Opening the cabin is a rite of spring for many Minnesotans. Coming back to your home away from home Up North is something to look forward to!

Here are some tips to help you plan your first weekend back at the cabin:

Before you go

Check your boat registration and insurance status to see if anything needs to be renewed, and make sure you have copies to keep on the boat. It’s also a good idea to schedule any services you need, like dock installation. Waiting too long can put you on a waitlist, which is no fun when you’ve slogged through a long winter already! Also, remember to turn on any services that you had shut off for the winter.

Do an opening inspection

A safety inspection should be at the top of your list; upon arriving, test your smoke detector and C02 batteries, turn on water/heating, and inspect for any external damage that may have happened over the winter.

Check for critter damage

Be on the lookout for holes in your screens, siding, gnawed wires, or rodent droppings. Any of these can signal that critters found their way into your home and made themselves cozy over the winter.

Restock necessities

Toss any expired canned food or staples leftover from last year and do an inventory on basics you might need to shop for. Things like sunscreen, batteries, bug spray, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, and paper towels are some of the main items to check for.

Thinking about buying a lake home Up North this year?  With offices in Longville, Hackensack, and Walker, we can help you find the best properties in the state. Our area offers over 130 clear water lakes within thirty minutes, including the Woman Lake Chain, Ten Mile Lake, and Leech Lake. Contact us today!