Winterizing Your Cottage: The Ultimate Nova Scotia Storage Checklist

The last golden leaves are falling, the sweaters are out, and the crisp air has a distinct chill—that can only mean one thing for cottage owners across Nova Scotia: it’s time to close up for the season!

Leaving your beloved lakeside retreat vulnerable to freezing pipes, dampness, and winter pests is a recipe for a very expensive, and very frustrating, spring opening.

At Storage Inn, we help hundreds of Nova Scotians securely store their seasonal gear. Properly shutting down your cottage is crucial, and securing your equipment is where we come in. Use our ultimate checklist to prepare your property and secure your valuables in a climate-controlled storage unit until the thaw!

Phase 1: Securing the Property (Inside & Out)

Before anything comes to us, the cottage itself needs to be prepped to handle the long, cold stretch ahead.

1. Water Systems: Freeze Protection is Priority #1

This is the most critical step to prevent catastrophic damage.

Shut Off Main Water Supply: Locate and turn off the main water valve immediately. If you have a well, disconnect the power to the pump.
Drain All Lines: Open all faucets (highest to lowest), flush toilets, and run any water-using appliances (like dishwashers) until they are empty. Leave the lowest faucets slightly open to relieve pressure.
Antifreeze Protection: Pour a cup of non-toxic, RV/marine-grade antifreeze into every sink, shower, and toilet P-trap to prevent residual water from freezing and cracking the lines.
Water Heater: Drain the tank according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Critter Control: Make Your Cottage Uninviting

Mice and other critters view your empty cottage as a five-star hotel for the winter.

Remove All Food: Empty the fridge, freezer, and all cupboards of everything—even dry goods like pasta and flour attract pests. Defrost and prop the fridge door open slightly to prevent mildew.
Pest Deterrents: Scatter mothballs or cedar blocks in attics, basements, and cabinets. For extra protection, place screens or steel wool in any openings you find.

3. General Shutdown & Security

Appliances: Unplug all electronics and major appliances (TVs, microwaves, etc.) to prevent power surges from tripping breakers or damaging circuitry.
Heating: Turn down or completely shut off the main heat source, but some experts suggest leaving the thermostat set to a low temperature (e.g., $10^{\circ}\text{C}$) to keep ambient humidity down and prevent pipe freezing completely.
Valuables: Take home any truly irreplaceable valuables, firearms, or expensive alcohol.
Final Walkthrough: Take date-stamped photos of the interior and exterior for insurance purposes. Lock everything securely.

Phase 2: Essential Items for Off-Site Storage (What to Bring to Us!)

Once the cottage is secure, focus on moving the vulnerable or bulky items that don’t belong in a potentially damp or cold shed for six months. This is where Storage Inn steps in! We recommend climate-controlled units for maximum protection.

Item Category	Key Storage Step	Why Use Our Facility?
Outdoor Furniture	Clean thoroughly, dry completely, and stack if possible.	Protects against harsh freeze/thaw cycles that crack plastic and wood. Crucially, store cushions indoors to prevent mildew.
Boats, Kayaks, ATVs	Drain all fluids, remove electronics/batteries, cover securely.	Indoor, secure storage deters theft and protects sensitive engines/electronics from extreme cold that can cause cracking or corrosion.
Small Engine Equipment	Drain gas tanks completely; store batteries off-site.	Protects against stale fuel corrosion and prevents battery damage from freezing temperatures.
Upholstery & Textiles	Remove all cushions, pillows, and decorative rugs.	Climate control prevents mold, mildew, and warping from humidity swings common in unheated sheds.
Paper & Collectibles	Remove photo albums, important documents, and paper goods.	Protects against moisture, which causes paper to buckle, yellow, and grow mold.
Propane Tanks	Disconnect tanks and store them outside of any enclosed building.	Safety First! Propane tanks should never be stored indoors, even in a storage unit. Bring the tanks home or store them in a dedicated outdoor shed/area.

Your Nova Scotia Winter Storage Solution

Don’t let the winter wreak havoc on your East Coast escape! Taking the time now to properly prepare your cottage—and securing your outdoor gear and soft furnishings in a safe, dry space—will guarantee you open up to relaxation, not costly repairs, next spring.