Here’s How to Safely Store Your Outdoor Summer Gear for Winter

As the temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to think about winter storage for your outdoor gear, furnishings, and tools. Proper storage keeps everything safe from winter weather hazards like ice and snow, and also from the high winds that often come with a blizzard. Here are some tips for proper winter storage of equipment, patio furniture, soil, toys, and more.

Power Tools & Equipment

Power tools and equipment require safe, dry storage to maintain good working order so they’re ready to go next spring. This includes your lawn mower, edger, chainsaw, and other power and garden tools.

Prep & Maintenance

It’s important to remove all fuel from engines before storage, especially if your equipment will not be stored in a climate-controlled area. Do this by draining the fuel tank and flushing the lines. Then, run the engine until it dies to ensure all fuel is removed. Leftover fuel should be stored outside your home in a gas can.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Storage

When possible, it’s always better to keep equipment in an indoor space, such as a garage or storage shed. The temperature may still drop below freezing, but the worst of the winter elements will be kept outside.

Indoor Storage Tips

• Keep equipment out of reach of children 

• Store all power tools upright and away from liquids 

• Add insulation to your storage area to help keep it warmer

Outdoor Storage Tips

• Drain all fuel to prevent it from freezing in the engine 

• Drain oil to prevent it from deteriorating 

• Remove any batteries and store them indoors to prevent corrosion 

• Use a heavy-duty tarp to protect equipment from weather damage

Patio Furniture

Most patio furniture can be kept outside if covered, though proper winter storage will largely depend on the materials of your items:

Fabric and Upholstery: Patio cushions should be stored indoors or in a garage. Cover them but allow proper airflow to prevent mould or mildew. A waterproof shed is acceptable but it’s more likely to be infiltrated by rodents and other pests. 

Wicker Furniture: Use a water and sun-resistant tarp to cover wicker tables and chairs. 

Plastic or Resin: These items can be left outdoors but they will maintain their appearance longer if covered.

Wood Furniture: Most wood furniture should be stored in a garage or shed out of the elements, though treated wood can be left outside with a proper cover. 

Patio Umbrellas: Winter will destroy the fabric and wreck the umbrella veins—store inside your shed or home. 

Planters & Pots: These are easily blown away in high winds—remove all soil and place them in a garden shed. 

Air Conditioner: Your AC Unit may need to be disconnected and covered during the winter. Check with the manufacturer for proper winter storage.

Garden Hose

If water freezes inside your garden hose it can burst or tear the hose material. Here’s how to store it for winter: 

• Turn off the outdoor water tap at the source 

• Remove the hose and drain of all water 

• Remove the nozzle and wipe it dry before storage 

• Coil the hose in loose loops for storage 

• Keep the hose indoors, preferably hanging from a hook to maintain its coiled shape

Soil, Compost & Mulch

When storing organic materials such as garden soil, mulch or compost, your main goal for winter storage is to prevent mould and fungus growth. Here’s what to do:

Garden Soil

Place loose soil in a plastic container and keep it in a dry area. Unopened bagged soil can be left as-is in a dry area.

Compost

Compost can be stored in a similar fashion, but it should be turned periodically with a shovel to prevent clumping.

Mulch

Loose mulch should be poured onto a heavy tarp and then covered with a second tarp, leaving some of the edges loose for air flow. For sealed mulch, add a few holes to the bag to ensure good airflow.

Fertilizers & Pesticides

Winter storage of fertilizers and pesticides will depend on whether it’s liquid or dry. Dry powders or granules can be kept outdoors but they may cake together and require breaking up in spring. Liquid fertilizers should typically be kept indoors as they can expand and burst with freezing. Some liquid pesticides can be kept outdoors: read the directions for storage temperature recommendations.

Your outdoor gear gets enough wear-and-tear through regular summer usage. Protecting it from the winter elements can keep it looking great and help make it last for years to come.