How to Tidy Up Your Patio, Balcony or Backyard at the End of Summer

Use this checklist as a quick overview, then follow the steps below for more detailed guidance.

• Clear away trash, dead plants and broken items.

• Sort belongings into keep, store, donate and discard piles.

• Clean outdoor furniture, cushions and rugs.

• Inspect your grill or fire pit.

• Pack away summer decor and entertaining supplies.

• Clean and organize gardening tools.

• Prepare plants and planters for cooler weather.

• Store weather-sensitive items and refresh the space for fall.

Start by removing anything that’s broken, empty or clearly past its prime. That includes dead plants, cracked planters, worn decor and summer supplies you already know you won’t use again.

Next, divide everything else into four groups:

• Keep outside: Items you’ll use during fall, such as seating, lighting and hardy planters.

• Store: Summer-only gear and belongings vulnerable to rain, wind or cold.

• Donate: Usable furniture, tools or decor you no longer need.

• Discard: Broken, moldy or severely weather-damaged items that can’t be repaired.

Sorting first may feel backward if your instinct is to start scrubbing, but it saves you from cleaning things you’ll ultimately give away. It also clears the space so you can spot less obvious problems, such as mildew behind a planter, standing water beneath furniture or a drain covered by leaves. 

If you’re working with a balcony or small porch, resist the urge to solve clutter by pushing everything against the edges. Keep drains, vents, doors, stairs and fire escapes unobstructed, especially as falling leaves and heavier rain become more common.

Once the area is clear, brush or vacuum loose dirt from your outdoor furniture before washing it. Removing dry debris first keeps dirt from turning into mud and makes the deeper cleaning much easier.

After, you’ll want to clean each piece according to its material and the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have the instructions or they aren’t available, use the gentlest effective cleaning method:

• Plastic or resin: Wash with mild dish soap and warm water using a soft cloth or sponge.

• Metal: Wipe down with mild soap and water, then check joints and fasteners for rust.

• Wood: Use a cleaner made for the specific type of wood and avoid soaking the surface.

• Wicker or rattan: Vacuum between the woven sections, then wipe gently with a barely damp cloth. Natural rattan generally needs more protection from moisture than synthetic outdoor wicker.

• Glass: Clean both sides of the tabletop and inspect the edges for chips or cracks.

Tip: A pressure washer may seem like the quickest solution, but it can damage wood fibers, loosen woven furniture and strip protective finishes. A soft brush or cloth is usually safer.

For outdoor textiles, wash removable cushion covers according to their care labels and spot-clean inserts as needed. Let everything dry completely before storage. Thick cushions can feel dry on the surface while still holding moisture inside, so stand them on their edges in a ventilated area and give them extra time to dry.

As a general rule:

• Keep outside: Durable, weather-resistant furniture you expect to use during fall.

• Move into storage: Cushions, umbrellas, natural-fiber pieces, electronics and lightweight furniture vulnerable to wind or moisture.

Of course, remember to cover furniture that will remain outside, but make sure to avoid wrapping it tightly in plastic. A breathable, properly fitted cover offers protection without trapping condensation against the material.

If you have an outdoor kitchen area or grilling appliances, now’s the time to prep them for storage.

To start, remove grease and food residue from grill grates, empty the drip pan and inspect burners, hoses and connections for damage. If the grill will remain outside, let it dry before protecting it with a secure, properly fitted cover.

If you have a wood-burning fire pit, wait until the ashes are completely cool before placing them in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. On the other hand, if you have gas fire pits, clean them according to the manufacturer’s directions and check the burner and fuel connections for wear.

Propane tanks and other fuel containers generally can’t be stored in a self-storage unit or enclosed indoor space. Follow local regulations and your storage facility’s prohibited-items policy when deciding where to keep them. If you live in an apartment or condo, you should also confirm that grills and fire pits are permitted on balconies or shared property.

After you’ve cleaned your furniture and grilling tools, take some time to clean and dry any summer accessories you won’t be using until the spring. Group items by type to make it easier to find what you need next year, then carefully pack everything into labeled containers. Some things to store:

• Outdoor pillows and table linens

• Serving pieces and reusable drinkware

• Pool toys, games and entertaining supplies

• String lights, lanterns and seasonal decor

Tip: One helpful trick is to create a “first warm weekend” bin with the items you’ll want first next spring, such as lights, table linens and a few favorite decorations. That way, you won’t need to unpack every seasonal container just to enjoy one unexpectedly warm afternoon.

Next, organize your gardening supplies to give them their own end-of-season reset:

• Remove soil and plant debris from tools.

• Dry metal parts and treat any rust.

• Keep rakes, pruning shears and other fall tools accessible.

• Move summer-only supplies farther back or into storage.

• Disconnect and drain hoses, watering wands and irrigation components before freezing weather arrives.

For hazardous items like fertilizers, pesticides and similar products, keep them in their original containers and follow the instructions on the labels. Many chemicals, fuels and other lawn products are prohibited in self-storage units, so check the facility’s rules before packing your gardening equipment.

Next, turn your attention to the plants and planters around your outdoor space. Start by clearing away dead annuals, fallen leaves and other plant debris, which can attract pests or allow disease to linger.

Then, sort through your plants and decide what needs to happen before temperatures drop. Bring sensitive plants indoors — check the leaves, stems and soil for pests first so you don’t accidentally bring insects inside with them.

For any plants staying outside, make sure you keep them protected. Add mulch, frost cloth or another appropriate layer of protection based on the plant and your local climate. 

In the fall and winter, you’ll also want to adjust your watering schedule. Most plants grow more slowly in cooler weather and may not need as much water as they did during summer. You can typically skip the fertilizer, too.

Once you know what will stay outside, give everything a designated home. This will keep your space from becoming cluttered again and make it easier to grab blankets, gardening supplies or other fall essentials when you need them.

Depending on the size of your space, consider adding:

• A storage bench: Provides seating and a place for outdoor-rated accessories.

• A weather-resistant deck box: Works well for gardening supplies, games and other frequently used items.

• A narrow outdoor cabinet: Adds storage to a balcony or small patio without taking up too much floor space.

• Wall hooks or vertical shelving: Keeps tools and supplies off the ground and makes use of otherwise empty wall space.

• Labeled, lidded containers: Protects smaller belongings and prevents them from becoming jumbled together.

Move Other Items Into Self Storage

Even weather-resistant containers aren’t suitable for everything. Textiles, electronics and moisture-sensitive furniture are usually safer indoors. If those items take up too much room in your closets, basement or garage, consider moving them into a self-storage unit until spring. Clean and dry everything first, use breathable covers on furniture and keep belongings elevated from the floor when possible.

Now that the summer clutter is gone, make the space feel inviting for cooler weather. You don’t need a complete seasonal makeover. A few practical additions can make a patio, balcony, porch or backyard more comfortable without filling it back up.

Try adding:

• Outdoor-rated blankets: Keep them in a dry indoor spot or protected container between uses.

• Weather-resistant pillows: Choose washable covers that can handle damp fall weather.

• Outdoor lighting: String lights, lanterns or solar lights can make up for earlier sunsets.

• Seasonal plants: Mums, ornamental grasses and other cold-tolerant plants can add color after summer blooms fade.

• A smaller seating arrangement: Move chairs closer together to create a cozier setup and free up unused space.

This is also a good time to secure lightweight furniture, umbrellas and planters before autumn storms arrive. You may think adding more seasonal decor is the easiest way to refresh the space, but a cleaner layout and better lighting often make a bigger difference. Keep the setup simple enough that it won’t create another major packing project when winter arrives.

With a little cleaning, organizing and strategic storage, your patio, balcony or backyard can stay comfortable through fall while your summer belongings remain protected until next year. Use our Storage Locator to find a SmartStop facility near you, and explore the SmartStop blog for more expert tips on seasonal storage, home organization and making the most of your space year-round. 

When should I clean up my patio for fall?

Start your outdoor cleanup in late summer or early fall, before heavy rain, strong winds or freezing temperatures arrive. This gives cushions, furniture and other belongings enough time to dry completely before storage.

What patio items should be stored for winter?

Consider storing outdoor cushions, rugs, umbrellas, natural wicker or rattan furniture, delicate planters, electronics and lightweight furniture. Durable outdoor furniture may be able to remain outside if it’s cleaned, covered and rated for your local weather conditions.

Can outdoor furniture go in a storage unit?

Yes, most clean and dry outdoor furniture can be kept in a self-storage unit. Disassemble large pieces when possible, place hardware in labeled bags and use breathable furniture covers instead of tightly wrapping furniture in plastic.

Should outdoor cushions be stored in plastic bags?

Avoid sealing outdoor cushions in plastic unless they’re completely dry, as trapped moisture can lead to mold and mildew. A clean storage bin or breathable cover in a dry location is usually a better option.

Can I store a propane tank with my patio furniture?

No. Propane tanks and other flammable fuels generally aren’t permitted in self-storage units and shouldn’t be kept in enclosed indoor spaces. Follow local regulations and your storage facility’s prohibited-items policy.

How can I continue using my patio during fall?

Keep a small seating area outside and add outdoor-rated blankets, washable pillows and weather-resistant lighting. Store textiles in a dry, protected location between uses and secure lightweight items before storms.