How to Live Large at the Cottage and Not Overspend

With the beginning of May, many Canadians start checking temperatures and weather conditions - particularly for cottage country.

Not just because we're obsessed with Mother Nature, but because soon it will be time for the annual migration to cottage, cabins and summer homes.

Every year there's something to add to the list of items to bring with, but how to avoid overspending in the excitement of celebrating summer at the home-away-from-home?

There are those fixed costs that need to be covered - water, electricity, taxes - and then there are several costs that can be reduced with a little advance planning.Five tips to keep the cottage budget in check:

1. Give it a second chance - something that may not be worthy of the main residence can certainly be taken to the vacation home. Old linens, books, magazines, toys, board games, kitchen items can easily become part of the cottage accessories.

2. Shop smart - make a list of what's needed and head to your favourite thrift shop - why buy new when almost new works just as well? Tabletop items such as plates, mugs, and flatware or multipurpose items such as wicker baskets, bowls or jars are easily found here.

3. Need to find new - buy out of season to get those items that are better to be bought new, like a ceiling fan, barbecue or lawn equipment. But keep an eye on summer yard sales or on neighbours' moving sale for some bargains.

4. Swap and share with friends - if you have friendly neighbours, offer to share or swap items such as pool noodles, outdoor games equipment like a volleyball or badminton or other summer equipment - that way you don't have to invest in everything and you may gain a good rivalry and friends for life.

5. Stocking the pantry - go through the home cupboards first to see if there are any items that can be taken to the cottage, especially cans or vacuum-sealed items. Shop in the city rather then the local town to keep the food budget in check.