Opening and Closing Your Cabin Seasonally. The Complete Checklist

Seasonal cabins require careful opening and closing procedures that year-round homes avoid entirely. Get these transitions wrong, and you return to frozen pipes, pest infestations, or systems that simply don’t work when you need them. This comprehensive checklist covers everything required for proper seasonal care, whether your cabin hibernates for three months or six.

Spring Opening Checklist

Before Arriving:

• Schedule propane delivery if your tank was depleted at closing
• Arrange for any service calls needed (pest control, HVAC inspection)
• Check weather forecasts and road conditions for access
• Bring all supplies needed for opening procedures

Exterior Walk-Through:

• Inspect foundation for settling, cracks, or frost heave damage
• Check all log walls for new checking, rot, or pest damage
• Examine roof for winter damage—missing shingles, damaged flashing, ice dam evidence
• Clear debris from around the foundation and deck
• Verify chimney cap is intact and flue is clear
• Check window wells and basement access points for water intrusion signs

Pest Assessment:

• Look for rodent droppings, nests, or entry points before disturbing anything
• Check for insect activity—carpenter ants, wasps, mice
• Inspect food storage areas for pest evidence
• Examine furniture and bedding for rodent damage
• Set fresh traps if any pest evidence is found

Water System Restart:

• Turn on water supply at main shutoff
• Slowly pressurize the system, watching for leaks
• Open all faucets and let air purge from lines
• Fill water heater completely before turning on heating element
• Check under all sinks for leaks
• Verify toilet fill and flush operation
• Test shower and tub drains
• Run dishwasher and washing machine through cycles, watching for leaks
• Reconnect outdoor hose bibs if isolated for winter

Electrical Systems:

• Reset all tripped breakers
• Test GFCI outlets
• Verify smoke and carbon monoxide detector operation
• Replace batteries in all detection devices
• Test emergency lighting if installed
• Check sump pump operation if applicable

HVAC and Heating:

• Replace HVAC filters
• Test heating system operation
• Clean wood stove and inspect chimney
• Verify propane system operation and check tank level
• Test air conditioning if applicable
• Clean ceiling fan blades

Interior Preparation:

• Open windows to air out the cabin
• Remove dust covers from furniture
• Vacuum thoroughly, including furniture
• Wash all bedding before first use
• Clean all bathrooms and kitchen surfaces
• Check refrigerator and freezer operation—wait 24 hours before loading food
• Inspect all appliances for proper operation

Fall Closing Checklist

Planning Ahead:

• Schedule closing for before hard freeze typically occurs
• Arrange for any final deliveries or pickups
• Have all winterization supplies ready—antifreeze, covers, pest deterrents
• Notify neighbors or caretakers of your departure date

Water System Winterization:

• Turn off water supply at main shutoff
• Turn off water heater and allow to cool
• Drain water heater completely using bottom valve
• Open all faucets—hot and cold—throughout the cabin
• Flush toilets and hold handle to drain tank completely
• Use shop vacuum or compressed air to blow remaining water from lines
• Drain dishwasher and washing machine—run short cycles after water is off
• Pour RV antifreeze into all drain traps—sinks, showers, floor drains
• Pour antifreeze into toilet bowls (do not use automotive antifreeze)
• Disconnect and drain outdoor shower if applicable
• Drain and store garden hoses
• Close and drain outdoor hose bibs

Kitchen Preparation:

• Remove all perishable food
• Clean out refrigerator and freezer completely
• Prop refrigerator and freezer doors slightly open to prevent mold
• Place open box of baking soda in both compartments
• Clean oven and stovetop
• Remove all trash
• Store dry goods in sealed, pest-proof containers

Pest Prevention:

• Seal all potential entry points with steel wool or caulk
• Place deterrents (peppermint oil, mothballs) in strategic locations
• Set traps in problem areas
• Remove all food and scented products that attract pests
• Eliminate nesting materials—store linens in sealed containers

Interior Protection:

• Cover furniture with sheets or dedicated covers
• Roll up and store area rugs
• Close all interior doors to limit pest movement
• Close fireplace damper
• Cover chimney top with pest-proof cap if not already installed
• Set thermostats to minimum safe temperature (usually 50-55 degrees)
• Unplug all non-essential electronics

Heating System Winter Mode:

• Verify propane tank has adequate supply for minimal heating
• Set thermostat to maintain minimum temperature
• Test that system operates correctly before leaving
• Consider adding temperature monitoring system for remote alerts

Security Measures:

• Lock all windows and doors
• Set any alarm or monitoring systems
• Notify neighbors or security service of your absence
• Consider leaving a low-wattage light on a timer
• Remove or secure valuables

Final Walk-Through:

• Verify water is completely off and drained
• Confirm heating system is operating
• Double-check all windows are closed and locked
• Ensure all exterior doors are secure
• Document cabin condition with dated photographs
• Leave contact information visible inside for emergency responders

Print this checklist and keep it at the cabin. The investment of a few hours at each transition prevents problems that would otherwise cost thousands to repair and weeks to resolve.