Closing a second home for winter is easy to put off. The leaves are down, the last weekend at the shore felt like summer's final gasp, and the to-do list at your main house is already long. But a house on the Southeastern Connecticut or Southern Rhode Island coast faces a particular kind of winter: salt air, damp cold, freeze and thaw cycles, and wind off the water that can find every weak spot. A good closing takes a few focused steps now and saves a lot of trouble in April.
This checklist is a starting point. Every house is different, so use it to build your own list, and ask your plumber, heating contractor, or builder about anything specific to your property.
Start With the Big Systems
Water. Frozen pipes are the classic winter problem in an empty house. Decide with your plumber whether your home should be shut off and drained or kept running with the heat on, since the right answer depends on how the house is built.
- Shut off the main water supply if your plumber recommends it, and open the faucets as directed
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, and shut off outdoor spigots from the inside valve where you have one
- Drain or winterize the outdoor shower, irrigation lines, and any exterior water features
- Check under sinks and around the water heater for any drips before you leave
- Ask your plumber about anything with standing water, such as washing machines, dishwashers, and ice makers
Heat. If the house will stay heated, make sure the system is ready for months of unattended running.
- Set the thermostat to a steady, moderate temperature rather than turning it all the way down
- Confirm your fuel supply is sufficient for the season if you use oil or propane
- Replace the furnace filter and have the system serviced before the cold sets in
- Open interior doors and cabinet doors along exterior walls so warm air can circulate
Power and appliances. Unplug small appliances and electronics, empty and prop open the refrigerator if it will be off, and check that a sump pump, if you have one, is working and has a clear discharge line. If you rely on a dehumidifier, make sure it drains properly without anyone there to empty it.
Walk the Outside
Coastal weather is hardest on the exterior, so give it a careful look before you leave.
- Bring in or tie down porch furniture, grills, planters, and anything the wind can move
- Clean out gutters and downspouts, and make sure water drains away from the foundation
- Pull in boat gear, kayaks, and paddleboards that are stored at the house, or secure them well
- Look at the roof, chimney, siding, and trim for loose or damaged spots that winter could make worse
- Trim back branches that hang over the roof or driveway
- Close and latch storm shutters if you have them, and check that exterior doors seal well
Do a Slow Walk Through the Inside
Take your time and treat it like an inspection.
- Empty the refrigerator and freezer of anything perishable, and clean them
- Take out all trash and food that could attract pests, and store pantry items in sealed containers
- Strip beds and wash linens, then store them in sealed bins or closets
- Check windows and doors, and make sure everything is closed and locked
- Close fireplace dampers, and close curtains or blinds
- Look in corners, closets, and the basement for any sign of moisture, odors, or pests before you leave, so you have a baseline
Take photos of each room and the exterior on your last visit. A simple set of "before" pictures makes it much easier to notice changes later.
Plan for the Months in Between
The part of closing people overlook is what happens after you lock the door. A house that sits empty from November through spring can develop problems that nobody notices until someone walks in: a heating system that stopped, a slow leak, a pump that quit, damage after a nor'easter, or a limb on the roof.
Decide ahead of time who will look in, how often, and what they will check. Make sure that person has current contact details for you, your plumber, and your heating contractor. If you plan to ask a friend or neighbor, be realistic about whether they will have the time and know what to look for.
How Tide & Timber Can Help
Tide & Timber is a home watch team based in Stonington, serving second and seasonal homes across Southeastern CT and Southern RI. We are an NHWA Accredited Member, and we are bonded and insured. Our seasonal home closing covers the systems and walk-through on this list, and our scheduled home watch visits keep an eye on the house all winter, with photo reports after each visit. If something needs attention, we let you know and, with your OK, can coordinate the right contractor.
If you are getting ready to close your home for the season, we would be glad to talk it through. Request a consultation or read more about seasonal opening and closing.
