Check these things off your list for opening the cottage
Cottage season in Canada is upon us! If you’re opening your summer house for the season, here’s a simple checklist of five items you’ll want to take with you.
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Photo: James Wheeler/Pexels
When you’re opening a seasonal home, there are several important things you’ll need to do, like check the property for winter damage, ensure the electricity and hot water are turned back on, run your taps, and start your spring cleaning routine. Chances are you’ll want to get dockside as soon as possible and this list of practical cottage maintenance essentials will help you achieve that.
Duracell Coppertop AA Alkaline Batteries - 20 Count
Amazon.ca
If you’re anything like me, I’m always rummaging through drawers, cupboards, and the pantry to look for AA batteries! Duracell guarantees their batteries will last up to 12 years in storage, so why not cancel the search party and stock up ahead of time. While you’re at it, you should also order a pack of the Duracell Coppertop AAA Alkaline Batteries - 24 Count and Duracell Coppertop C Alkaline Batteries - 8 Count.
Reasons to order:
Replace batteries in smoke alarms, flashlights, remotes, clocks, and other cottage items
Trusted brand name for quality assurance
Rated 4.8 out of 5 based on nearly 33,400 Amazon.ca reviews
First Alert CO605A Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Amazon.ca
If your cottage doesn’t have a wired smoke alarm with a built-in carbon monoxide detector, it’s wise to get a plug-in option like this one from First Alert. It includes a battery backup option for continuous monitoring during power outages. The alarm is designed to alert even the soundest sleepers with a loud 85-decibel warning when carbon monoxide is detected.
Reasons to order:
Alerts you of poisonous gas if you have a cottage with at least one fuel-burning appliance or heater, attached garage, or fireplace
Recommended to have one on every level of the home and one in each sleeping area
Rated 4.7 out of 5 based on more than 1,300 Amazon.ca reviews
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Rayovac 7 LED Lantern
Amazon.ca
Everyone’s experienced a wicked summer storm that’s knocked the power out. Sometimes it can be hours until hydro workers fix an outage, particularly in remote locations. You’ll want to have a reliable light source at the ready and this one boasts a 410-foot beam distance. This affordable flashlight is waterproof and floats, making it a good choice to take on boat trips too.
Reasons to order:
Suitable for hydro interuptions, boat excursions, or anything outdoors at night in rural cottage areas
Includes 10 LED bulbs that can shine for up to 45 hours according to the manufacturer
Rated 4.4 out of 5 based on nearly 9,500 Amazon.ca reviews
READ MORE: Our recommendations for a home emergency kit
Navaris Humane Live Mouse Traps - Set of 2
Amazon.ca
Perhaps you’ve discovered some unwanted house guests since you closed the cottage last year. This reusable smart trap safely and humanely catches mice so you can release them back into the wild where they belong. All you have to do is bait the trap with cheese, peanut butter, or chocolate and when the mouse takes the food, the door will instantly snap shut. If all else fails, adopt a cat.
Reasons to order:
No-kill option for rodents running amok
Once captured, release mice at least 550 yards away from your cottage to deter re-entry
Rated 4.3 out of 5 based on more than 900 Amazon.ca reviews
LEVOIT Air Purifier for Large Room
Amazon.ca
Though not new, ‘HEPA filter’ became a trending term in 2020 due to the pandemic and is holding strong today. An air purifier like this one from LEVOIT will not only help manage airborne particles like respiratory droplets but also dust, pollen, mould spores, pet dander, or whatever else may be lingering between the walls of your seasonal cottage.
Reasons to order:
Helps bring better quality air into your cottage after months of being sealed up
Purifies the air in a 500-square-foot room in 33 minutes, and a 900-square-foot room in about an hour, with a smaller version available
Rated 4.4 out of 5 based on more than 3,200 Amazon.ca reviews
READ MORE: Our recommendations for allergy sufferers
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Our trusted Product Specialists recommend high-quality items that we think will enhance your experience with Canadian weather conditions. Prices and availability of items are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Thumbnail image courtesy Stephen Wheeler/Unsplash
