Checklist · 33 items
Closing a vacation home checklist
Updated November 3, 2026
Closing a cabin, beach house or holiday flat is a bigger job than locking up after a weekend. The place may sit empty for weeks or a whole winter, and small mistakes grow while nobody's there. A dripping tap becomes a water bill. A forgotten box of cereal becomes a mouse problem. A pipe left full in a cold snap can flood the floor.
It's also hours away, so you can't pop back to check. Work through this list on the last day, in daylight, without the car already packed and running. Then keep a record of the main shutoffs and locks, so in February you're not lying awake wondering about the water valve.
Tips
Write your own closing list on paper and leave it in a kitchen drawer. Next season's you, or whoever closes up, will follow the same steps.
Photograph the water main, the thermostat setting and each locked door as you go. Months later that's the only reliable memory you'll have.
Start closing up the evening before you leave. Draining pipes and emptying the fridge take longer than you expect.
Ask a neighbor to check after the first hard frost or big storm. One visit catches most problems early.
Questions people ask
Should I turn off the water at my vacation home?
Yes. Shutting off the main supply is the single most effective way to prevent water damage while the house is empty. In cold areas, also drain the pipes to stop them freezing.
What temperature should I leave my cabin at in winter?
Somewhere around 50–55°F (10–13°C) is a common minimum to protect pipes. If you drain the plumbing fully, some owners turn the heat off, but check with a plumber for your house.
Should I unplug the fridge in a vacation home?
You can, as long as it's empty, clean and propped open so it doesn't grow mold. Leaving it running is fine too if you want to keep a few long-life items cold.
How do I keep mice out of a vacation home over winter?
Remove all food, including pet food and birdseed, take trash off the property, seal gaps around pipes, and store bedding in sealed bins.
How can I remember how I left the house months later?
Take photos of the water shutoff, thermostat and locks on the day you close up, and keep a written list in the house. Both beat trying to recall it from memory.
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