Opening and Closing a Lake House for the Season

Lake properties have a rhythm: open in spring, close in autumn. A written checklist turns two stressful weekends into routine ones.

Opening in spring

• Walk the outside first: roof, gutters, fallen branches, signs of animals.
• Turn on water and check for leaks before leaving it running.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries.
• Inspect the dock and steps for loose boards and rot.
• Check life jackets, ropes and any boat before the first trip out.

Closing in autumn

• Bring in or secure anything the wind or ice could move.
• Follow your plumber's or the manufacturer's advice for protecting pipes in freezing weather.
• Empty the fridge and leave the door propped open.
• Store cushions, paddles and life jackets dry.

Keep the list with the house

A laminated checklist in a kitchen drawer, updated each year with what you forgot, is the most useful document a lake house can have.

Share it with guests

If friends or family use the house, leave a short note on how the water, heating and boat work, plus emergency numbers.

Logged 2026-10-20