How to Store Garden Furniture Over Winter

Summer has packed its bags.

The evenings are getting darker and your garden furniture is about to spend several months being battered by rain, frost and whatever else the British weather fancies throwing at it.

Leaving tables, chairs and cushions outside all winter can lead to rust, mould, fading and cracked materials. With a little preparation, however, you can protect your furniture and have it ready to use when the sun eventually remembers we exist.

Here’s how to store garden furniture over winter without creating a damp pile of regret.

Clean everything before storing it

It might be tempting to fold everything up, put it away and promise yourself you’ll deal with it next spring. Unfortunately, dirt, food, leaves and bird droppings become much harder to remove after several months in storage.

Give every item a proper clean before putting it away.

For wooden furniture, use a soft brush and an appropriate wood cleaner. Avoid soaking the furniture, as excess moisture can encourage mould.

Metal furniture can be cleaned with warm, soapy water. Check for signs of rust and treat any affected areas before storage.

Plastic furniture is generally simple to clean using warm water and mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage or discolour the surface.

Rattan furniture should be cleaned carefully with a soft brush or cloth to remove dirt from between the weave.

Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions before using cleaning products.

Make sure it’s completely dry

This is one of the most important steps.

Never place wet or damp garden furniture into a shed, garage or storage unit. Trapped moisture can cause mould, mildew, rust and unpleasant smells.

Once cleaned, leave everything to dry thoroughly on a clear day. Pay close attention to joints, gaps, hollow frames and woven materials where water can hide.

It’s worth waiting an extra day if necessary. Future you would rather wait now than discover a chair has grown its own ecosystem by March.

Look after wooden furniture

Wood can expand, contract and crack as temperatures and moisture levels change.

Before storing wooden garden furniture, inspect it for damage and gently sand any rough or peeling areas. Depending on the type of wood, applying a suitable oil or protective treatment can help prevent it from drying out or absorbing moisture.

Make sure any treatment has fully dried before moving the furniture into storage.

Avoid wrapping wooden furniture tightly in plastic. Plastic can trap condensation, so a breathable furniture cover is usually a better option.

Protect metal furniture from rust

Check metal tables and chairs for scratches, chipped paint and early signs of rust. Small damaged areas can become much worse after a wet winter, so deal with them before storage.

Remove any loose rust with an appropriate brush or treatment, then protect the area using suitable paint or sealant.

If the furniture folds, check that hinges and moving parts are clean and working properly. A small amount of suitable lubricant may help keep them from becoming stiff.

Don’t forget the cushions

Outdoor cushions may be weather-resistant, but that doesn’t mean they’ll enjoy spending the entire winter outside.

Remove covers where possible and wash them according to the care label. Make sure both the covers and cushion fillings are completely dry before packing them away.

Store cushions in breathable bags or clean, lidded containers. Avoid sealing away even slightly damp fabric, unless you’d like to open a box of Eau de Wet Shed next spring.

If possible, keep cushions off the floor and away from exterior walls.

Dismantle larger furniture

Taking apart tables, loungers and modular seating can save a surprising amount of space.

Keep screws, bolts and other small parts together in labelled bags. Attach each bag securely to the relevant item or place everything in one clearly marked container.

Taking a few photos before dismantling complicated furniture can also make rebuilding it much easier. Nobody wants to spend the first sunny Saturday of the year arguing with an unidentified bracket.

Use the right covers

Furniture covers help protect items from dust, dirt and accidental scratches, but the material you choose matters.

Breathable covers allow air to circulate and reduce the chance of condensation becoming trapped. Avoid wrapping furniture tightly in ordinary plastic sheeting for long periods, particularly if the space experiences temperature changes.

Make sure covers are secure but not so tight that they prevent airflow.

Store items off the floor

Where possible, raise furniture and boxes slightly off the ground using shelving, pallets or another suitable platform. This helps air circulate and provides added protection if moisture reaches the floor.

Avoid pushing everything tightly against the walls. Leaving a small gap encourages airflow around your belongings and makes it easier to check them during storage.

Heavier items should remain at the bottom, while lighter pieces can be stored above them if it’s safe to do so.

Is a garage or shed suitable?

A garage or shed may work if it’s secure, dry and large enough. However, these spaces can be vulnerable to leaks, damp, pests and temperature changes.

Before using one, check the roof, walls and floor for signs of water entering. Make sure doors and windows close securely and avoid placing furniture directly against damp surfaces.

If your garage is already full, your shed has become a mysterious land of broken plant pots, or you simply want the space back, self storage can be a practical alternative.

Using self storage for garden furniture

A storage unit gives you a dedicated place for tables, chairs, cushions, barbecues and other seasonal garden equipment.

It also frees up space at home while keeping everything together until it’s needed again. At blue self storage, flexible contracts mean you can store your furniture for the colder months without committing to space for longer than necessary.

Our drive-up units also make moving bulky garden furniture much easier. You can bring your vehicle close to the unit, unload and get home before somebody asks you to help carry another chair.

A little effort now saves money later

Knowing how to store garden furniture over winter can help extend its life and save you from replacing damaged pieces next year.

Clean everything properly, let it dry completely, treat any damage and use breathable protection. Whether you keep it in a garage, shed or storage unit, the aim is simple: dry, secure and protected until warmer weather returns.

Need somewhere to keep your garden furniture this winter? Find your nearest blue self storage site and choose a unit that gives your belongings, and your garage, a little more breathing room.