Quick answer: A cottage closing checklist covers three jobs: clean out anything that spoils or attracts pests, clean and dry every room so nothing sits damp all winter, and secure the place. Empty and clean the refrigerator, wash all bedding and towels, clean bathrooms and the kitchen, vacuum and wipe floors, take out every bit of trash, and leave doors open inside so air can move. Have your plumber or caretaker handle water lines.
Closing a seasonal home in Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor, Walloon Lake or Charlevoix? Harbor Shores Cleaning can handle the cleaning side of cottage closing. Call (231) 242-8842.
In this guide
Why cottage closing day matters in Northern Michigan
A cottage that sits closed from October to May goes through months of cold, damp and quiet. Food crumbs invite mice, damp towels and bathrooms invite mildew, and dust settles on everything. The cleaning you do on cottage closing day decides what you walk into next spring. A careful close means opening day is a quick refresh instead of a weekend of scrubbing.
Kitchen: the most important room on your cottage closing checklist
- Empty the refrigerator and freezer completely, wipe them out, and prop the doors open so they do not grow mold. Unplug them only if you are sure the cottage will stay unheated and dry.
- Take every opened food package home or throw it out, including spices, flour and pet food. Store anything left in sealed glass or metal containers.
- Clean the stovetop, oven door, microwave, toaster and the crumbs underneath them.
- Run the dishwasher empty, then leave it open to dry.
- Wipe cabinets, shelves and drawers, and vacuum the corners of the pantry.
- Clean the sink and drain, and leave the sink dry.
Bathrooms and laundry
- Clean toilets, tubs, showers and sinks, then dry every surface.
- Take home or throw out opened toiletries.
- Wash all towels, bath mats and shower curtains, and dry them completely before you store them.
- Leave the washing machine door open after its last cycle so the gasket can dry.
- Empty bathroom trash cans and wipe them out.
Bedrooms and living areas
- Strip and wash all bedding, then store it in sealed bins or zippered bags.
- Vacuum mattresses, upholstery and under cushions where crumbs collect.
- Dust surfaces, ceiling fans, window sills and light fixtures.
- Vacuum and wash floors, paying attention to entryways that took a summer of sand.
- Close curtains or blinds to protect furniture from sun fading.
Moisture and pest prevention
Dampness is the biggest risk for a closed cottage. Leave interior doors open, prop open closets and cabinets that are now empty, and make sure nothing wet is left behind. The EPA explains that controlling moisture is the key to controlling mold, which is why drying everything matters as much as cleaning it.
- Remove all trash, recycling and compost from the property.
- Check the screens and seal small gaps where mice could get in.
- Take home anything that should not freeze, such as cleaning sprays and some electronics.
The final walk-through
Before you lock up, walk every room once more. Look for open windows, items left in the dryer, food in the car, and any leaks or damage to report to your caretaker or plumber. Take a few photos of each room so you know how you left things.
Hiring help for cottage closing
Many seasonal owners in Northern Michigan hand off the cleaning part of cottage closing, especially when the season ends on a busy weekend. Harbor Shores Cleaning Company has worked across Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor, Walloon Lake, Charlevoix and Boyne City since 2013. Our insured, bonded and background-checked team can deep clean before you close and again before you open. Our deep cleaning guide explains what a full reset includes, and our vacation rental cleaning service helps owners who rent their cottage during the season.
Frequently asked questions
When should I close my cottage for the winter in Northern Michigan?
Most owners close between mid-October and early November, before overnight temperatures settle below freezing. Book cleaning and plumbing help early, because those weekends fill up.
Should I leave the refrigerator on in a closed cottage?
If the power stays on and you leave food inside, keep it running. Most owners empty it, clean it, turn it off and prop the doors open so mold cannot grow.
How do I keep mice out of a closed cottage?
Remove every source of food, including crumbs, pet food and opened packages, take out all trash, and seal small gaps around doors, pipes and vents.
Can a cleaning company close my cottage for me?
A cleaning company can handle the cleaning side, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, linens and floors. Water lines and heating should be winterized by a plumber or property caretaker.
Does Harbor Shores clean seasonal homes before closing?
Yes. We clean seasonal homes and cottages across Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor, Walloon Lake, Charlevoix and nearby communities. Call (231) 242-8842 to schedule.
Book your cottage closing clean
Spend your last weekend up north enjoying the lake, not scrubbing the shower. Call (231) 242-8842 or request an estimate.