Fall Closing Checklist: Preparing Your Cape Cod Property for Winter

Columbus Day weekend, typically the second weekend in October, is the traditional closing time for many Cape Cod seasonal properties. For the tens of thousands of seasonal homeowners on the Cape, a proper fall closing protects a significant investment through the harsh New England winter. Here is the full checklist.

Why Fall Closing Matters

A Cape Cod property left unchecked through winter is vulnerable to frozen pipes, moisture damage, pests, and the kind of slow deterioration that is expensive to reverse. A thorough fall closing clean and checklist visit catches problems before they become costly, and leaves the property ready to open smoothly in spring.

The Fall Closing Cleaning Checklist

Kitchen

• Remove and dispose of all perishable food, refrigerator, pantry, cabinets
• Clean the refrigerator inside and out, leave the door propped slightly open
• Clean the oven inside and out
• Run the dishwasher on a hot cycle then leave the door slightly open
• Wipe all cabinets inside and out
• Remove any dish drying mats or items that could harbor mold over winter

Bathrooms

• Deep scrub all surfaces, toilet, shower, tub, sink
• Remove all personal care products that could freeze or leak
• Flush all toilets and pour a cup of RV antifreeze into the toilet bowl if pipes will be winterized
• Check grout for any mold or cracking

All Rooms

• Vacuum all floors, rugs and upholstery
• Dust all surfaces thoroughly
• Close interior doors to retain heat zones if any heating is maintained
• Cover furniture if the property will be completely unheated
• Remove any items that could be damaged by extreme temperature swings
• Check all windows are closed and locked

Beyond Cleaning: The Full Fall Closing Checklist

• Pipes: Have a plumber winterize the plumbing, drain pipes and add antifreeze to fixtures if the property will be unheated
• Water heater: Turn to vacation or pilot mode, or shut off if fully winterizing
• Heating: Decide whether to maintain minimal heat (typically 45-50°F) to prevent pipe freezing
• Exterior: Store or cover outdoor furniture, stow garden hoses, drain outdoor showers
• Security: Check all locks and consider a security light or camera if the property will be unoccupied all winter
• Insurance: Notify your insurance company if the property will be vacant for more than 30 days, vacancy exclusions apply in many policies

Booking Your Fall Closing

October is the busiest month for fall closing services on Cape Cod. Columbus Day weekend is particularly popular, many owners close in the same one-to-two week window. Book your cleaning and any contractors (plumber, exterminator, HVAC) in September to secure your preferred dates.

A condition report from your cleaning service, noting any maintenance issues spotted during the close, is invaluable for a remote owner planning spring repairs. Ask your cleaning service to walk through with an eye for anything that needs attention before next season.