If you’re someone who loves to get out the barbeque and garden furniture during the summer seasons, you’re going to need a good place to store it during the colder months. From clothing to outdoor items, putting your beloved summer must-haves in storage – whether you opt for a dedicated storage unit or a garage or shed – is definitely a good decision. Here are seven tips to ensure your stored items stay in good condition over that cooler period.
1 After months of using your outdoor furniture, in order to make it last, it’s safe to put them away – far from any rain or snow. Before putting it in storage, be sure to cover them with protective material to preserve the fabric. While some outdoor furniture can last through the winter months, it’ll decrease its lifespan.
2 While most people leave their barbeque out all year round, it’s worth putting yours away to avoid any rust. Barbeques can last through the winter season, but it may go rusty when left and definitely won’t look the way it did when you first bought it. Make sure you thoroughly clean the grill after your final BBQ. Coating the metal parts with cooking oil will also repel moisture and keep it fresh. Which? has a great guide to maintaining your barbeque, which is worth a read.
3 Many people invest in a gazebo for the summer, particularly because the UK weather is often unreliable. While it’s made to keep the rain away, it’ll ruin quickly without care. It’s important to keep the canvas dry before you put it away, and they need to be stored appropriately. In order to keep them usable for years on end, it’s worth taking care of the gazebo, use this time to give it a good clean – so it’ll look brand new next summer.
4 Our summer wardrobe can sometimes be one of the most enjoyable things about the warm season, but there’s nothing worse than pulling your clothes out of storage only to notice they’ve been eaten by moths. Try and avoid the winged insects ruining your clothes by putting lavender in with them when you store them for winter. The scent will deter moths, and your clothes will look as good as they did when you put them away.
5 Too often people get on their bikes after winter to find their chain is broken and their gears are stiff. Before you put your bike away, pump up the tires, lubricate the chain and cables, and thoroughly wash your bike. This guide has some other great tips to consider. It’s also a good idea to check on it once or twice in the winter just to give it a touch-up and to make sure it’s ready to go before you start riding it again.
6 If you have a cordless mower, remove your lawnmower battery for the winter, make sure there’s no petrol in it and that the oil has been replaced. For both electric and petrol lawnmowers, put them in a cool, dry place until you can use it again.
7 The most important rule when it comes to storing your items is to wash everything. Whether you’ve used it since you last washed it or not, it needs to go through again. Remember, it’s going to spend months tucked away, gathering dirt and dust, so try and ensure it is as clean as possible before it goes away. When the summer comes back around, rewash it. Whether it’s clothes, barbeques, or furniture, it all needs to be cleaned thoroughly. When your items are lasting years longer than your neighbours, you won’t regret it.
Take on these tips and store your items for winter safely and securely, ensuring they’re ready to use again once the warmer weather rolls back around.