as important to confirm your cottage insurance as it is to pack your favourite pool floaty. When preparing for your trip, review your cottage insurance in Ontario, ensuring it is up to date and offers the complete coverage you require.
If it’s renewal time, then you will want to finish that process ahead of time. Most cottage insurance in Ontario provides similar coverage to primary home insurance, with the option to include other cottage staples such as boats or recreational vehicles.
Where to Get Cottage Insurance in Ontario
James Campbell Insurance has helped many Canadians find the right policy for their holiday cottages. Hopefully, this guide will help you prepare for the next cottage season. To get a quote for your cottage insurance in Ontario, call us today at 1-833-459-1065 or contact us here.