February 06, 2025 | 2 minute read

Storing Outdoor Furniture & Patio Accessories For Winter

Don’t Let Winter Ruin Your Patio Furniture & Outdoor Living Set

Self-storage is an excellent solution for winter storage, helping you keep your outdoors organized and clutter-free during the colder months. As the season changes, bulky items like patio furniture, gardening tools, bicycles, and summer sports equipment can take up valuable space. Even worse, left to the elements, rain, snow, and ice can cause wood to swell and warp, metal to rust, and fabrics to develop mold or mildew. Prolonged exposure to moisture can weaken the structure of the furniture.

Don’t let winter wreak havoc on your outdoor furniture and decorations. It can have significant effects on outdoor furniture, especially if it is not properly protected. Here are some common impacts if you’re not storing outdoor furniture properly:

1. Moisture Damage:

Rain, snow, and ice can cause wood to swell and warp, metal to rust, and fabrics to develop mold or mildew. Prolonged exposure to moisture can weaken the structure of the furniture.

2. Temperature Fluctuations:

Freezing temperatures followed by thawing can cause materials like plastic and wood to crack or become brittle. The constant expansion and contraction can damage joints and seams, making the furniture unstable.

3. UV Damage:

Even during winter, UV rays can fade the color of certain materials, such as plastic or painted wood, weakening their finish over time.

4. Rust and Corrosion:

Metal furniture is particularly susceptible to rust and corrosion when exposed to moisture for extended periods, especially if protective coatings wear away.

5. Fabric Wear:

Cushions and upholstery left outside may trap moisture, leading to mold growth and fabric degradation. Prolonged cold can also cause fabrics to stiffen or crack.

To prevent these issues, instead of crowding your garage or basement, self-storage provides a safe, accessible location to store these items until warmer weather returns. It’s also ideal for safely storing seasonal decorations, winter sports gear, or holiday items you don’t use year-round.

Storing these belongings in a temperature-controlled unit helps protect them from moisture, freezing temperatures, or other harsh winter conditions that could cause damage. By utilizing self-storage, you free up space at home while ensuring your items remain in great condition until they’re needed again. It’s a simple, convenient solution that makes seasonal transitions smoother and helps keep your home organized during winter.