Protect your outdoor investment and be ready for next season — without the stress.
Why Storing Patio Furniture Correctly Saves You Money
Patio furniture isn’t just another home purchase—it’s an investment in your lifestyle. Whether it’s cozy chairs for family barbecues or a luxurious outdoor sofa for lazy summer afternoons, these pieces face a lot of wear and tear from sun, rain, snow, and even wind.
If left exposed, you’re risking cracked wood, rusted metal, moldy cushions, faded fabrics, and a hefty replacement bill come spring. The good news? Proper storage doesn’t just save your wallet—it keeps your backyard looking fresh, welcoming, and stylish year after year.
At The Lock Up Self Storage, we make it simple to protect your patio setup with secure, climate-controlled units built to handle every season.
Let’s walk through 7 smart ways to make sure your furniture stays in top shape.
1. Give Your Furniture Some TLC Before Storing
First things first: Clean everything.
Even if your outdoor furniture looks “pretty clean,” invisible dirt, moisture, and organic debris can cause massive problems during storage. Mold, mildew, and even rust often start from leftover grime.
Here’s how to prep different materials:
- Wood: Wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. Use a gentle cleaner made for outdoor wood. Then, apply a wood-specific oil or sealant to prevent cracking or drying out.
- Metal: Scrub surfaces lightly with soapy water to remove dirt. Rinse thoroughly. If there’s any sign of rust, sand it down and apply a rust-preventative spray.
- Wicker: Dust and vacuum the weave. Then, clean with a mixture of water and mild soap. Use a toothbrush to get into tight spaces.
- Plastic/Resin: Spray down with a hose and scrub with soap and water. Plastic can crack if exposed to freezing temps, so extra care is needed.
- Fabrics (Cushions/Umbrellas): Remove covers if possible and wash according to the label instructions. Otherwise, vacuum and spot-clean. Always allow fabrics to dry completely before packing to avoid mildew.
Pro Tip: Dry time matters. Moisture is the enemy when you store anything long-term, so be patient and let everything fully air out before the next step.
2. Disassemble and Wrap Pieces Properly
You wouldn’t store a jigsaw puzzle fully assembled, right? Patio furniture works the same way.
Whenever possible, break down larger items:
- Remove table legs, detachable arms, or stackable chairs.
- Wrap detached pieces in furniture blankets or bubble wrap to prevent scratches or chips during transport and storage.
- Place smaller hardware (like screws or bolts) in labeled Ziplock bags and tape them directly to the corresponding furniture piece.
- For glass tabletops, wrap carefully with moving blankets and store vertically (never flat) to reduce the risk of breakage.
Bonus Tip: Label large wrapped items so you can easily locate what you need when it’s time to reassemble in spring.
3. Choose a Climate-Controlled Unit at The Lock Up
Here’s the hard truth: garages and backyard sheds just don’t cut it for proper storage, especially in places with extreme temperatures or moisture swings.
Climate-controlled units at The Lock Up are designed for delicate items—including your outdoor furniture.
Here’s why it matters:
- Temperature consistency: Prevents cracking, warping, or rust caused by freezing temps or intense humidity.
- Humidity control: Essential for fabrics, cushions, and wood that can easily mildew or mold in damp spaces.
- Pest protection: Climate-controlled units are typically sealed better against rodents and insects.
- Security and monitoring: With 24/7 video surveillance, keypad access, and well-lit facilities, your furniture is safe and sound.
Choosing a temperature-controlled unit is the best way to give your patio pieces a safe hibernation spot.
4. Stack, Elevate, and Organize Thoughtfully
Maximizing your storage space keeps your items in better condition and saves you headaches when you unpack.
Best practices:
- Elevate everything off the ground with pallets, shelving units, or blocks. This protects against moisture that might seep into the floor and promotes airflow.
- Stack wisely. Heavy items (like tables) on the bottom, lighter or fragile items (like cushions) on top.
- Store cushions separately in breathable bins, pillow bags, or cloth storage containers. Avoid plastic containers unless you ensure there’s zero trapped moisture.
- Label all covered or wrapped items. It’s easy to forget which chair is wrapped under three layers of blankets months later!
- Allow airflow between furniture pieces to prevent musty smells and mildew.
Visualize your storage unit like a giant puzzle: stack safely, leave walking paths if possible, and avoid cramming.
5. Don’t Skimp on Protective Covers and Products
Even inside a clean storage unit, covers offer another layer of protection.
- Breathable fabric covers (like canvas or specially designed outdoor furniture covers) allow air to circulate while keeping out dust and debris.
- Shrink wrap or plastic wrap might seem smart, but these trap moisture, leading to mold. Always choose breathable options.
- Furniture protectant sprays can shield surfaces from scratches, dust buildup, and minor humidity changes.
- Cushion storage bags are ideal to separate cushions from furniture frames and maintain their shape.
Important: Avoid stacking heavy objects on top of cushions, umbrellas, or delicate parts even when wrapped.
6. Why The Lock Up Is Perfect for Patio Furniture Storage
Storing patio furniture at The Lock Up means way less hassle (and heartache) when outdoor season rolls around again.
Benefits of choosing The Lock Up include:
- Climate control to handle brutal winters or steamy summers.
- Flexible unit sizes for everything from a single lounge chair to a full 12-piece dining set.
- Short-term and long-term lease options—only pay for the time you need.
- Drive-up access at many locations, making it easy to move bulky items in and out.
- Modern security systems to keep your valuable furniture safe.
- Immaculately clean facilities so your stored items come out just as fresh as they went in.
When you store at The Lock Up, you’re not just renting space—you’re protecting memories, investments, and the relaxing vibes of summer.
7. Avoid These Common Storage Mistakes
Before you pack up and call it a day, here’s what NOT to do:
- Don’t store damp furniture. Even a little moisture can wreak havoc over a few months.
- Don’t wrap tightly in plastic. No air = mildew party.
- Don’t overload your unit. A crushed cushion is hard to bounce back.
- Don’t forget to inventory. A quick checklist of what’s stored saves you time later.
- Don’t store without cleaning. Invisible grime today is mold tomorrow.
Smart storage is about preparation, not just space.
FAQs About Patio Furniture Storage at The Lock Up
Q: Can I store my barbecue grill in the unit?
Absolutely—just clean it thoroughly first and make sure there’s no propane tank attached (flammables aren’t allowed).
Q: Do I really need a climate-controlled unit?
If you care about keeping your cushions fluffy, your wood uncracked, and your metal rust-free, climate control is the best choice.
Q: How should I store umbrellas and fabric covers?
Dry completely, roll (don’t fold) to avoid creases, and store in breathable bags inside your unit.
Q: How big of a storage unit do I need for patio furniture?
A 5×10 unit works for small sets (like a few chairs and a table). If you’re storing multiple lounge chairs, dining sets, and accessories, a 10×10 unit is ideal.
Q: Can I access my furniture whenever I need it?
Yes! The Lock Up offers convenient hours so you can grab your gear whenever you’re ready for that first warm day outside.
Protect Your Patio Paradise with The Lock Up
A little effort now means major rewards later. By cleaning, prepping, and storing your patio furniture at The Lock Up, you’re setting yourself up for an easy, breezy outdoor season next year.
Ready to get started? Reserve your climate-controlled storage unit today—and give your patio furniture the home it deserves this winter!
