Home Prep Before a Cottage Trip: The Complete Checklist

Before leaving for a cottage trip of 3 to 14 days, Canadian homeowners should complete a short-absence checklist covering security, utilities, climate control, and maintenance. Key tasks include locking all entry points, setting light timers, adjusting the thermostat, pausing deliveries, and addressing any outstanding repairs. Proper home prep before a cottage trip reduces the risk of break-ins, water damage, and returning to unpleasant surprises. If you spot issues before you leave, booking a Baeumler Approved contractor to handle them quickly is the smartest move.

Why Home Prep Before a Cottage Trip Matters

Summer cottage season is one of the best parts of being Canadian. However, an unoccupied home left without proper preparation is one of the most common causes of preventable damage, insurance headaches, and security incidents every year.

Whether you are heading out for a long weekend or a two-week retreat, a solid home prep before your cottage trip protects your property, keeps your insurance valid, and lets you actually relax once you get there.

Most Canadian home insurance policies include vacancy clauses that can affect your coverage if your home sits unoccupied for more than a set period without regular check-ins. Review your policy before you leave and confirm requirements with your broker.

The Complete Home Prep Before Cottage Trip Checklist

1. Lock Down Every Entry Point

Walk through your home and check every door, window, and sliding door. Lock secondary entry points that are easy to overlook, including basement windows, garage side doors, and garden gate latches.

• Front and back doors: deadbolts locked, no hidden spare keys under mats or planters
• Windows: locked and any cranks or levers removed where possible
• Garage door: manually locked or the wall button disabled if you have a smart system
• Sliding doors: use a security bar or pin in addition to the standard latch

The RCMP recommends securing all entry points and removing any tools or ladders from the yard that could be used to access upper-level windows or skylights. See the RCMP home security tips for a complete overview.

2. Set Up Light Timers to Simulate Occupancy

A dark, silent house signals vacancy. Light timers are one of the most effective deterrents available. Set indoor lights on varied schedules so the pattern looks natural rather than mechanical.

• Use smart plugs or timer outlets for living room and bedroom lamps
• Program exterior motion-sensor lights to cover blind spots around the driveway and back yard
• Avoid leaving lights on continuously as this is also a clear signal that nobody is home

For homeowners who have not yet upgraded their exterior lighting, this is a worthwhile improvement before cottage season. Read our guide on outdoor lighting to improve curb appeal and security to see what works best for Canadian properties.

3. Adjust Your Thermostat — But Do Not Turn It Off

For a 3- to 14-day absence, never turn off your thermostat entirely. In summer, set it between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius to prevent heat damage, warping, and humidity issues. Do not go higher, as excess heat can warp wood flooring and damage electronics.

If your home has a smart thermostat, you can monitor and adjust temperature remotely, which adds flexibility if your trip runs longer than planned. This is one of many reasons why home electrical upgrades like smart thermostats and modern panels pay off before the busy season.

4. Decide on Water Shutoff Based on Trip Length

For short absences of 3 to 5 days, shutting off the main water supply is optional but recommended. For trips of one week or longer, shutting off the main valve and draining exposed supply lines is a smart precaution against unexpected leaks or pipe failures.

• 3 to 5 days: shut off under-sink valves on washing machines and dishwashers; leave main on
• 6 to 14 days: shut off main water supply valve and run faucets briefly to release pressure in lines
• Any length: unplug and drain the ice maker line and shut off garden hose bibs

A slow leak or failed supply hose can cause thousands of dollars in damage within hours. Taking five minutes to close valves before you leave is straightforward insurance.

5. Pause Deliveries and Manage Mail

A pile of packages at the front door and an overflowing mailbox are clear signals that nobody is home. Pause any regular deliveries, put a hold on mail through Canada Post, and ask a trusted neighbour to collect anything that arrives regardless.

• Canada Post mail hold: submit a hold request online at least 24 hours in advance
• Pause subscription boxes, newspapers, or recurring grocery deliveries
• Ask a neighbour to pull in any flyers or notices left at the door
• Hold off posting about your trip on social media until you are home

6. Arrange a Trusted Check-In

The Canada Safety Council recommends having a trusted person visit your home at least every few days during a short absence. Give a neighbour or family member a spare key, your emergency contact number, and a brief list of what to look for, including signs of a leak, entry points, and whether the lights and timers are functioning.

Some insurance policies require check-ins every 48 to 72 hours for a claim to remain valid during a vacancy. Verify your policy requirements before you leave. Read more at the Canada Safety Council.

7. Handle Perishables and Appliances

Coming home to a spoiled fridge after two weeks away is entirely avoidable. Clear out perishables before departure, empty the dishwasher, and take out any garbage to prevent odour and pests. Unplug non-essential appliances to reduce phantom power draw and eliminate the risk of electrical faults while you are away.

• Clear out the fridge of produce, dairy, and anything expiring within the week
• Empty and unplug the dishwasher
• Take out all garbage and recycling
• Unplug televisions, computers, gaming consoles, and kitchen appliances
• Leave the fridge running on a moderate setting unless the trip exceeds two weeks

8. Repairs to Handle Before Your Cottage Trip

Before locking the door, walk through the home and note any issues you have been putting off. A dripping faucet, a loose soffit panel, a sticky door lock, or a flickering exterior light are all minor issues that can become expensive problems when left unattended for two weeks in summer heat.

If you spot something that genuinely should not be left, book a Baeumler Approved contractor to address it before you leave. A small repair done now is always cheaper than the damage it prevents. As our article on the hidden cost of waiting to book your renovation outlines, delay is usually the most expensive choice.

Find a Baeumler Approved Contractor Before You Leave

Home Prep Mistakes to Avoid Before Your Cottage Trip

• Leaving ladders outside: store them in the garage or locked shed before departure
• Keeping a spare key under the mat: use a lockbox with a code instead, or leave the spare with a trusted person
• Posting on social media before you return: wait until you are back home to share vacation photos
• Skipping the thermostat adjustment: extreme indoor heat can warp floors, damage artwork, and stress appliances
• Forgetting to check your insurance policy: some policies void coverage after 30 days of vacancy without proper check-ins
• Ignoring that dripping faucet: supply line failures cause the majority of interior water damage claims in Canadian homes

The Baeumler Approved Difference

Bryan Baeumler built Baeumler Approved because he saw too many homeowners return from vacation to discover that the contractor they hired before leaving had cut corners, disappeared, or caused new problems. Every professional in the Baeumler Approved network is screened for workmanship, licensing, insurance, and integrity.

Good People. Good Work. is not a tagline. It is the standard every member is held to. Whether you need a licensed electrician to install exterior lighting, a plumber to check your main shutoff valve, or a handyman to address the repair list you have been putting off, you can find a vetted professional through Baeumler Approved before you leave for the season.

If you are thinking about longer-term home improvements before next summer, our 2026 home maintenance checklist for Canadian homeowners is a good place to start planning. And for homeowners who travel more than once a year, our guide on protecting your home while you travel this winter covers the cold-weather version of this same checklist.

Find a Baeumler Approved Contractor Near You

Book a Baeumler Approved Contractor Before You Head to the Cottage