Top Tips for preparing your static caravan or lodge for the winter season.

From storing your bedding to keeping damp at bay, here's our guide to getting your static caravan ready for winter, including some handy little tips from fellow owners.

It's that time of year again. The decking furniture is being packed away, the cupboards are getting emptied and we're all wondering how another caravan season has gone by quite so quickly!

If you're closing your static caravan for winter, there's always a list of jobs to get through before you finally lock the door.

I've been reading some lovely conversations between caravan owners here on the Lincolnshire coast recently, sharing their winter closing-down routines. What struck me was how differently everyone does things.

Some take practically everything home. Others have got it down to a fine art after years of caravan ownership. And then there are the first-time owners, understandably wondering what they should actually be doing.

There are some great little tips being shared, so I thought I'd bring a few together, along with some important reminders, for anyone preparing their static caravan for the winter months.

1. First things first: the winter drain down

This is probably the most important job of all, and thankfully one that most holiday parks arrange on behalf of owners.

A winter drain down removes water from your caravan's plumbing system to help prevent frost damage while the park is closed.

If water is left sitting in pipes and temperatures drop below freezing, it can expand and cause pipes or fittings to burst. Not the sort of surprise anyone wants when they open up in spring!

On many holiday parks, the site will organise drain downs through its maintenance team or a contractor, often for an additional charge.

A few things worth checking with your park:

• When will the drain down be carried out?

• Is it automatically arranged, or do you need to book it?

• What's included in the service?

• Are there any jobs you need to do beforehand?

  
  

It's also important to check your caravan insurance, as policies can have specific winter requirements.

One other thing worth knowing is that the sealed central heating system may need different treatment from your normal water supply. Don't attempt to drain or alter it without the correct manufacturer's guidance.

Getting the drain down sorted properly is one of the best ways to protect your holiday home over winter.

2. The bedding debate: take it home or vacuum pack it?

Now, this is where owners seem to have very different routines!

Some strip every bed, take all their pillows, duvets and throws home and start fresh the following season.

Others swear by vacuum storage bags.

I've seen several owners recommending these, and they're certainly handy for saving space. One little tip shared was to pop a scented tumble dryer sheet in with the bedding before sealing the bags, so everything smells nice when you open-up again.

If you're leaving bedding in your caravan, make sure it's completely dry before storing it and keep it somewhere protected from damp.

It's also worth remembering that soft furnishings can attract moisture, so taking them home or at least moving them away from windows and walls is often the safest bet where practical.

Personally, I think this is one of those things you learn through experience. What works perfectly well in one caravan might not work quite so well in another.

3. Should you take your caravan curtains down for winter?

Another one that seems to divide opinion!

Some owners take their curtains down every year without fail, while others say they've left theirs up for ten years and never had a problem.

One tip that seems like a logical idea is to gather curtains up and securing them away from the windows, rather than taking them down completely.

The thinking behind this is sensible. If your curtains are sitting against cold glass throughout winter, condensation could leave the fabric damp and encourage mould.

Some have suggested doing this by putting each curtain into a pillowcase tied at the top, which also helps to prevent additional fading that may occur from any strong winter sun.

There's no need to remove curtains in every caravan, but keeping them away from cold windows and allowing air to circulate is a good idea.

Or, if you'd rather take them home for a wash, that's one less job to do when the new season starts!

4. Keeping damp and condensation under control

If there's one thing caravan owners are keen to avoid over winter, it's returning to that musty smell or, worse still, signs of damp and mould.

Good airflow makes a real difference, and there are a few simple things you can do before leaving.

Give everything a little breathing space:

• Pull sofas and furniture away from outside walls.

• Move mattresses away from external walls and stand them upright if suitable.

• Lift removable seat cushions to help air circulate.

• Leave bedroom doors, wardrobes and cupboards open.

• Make sure permanent air vents aren't blocked.

• Give the caravan a good airing before closing up.

  
  

You should still close and lock external windows and doors before leaving, although built-in trickle vents can generally remain open where recommended by the manufacturer.

And don't forget to look for any signs of existing damp or leaks before you go. Moisture traps won't fix a leak, however many you put out!

What about moisture traps, salt and cat litter?

I've heard a few interesting suggestions from owners on this one.

Some use purpose-made moisture absorbers like you will find in many of the local shops and markets, while others put bowls of salt around their caravan. I've even seen cat litter recommended, with some owners convinced it works better than anything else they've tried.

I do love hearing these little tricks!

That said, whatever you decide, I'd be tempted to try a combination of these moisture-absorbing hacks throughout your van, particularly if you know your caravan is prone to condensation.

Make sure they're positioned somewhere secure, where they won't tip over or spill, and remember that no moisture absorber can replace proper ventilation and maintenance.

5. Don't forget to leave the fridge door open!

Such a simple little job, but one that's easily forgotten.

If you're switching your fridge and freezer off for winter, make sure they're completely emptied, defrosted, cleaned and dried. Then leave the doors slightly ajar. This allows air to circulate and helps stop mould and unpleasant smells developing while the appliances aren't being used.

A few owners have shared their methods for keeping the fridge door open, including a tea towel or a little door spacer.

Just make sure whatever you use doesn't damage the door or rubber seals.

It's one of those little things you'll be glad you remembered when you return in spring.

6. Have a proper cupboard clear-out

It's amazing how much we accumulate in our caravans over a season.

Half-used packets of pasta, three different bottles of washing-up liquid, enough tea bags to last another year...

Before locking up, have a good clear-out. Take home food, including unopened packets where possible, and give cupboards a thorough clean.

Leave cupboards and wardrobes open where practical to encourage airflow.

And while you're sorting out the kitchen, it's a good opportunity to empty bins, clean appliances and remove anything likely to deteriorate while you're away.

7. A few other little jobs you might not think of

Looking through winter preparation advice from caravan manufacturers and insurers, I came across a few other useful reminders worth adding to the list.

Check your window and door seals. Look for any gaps, cracks or damaged seals that could allow rainwater in.

Don't forget the roof and guttering. Blocked gutters can cause water to overflow, particularly during heavy winter rain. Make sure they're clear. 

Check underneath your caravan to make sure everything looks in order and no obvious issues.

Take batteries out of unused gadgets. Batteries left inside clocks, toys or other small devices for months can leak and cause damage. Leave batteries in safety alarms as required and make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly.

Secure your outdoor furniture. Chairs, tables, ornaments and anything else that could take flight in strong winds should be properly stored or secured. A lot of owners prefer to bring them inside the caravan where space allows to be on the safe side.

Finally, veranda gates. These have been known to come unlatched over the winter, leaving them free to swing and even break in the winter wind. One really useful tip is to secure them open with heavy duty cable ties or similar – so that they are fixed in place for the winter whilst allowing any workmen; plumbers, electricians etc, to have access to your caravan or lodge for winter servicing.

And one more tip I particularly like...

Take a few photographs before you leave. So if you get home and are wondering if you did this or that – you can check your pictures, and also look back at them as a reminder of all the things you are looking forward to getting back to in the Spring.

8. A final check before you lock the door

Once everything's clean, tidy and ready for winter, give yourself ten minutes for one last walk around.

Check any electrical and gas shutdown instructions provided by your park, your manufacturer and your insurer. Different caravans and heating systems can have different requirements.

Make sure you've removed valuables and anything you'd be upset to lose.

Check that external doors, windows and storage areas are properly secured.

And if your park asks owners to confirm they've closed down for the season, don't forget to let them know.

It's also worth making sure the park has your current and correct contact details, just in case they need to get hold of you over winter.

Your Static Caravan Winter Checklist

Here's a handy little list to work through before heading home.

• Confirm your winter drain down with the park.

• Check your insurance requirements for winter.

• Remove food, rubbish and valuables.

• Empty, clean and dry the fridge/freezer, leaving the doors ajar.

• Pack away bedding and soft furnishings.

• Move furniture and mattresses away from external walls.

• Secure curtains away from cold windows or remove them.

• Leave internal cupboards, wardrobes and doors open.

• Check ventilation openings are clear.

• Check for signs of damp, leaks or pests.

• Check guttering, seals and external pipe insulation.

• Secure decking furniture and outdoor accessories.

• Follow the park's gas and electrical shutdown instructions.

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

• Check all external windows and doors are locked.

• Secure veranda gate to ensure it isn’t left to swing open.

• Take a few photographs before leaving.

  
  

FAQs!! A few questions owners often ask:

When should you prepare your static caravan for winter?

Ideally, before the first frost and in line with your holiday park's closing dates. Many parks on the Lincolnshire coast close around the end of October/early November, although dates vary. It's worth getting organised a little earlier rather than leaving everything until your final weekend.

Who arranges the winter drain down?

On many static caravan parks, the site arranges winter drain downs through its maintenance team or an appointed contractor. The service is often charged separately, so check with your park what's included and whether you need to book.

Can you leave bedding in a static caravan over winter?

Yes, provided it's clean, completely dry and properly stored. Vacuum bags are a popular option, some even just pop them in a bin bag, although bringing bedding home is often preferable if you're concerned about damp. Add a tumble dryer sheet for extra freshness!

Should I leave my caravan windows open over winter?

No. External windows should be closed and locked when your caravan is unoccupied. Keep permanent ventilation openings clear and follow the manufacturer's guidance on trickle vents.

What's the best way to prevent damp in a static caravan over winter?

Make sure the caravan is dry before closing, maintain ventilation, move furniture away from cold external walls and address any existing leaks. Moisture absorbers may help, but aren't a substitute for proper ventilation or repairs.

And That's Another Season Nearly Over...

I think one of the nicest things about caravan ownership is the little community that comes with it.

You can ask a question in a group or have a chat with your caravan neighbour, and before you know it you've picked up three tips you never knew you needed!

That's really what SHORE is all about. Bringing static caravan and lodge owners together, sharing ideas and making the most of the lifestyle that having your own static home brings.

Of course, there's always something a little sad about closing up for winter.

One last cuppa, a final check around, and that moment when you lock the door knowing it'll be a while before you're back.

But before we know it, we'll all be heading back to the coast, putting the kettle on and looking forward to another season.

I'd love to know your winter closing-down routine. Do you take your curtains down? Are you a fan of vacuum bags? Or have you got a little tip that you've used for years and swear by?

Come and share it with us over on the SHORE Facebook page. I'm sure there are plenty of owners who'd love to hear it, particularly those preparing their caravan for its first winter.

Here's to a cosy and healthy winter-time and what has been a very sunny season of lovely memories on the Lincolnshire coast.

Written by Carole

SHORE | The Static Home Owners Club

Please remember that every caravan and holiday park is different. This article shares general tips and experiences from owners, so always follow your caravan manufacturer's instructions, your park's winter arrangements and the conditions of your insurance policy.