As the warmer days arrive and the days become longer, many are getting ready for cottage season. With gorgeous properties and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, Muskoka is one of the premier destinations for Ontario residents—often attracting high-profile guests or celebrities, as well.
Whether you’re renting out your cottage this summer or just getting prepared for your own getaway, there are a few things that you should do to get ready for the season ahead..
Refresh Your Space
This can be both a literal and metaphorical interpretation. After a long Canadian winter, you’ll want to take some time to air out your cottage. It is recommended that you open up some (or all) of the windows and perhaps even the back door to air out your home and get rid of that stuffy feeling.
Depending on how long it has been since your last visit, you will also want to wipe down surfaces and give things a good dusting—especially on top of cabinets, dressers, or other tall furniture, plus light fixtures and artwork.
Refreshing your space can also mean giving your home a bit of an update. Those who own a home—in the Muskoka area or otherwise!—know that you never really finish decorating. Spring is regarded as a time of growth and renewal, and you may decide to carry that notion over into your summer cottage. Small things like replacing a lamp, adding fresh flowers, or finally throwing out that old doormat are great, easy ways to give your Muskoka cottage an update.
For those considering more ambitious projects or renovations, begin to plan these updates for the off-season or for next year.
Tackle Those Pesky Fixes
Don’t put this off for any longer; now is the best time to tackle those pesky fixes around the cottage. This is, of course, even more important if you’re planning on renting your cottage this summer.
Oftentimes, the repairs that we put off are the ones that are relatively simple or easy to fix. From replacing a lightbulb to silencing that squeaky door, all you really need to do is take a few minutes—and in the future, you will be happy you did!
Making a checklist of all the small fixes around the cottage is an excellent way to keep track of what needs to be done, and ensures that you don’t forget anything, either! If you’re unsure of what work there is, then taking a slow turn around the property is best. Don’t forget the windows, doors, roof, and deck; these areas tend to be overlooked.
Stock Up On Essentials
Picture it: you’re relaxing during the long summer months, enjoying the Muskoka atmosphere… and then you realize you’re out of soap in the kitchen. Before you settle into your grand getaway, take inventory of what you need to restock or replace, and anything that is close to being empty.
Some of the oft-forgotten essentials include the following: batteries, paper towels or toilet paper, water bottles or filters, bug spray, candles, matches or lighters, firewood, gas or propane for the barbeque, soap and sanitizers, and kitchen and cleaning supplies.
This is also the time to replenish any first aid supplies or medicine, and to check up on your heating and cooling system.
Look forward to a fantastic summer ahead at the Muskoka cottage this year, with these quick tips and tricks to prepare.
Posted by Leah Ambler on
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