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Thinking of heading up to the cottage for Victoria Day Long Weekend 2015?
21 useful tips that will help keep your May 2-4 weekend stress-free.

Before you leave

We’re all guilty of jumping into the car and after about a half hour, realizing that we’ve left something important at home. This checklist will help you organize yourself so you can spend more time relaxing, and less time driving back and forth. Unfortunately, we have no control over the highway traffic!

• Fill your cooler with your favourite beverages. There’s nothing worse than running out of your favourite drink!

• A couple large 4-litre jugs of water, in case it takes awhile for your plumbing to start working

• Make a trip to the grocery store and get all your favourite foods for the grill. Don’t forget snacks for the kids!

• Reusable plates and cutlery. Melamine is great since it won’t break!

• Emergency items like a first aid kit and tools in case you need to make a speedy repair. Ductape of course. You can’t forget that.

• Call the utility companies if you were not there all winter to ensure you will have electricity upon your arrival.

• Check that all insurance documents are up to date on the cottage and any boats, ATV, etc.

• A box with cleaning supplies, batteries, filters.

• Fresh linens.

• Do you have your keys?

• Chargers for your electronics, iPads and smartphones. This weekend is your chance get away from the city … Try to leave the electronic devices off and spend more time with your loved ones.

• Check the weather forecast for cottage country.

Once you arrive

• After a rough winter like ours, make sure the road leading up to your cottage is clear. Check for damage to cables or wires before entering your cottage.

• Clean the eaves troughs.

• Check for signs of pest damage (mice droppings) or water damage

• Dust, vacuum floors and rugs, and disinfect kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

• Change your linens

IMPORTANT!

• Replace batteries in smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and flashlights

• Make sure your fire extinguishers are charged.

• Replace any filters that may need to be changed.

• Inspect all pipelines for signs of damage before turning on the water.

Get on your favourite Muskoka chair, kick back and cheers to the long weekend. From all of us at HighGate Properties, have a happy and safe May 24 weekend.