Emma Miller
How to prepare the site for winter – valuables, and utilities
Before you leave the cottage unattended for three to four months, check carefully to see if you’ve forgotten:
Shut off the water
Water is considered the most dangerous element, plus it freezes and cracks in low temperatures. You should remove it from your water supply, faucets, toilet tank, heating system, radiators, heating boilers, and sewer closures. If you have a well, drain the boilers. Additionally, you can blow all hoses and pipes with air.
Turn off the gas and electricity
An important nuance is to shut off the gas at the point of entry, not just at the stove or boiler. If the gas supply is self-contained, shut off the cylinder. Do not forget to turn off the common power switch when you go into town for a long time.
Bring all the furniture into the house
You need to remove all chairs and tables that are outdoors. If this is not possible, cover them with plastic wrap or tarpaulin to keep furniture from being damaged by rain and snow.
Check the integrity of structures on the property
Before you leave, carefully examine whether the summer house needs repairs. Look to see if the roof is leaking, or if there are any cracks or crevices in the walls. If necessary, make cosmetic repairs and fix the problems, so that in your absence the cottage does not turn into a house from a disaster movie. Also, close all windows and doors tightly.
How to quickly decorate a summer house before winter
We recommend paying attention not only to the buildings, furniture, valuable items, and communications. Leaving your summer residence, tidy up the exterior of the cottage.
Rake up leaves and fertilize trees
Rake up the leaves and leaves in a heap and throw them away so they don’t rot over the winter and cause bacteria to spread. Blow out the spillage and mow and fluff up the lawn.
Under the trunks of fruit trees, pour humus, compost, or even bio humus with worms, and recultivate. If you started preparing your dacha for winter after the rains, then spray the trunks with calcium preparations. This method is good for future fruits – they will last longer in the cellar.
Prune grapes and plant flowers
In order for the grapes to survive the winter, soak them in fertilizer with potassium and cover them. Take advantage of a popular trend and save time by planting low-maintenance perennials. They don’t need to be dug up or replanted – they tolerate the cold well and won’t die until spring.
Install burglar alarms and bars on windows
Also, do not forget that autumn and winter are favorite times for unscrupulous lovers of other people’s property. Most often thefts on country estates occur precisely during this period.
The most effective security system is an alarm and video surveillance. In the case of an unlawful intrusion into the cottage, both you and the police will be notified. An additional measure – is bars on the windows, reliable doors, and locks. And, of course, take all valuables and money with you before you leave.
