7 Outdoor Storage Mistakes You Should Avoid, According to Pros

After a long winter, it’s exciting to look forward to pulling out summer furniture when the weather warms up. But it can be disappointing when you pull out your outdoor items and they’ve been ruined by a rough winter and poor storage.

From water-logged barbecue accessories to moldy outdoor cushions, this revelation often means an expense you weren’t prepared to take on. Rather than chalk it up to bad luck, though, now is the time to get ahead of the issue.

Before you pack it up for fall, our pros gave us their top tips for correcting your outdoor storage mistakes so you’re ready to go when spring rolls back around.

Not Separating Seasonal and Commonly Used Items

One key way to keep your seasonal items in good shape is by making sure they’re packed in their own, separate space. This means you should keep your true summer items, like pool toys and outdoor throw pillows, stashed away from anything you might still access regularly during the fall and winter. 

As Cate Singleton, Tilly’s director of design, points out, the items you might want on hand include things like recreational items, like sports equipment and bicycles. Doing otherwise can cause two potential issues.

First, it’ll help your seasonal items stay well-packaged and protected. Just as importantly, though, it’ll also keep your recreational items more easily accessible—and therefore, more likely to be used. This can keep your overall storage area more organized in general.

“If you have to dig through lawn equipment and stored furniture to get to these items, they likely won’t be used,” Singleton says.

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Not Using Weather-Resistant Cabinets and Joinery

Whether you have a full-scale outdoor kitchen or are installing cabinets in your garage or shed, Daniel Germani, creative director of Danver/Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens, says it’s best to ensure these are weather-resistant.

Since outdoor kitchens are exposed to elements 24/7, Germani recommends choosing cabinets with weather-resistant doors and drawers to prevent moisture buildup and ensure longevity.

If you’re not sure your cabinets are strong enough, Germani suggests looking for ones that use high-efficiency gaskets and magnets to secure items well. 

Leaving Your Cushioned Furniture Uncovered

Outdoor covers can be unsightly, but Singleton says they really are critical for protecting your outdoor furniture.

“These can be waterproof for rainier seasons and can also protect pests from tearing up cushions for nest building,” she says.

Not Storing Your Outdoor Hose Correctly

As a professional landscaper, Singleton says she wishes more people would store their outdoor hoses properly in the off-season. Think of an urn for a coiled hose or a concealed container with a functional spool.

“This helps with the longevity of the hose by keeping it tidy and out of the elements,” Singleton says.

Using Storage That Doesn’t Seal Shut

Even if you’re storing your items in a garage, basement, or shed, Singleton says it’s critical to avoid using open bins for your seasonal items. 

Open bins can often house debris and pests, Singleton says. “It’s best to have enclosed storage containers with a lid that can be easily opened for accessibility,” she says.

Ignoring Your Vertical Space

While larger items, such as outdoor sofas and tables, will likely need to be stored on the floor, Germani suggests using vertical space to store smaller items. This keeps these items protected, but also clears off any outdoor surfaces where they might not be safe to sit until temps rise again. 

“Using shelves to put away all those unwanted objects that clutter your countertop is key,” he says. “Find storage options with multiple drawer sizes to accommodate all of these needs in smaller spaces.”