To store garden furniture and tools over winter, clean everything, let it dry completely, drain fuel from mowers and other petrol tools, and remove gas bottles from BBQs, as storage sites won't accept them. Then pack it into a dry unit, with cushions stored separately. Drive-up shipping containers are often a good fit, because you can reverse up to the door and load bulky, dirty items easily.
Why store garden kit away for winter?
Wind, rain and frost are hard on garden furniture, cushions and tools. Wood can split, metal can rust and fabrics can go mouldy. If you don't have a shed or garage, or yours is full, a storage unit through the colder months keeps everything in better condition and frees up space at home. It's also handy if you're moving house and the garden kit needs somewhere to go in the meantime.
Garden furniture: clean and dry first
Whatever material your furniture is made from, the rule is the same: clean it, then make sure it's completely dry before it goes into storage.
- Wood: scrub off dirt and algae, let it dry, and consider treating it with an oil or preservative suited to the wood.
- Metal: wash it, check for rust spots and treat them, then dry it thoroughly.
- Plastic and rattan-effect: wash with warm soapy water and dry, paying attention to the gaps in the weave.
- Cushions and parasols: brush off dirt, wash covers if the label allows, and only pack them when bone dry. Store them in breathable bags, not sealed plastic, and keep them off the floor.
Fold or stack chairs where you can, take legs off tables if they come off easily, and keep fixings in a labelled bag. Our guide to storing furniture has more packing tips.
Lawnmowers and petrol tools: deal with the fuel
Petrol and other flammable liquids are on the prohibited list at storage sites, so a mower, strimmer or hedge cutter with fuel in the tank can't go into a unit. Check the store's terms and our guide to what you can't put in storage before you pack.
To prepare a petrol mower or tool:
- Run the engine until the tank is empty, or drain it following the manufacturer's instructions. Some stores may still refuse any engine that has held fuel, so ask first.
- Don't store spare fuel cans in the unit, even if they're nearly empty.
- Clean grass and mud off the deck and blades, then dry everything.
- Check the manual for any other winter storage steps, such as oil or spark plug care.
Electric and battery mowers are simpler. Clean them and take the batteries out. Battery packs are best kept somewhere frost-free, and you should check the store's rules on lithium batteries.
BBQs: gas bottles stay at home
Gas cylinders are not allowed in storage units. Disconnect the bottle from a gas BBQ or patio heater and keep it somewhere safe, outdoors and ventilated, following the supplier's guidance, or return it to the supplier.
For the BBQ itself:
- Burn off residue, then scrub the grill and clean out grease trays.
- Empty all ash and charcoal from charcoal BBQs. Don't store bags of charcoal or lighter fluid.
- Dry it thoroughly and cover it once it's in the unit.
Hand tools and power tools
Clean soil off spades, forks and shears, then dry them and wipe the metal with a light coat of oil to stop rust. Sharpen blades now so they're ready for spring. Hang or box hand tools so sharp edges can't damage anything else. Power tools should be clean, dry, boxed and stored without batteries fitted.
Why containers suit garden storage
Garden kit is bulky, awkward and often a bit muddy, and you may want to get at it as soon as the weather turns. Outdoor shipping-container storage usually gives you drive-up access, so you can unload straight from a car, van or trailer. It's often good value for this kind of item too. Do make sure everything goes in dry and well ventilated, as containers can be more prone to condensation than indoor units. Our guide to container vs indoor storage covers the pros and cons, and the size guide helps you pick the right space.
Storing a fridge or old appliances from the garage at the same time? See how to store electronics and appliances.
Want somewhere to put the garden for winter? Tell us what you need and every suitable store or container site near you can send you a price.
