How to Store Patio Furniture, Pool Accessories and Other Summer Items

Some patio furniture is weatherproof, meaning that it’s made with materials that can withstand harsh climates and resist mold, mildew, rust and corrosion. Manufacturers won’t always state whether a piece of furniture is weatherproof or waterproof, but you can make an educated guess by checking whether it’s made with weather-resistant materials, including natural materials like acacia, teak, eucalyptus, aluminum and concrete, as well as synthetic materials like nylon, polypropylene, recycled plastics and resin.

If you have weatherproof patio furniture, you don’t necessarily need to move it into storage. Instead, you can simply invest in some heavy-duty furniture covers that will keep your pieces safe from the wind, rain and snow during the cold season.

On the other hand, if you have climate-sensitive items or want to create more space on your patio, consider moving them into a garage, basement or self-storage unit. However, keep in mind that garages and basements won’t necessarily provide the climate-controlled properties that storage units offer. 

Before you put any furniture into storage, be sure to do the following:

• Clean off any dirt or debris with a damp rag. 
• Once everything is dry, disassemble your furniture if possible to make the most efficient use of storage space. 
• Use furniture covers to protect against dust and pests, even if storing inside. 
• For cushioned furniture, remove cushions and clean them separately, storing them in cushion bags, large plastic bins with lids or vacuum-sealed bags.

Your grill or outdoor kitchen is often the centerpiece of summer gatherings, so it deserves extra care before winter sets in. Start by deep cleaning the grill: scrub the grates, empty the drip pan and disconnect and remove the propane tank. Wipe down exterior surfaces and apply a protective cover once it’s completely dry.

Note that you should never store propane or flammables indoors, so a self-storage unit is off-limits. Instead, store it outside in a well-ventilated area, away from any potential ignition sources. Your grill without the tank, however, is totally fine to place in a self-storage unit.

If you have outdoor refrigerators, sinks or prep stations, drain any water lines to avoid frozen pipes and wipe down all surfaces to prevent mold or rust. Smaller tools like tongs, grill brushes and skewers should be washed and stored in sealed containers or plastic bins to keep them organized and safe from pests.

Pool and beach accessories can include toys and inflatables, sand buckets, lawn chairs, beach towels and umbrellas as well as maintenance materials like filters and cleaning chemicals. Rather than cluttering your space with these for the next nine months, consider organizing and storing them instead. 

Before putting any pool or beach accessories away, you’ll first want to wipe everything down with water and a mild detergent to remove any lingering pool chemicals, salt or sand. If you have free space in your garage, consider hanging some items on wall-mounted hooks or a pegboard setup, if you have one. Be sure to deflate any inflatable toys or floaties before folding them neatly and storing them in a plastic bin with a tight-fitting lid to protect them from pests and humidity.

As for pool chemicals, always keep them in their original containers, ensuring they’re tightly sealed. Store them in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and out of the reach of kids or pets. 

From bicycles and kayaks to soccer balls and tennis rackets, sports equipment can quickly clutter garages and basements if not stored properly. Before packing items away, clean off dirt, grass or sweat residue that can cause odors and damage over time. For bicycles, wipe down the frame, lubricate the chain and, if possible, hang them on wall or ceiling racks to save space.

Inflatable items like basketballs or soccer balls should be deflated slightly to relieve pressure, then stored in mesh or fabric bags to allow airflow. Larger gear like paddleboards, surfboards and kayaks can be stacked vertically in a rack system, or placed in a climate-controlled self-storage unit if you want to avoid warping or cracking from fluctuating temperatures.

Tents, duffels, camping stoves and chairs all take up valuable space. In the offseason, store your camping gear by following these steps:

• Wipe your sleeping bag with a damp rag and let it air dry before rolling it up. Consider adding a sachet of peppermint or other herbs, which acts as a natural pest repellent.
• Clean your tent and tent poles with a sponge and mild tent cleaner. You can hose them down if they’re especially dirty, but be sure to let them completely dry before stowing them.
• Clean any mud or dirt from jackets and boots.
• Keep all your items together in clear, airtight plastic containers.
• Remove batteries from camping gadgets like flashlights and GPS systems, and store them in a labeled plastic bag.

For more tips, check out our in-depth guide on storing camping gear and our guide on upgrading your camping gear.

If you live in a rainy or snowy climate, you may have already wrapped up your last landscaping project of the year. While you’ll still need access to leaf blowers, shovels and other fall and winter lawn equipment, consider storing things like your lawnmower, gardening tools, hedge trimmer, weed wacker and drop spreader in a storage unit to clear up space in your shed or garage.

Storing lawn equipment is fairly straightforward. Remove any debris from your tools, wipe them down and ensure they’re dry before putting them away. In the case of a lawnmower, you may want to winterize it by removing the battery and adding a fuel stabilizer to keep the system’s engine in good shape during the months ahead.

Hand tools like pruners, shears, shovels and trowels should be cleaned of dirt and sap, then dried thoroughly to prevent rust. For extra protection, lightly coat metal parts with machine oil before storing them.

Keep everything organized by hanging tools on a pegboard or storing them upright in a bucket filled with sand and a little mineral oil, which helps keep blades sharp and rust-free. Grouping lawn equipment and gardening tools together in your garage, shed or storage unit will make it much easier to find what you need when spring rolls around next year.

Summer wardrobes and lightweight linens can easily clutter closets once cooler weather arrives. With a little preparation, you’ll keep fabrics fresh and ready to wear when warm days return.

Wash and dry everything first

• Launder clothes, swimsuits, towels and bedding to remove sunscreen, sweat, salt, chlorine, etc.
• Make sure all fabrics are completely dry to prevent mold or mildew from forming in storage.

Choose the right containers

• Use clear plastic bins with tight-fitting lids for easy identification and pest protection.
• Vacuum-seal items like bulky comforters, quilts and beach towels to save space.
• For delicate fabrics (linen, silk, cashmere), use breathable cotton garment bags instead of plastic.

Fold and organize smartly

• Group items by type — shirts, dresses, swimwear, bedding — so you can quickly unpack them later.
• Place heavier items like blankets at the bottom of bins, with lighter clothes layered on top.

Add freshness and protection

• Tuck cedar blocks, lavender sachets or silica gel packets inside bins to ward off moths and absorb moisture.
• Avoid mothballs, which leave strong odors and contain harmful chemicals.

Consider off-site storage

If your closets are overflowing, move out-of-season clothing and linens into a climate-controlled self-storage unit. These protect fabrics from humidity and temperature swings, keeping them in better shape for next summer.

Properly winterizing and storing your boat, recreational vehicle or car is an essential step to help preserve its functionality and longevity. Failing to do so can lead to both operational and safety problems when you bring it out of storage next year.

How to Store Your Boat

When it comes to storing your boat, you have both indoor and outdoor options. Indoor storage includes dry stack storage, your home garage or an enclosed self-storage unit, while outdoor storage includes your driveway, the marina or an outdoor parking spot (covered or uncovered).

There are pros and cons to each of these options, but typically self-storage facilities offer the most flexibility, security and convenience, while allowing you to choose between an indoor unit or an outdoor covered/uncovered parking spot depending on your budget and needs.

Before storing your boat, it’s key to winterize it properly. This means: 

1. Cleaning the inside and outside thoroughly.
2. Flushing, draining and winterizing the plumbing systems.
3. Winterizing the motor.
4. Treating the fuel with a stabilizer.
5. Winterizing your battery.
6. Covering your boat.

How to Store Your RV or Camper

The same advice applies to your RV or camper. Whether you choose to park it in your driveway or a self-storage facility, you’ll want to complete the following steps to winterize it properly:

1. Drain the freshwater system and empty any tanks.
2. Bypass the water heater.
3. Add non-toxic antifreeze to the system.
4. Empty and clean the refrigerator and other appliances inside the RV.
5. Close all vents and windows to prevent pests and dust from entering.
6. Protect the electrical system.
7. Change the oil and any filters.
8. Inflate all tires.
9. Add a cover.

How to Store Your Car

Whether you’re putting your car away for the entire winter or simply won’t be driving it as often, properly preparing it for storage will help protect both its appearance and performance. Just like boat and RV storage, you can choose between indoor and outdoor options at your home or a storage facility.

Before storing your car, take the following steps to winterize it:

1. Clean and protect the exterior.
2. Check and top off oil, coolant and windshield washer fluid.
3. Add a fuel stabilizer.
4. Inflate the tires. For long-term storage, consider using jack stands to take pressure off the wheels.
5. Disconnect or maintain the battery. 
6. Vacuum and clean the interior. 
7. Cover the car.

Special care for classic cars: If you’re storing a vintage or collector vehicle, consider a climate-controlled storage unit to protect it from humidity swings that can damage leather, upholstery and chrome. Classic cars also benefit from being started and driven briefly once a month to circulate fluids and keep parts from seizing.

For occasional use: If you plan to take the car out periodically during the winter, choose a storage solution that offers easy access, like a drive-up self-storage unit. Keep the insurance active, and schedule quick maintenance checks after each outing to ensure the car stays in good running condition.

By spending the time to properly clean, maintain and store your summer items, you’re not only extending the lifespan of your belongings, but also making it easier to bring everything out of storage in great condition next year. For more tips on organizing and storing items around your home, check out our blog.