If you've been putting off closing the cottage for the season, there are benefits to getting an early start.

NEWSTALK 1010 Home Improvement expert Frank Cohn says it'll give you time to do a thorough clean-up of your summer escape and an opportunity to make any fixes that you need to.

Cohn says if you do one thing before you lock up the cottage, you look after the water.

"If you don't have all the water properly drained out of all of your sinks and toilets, everything can freeze and break," says Cohn.

He adds that you should also get the ladder out and clean out the eaves troughs.

If they're not draining properly, ice can build up over the winter wreak havoc on your roof.

Cohn says leaks can damage drywall and cause mold.

He also recommends packing some steel wool or expandable foam before you head up North.

It's the best way to seal up cracks and holes to keep critters out.

"A mouse can get through a hole the size of the head of a pencil and a rat can get through a hole the size of a quarter."

Cohn admits its next to impossible to keep every sort of pest at bay and that's why it is important to make sure there is no food left around the cottage.

If there is nothing to eat, mice and bugs likely won't hang around until the spring.

Checking and sealing off your chimney is also recommended, once your heating system has been disabled.

Before you leave, its also a good idea to check weather seals on doors and windows.

Worn seals are easy to replace and new ones will be readily available at the nearest hardware store.

The Home Improvement Show with Frank Cohn airs Saturday mornings 8:00am to 9:00am on NEWSTALK 1010