How to Store Garden Furniture Over Winter

The clocks have gone back, the evenings are drawing in, and that garden set that was so useful in August is now sitting out in the rain. Leave it there all winter and you could be facing rust, rot, warped frames and cushions that smell like a damp cellar by spring.

The good news is that a little preparation now can add years to your garden furniture. Here’s how to store garden furniture over winter, whatever it’s made of, and what to do if you simply don’t have the space at home.

Why You Should Store Garden Furniture Over Winter

British winters are tough on outdoor furniture. It’s not just the rain. Frost, damp air, wind and long periods without sun all take their toll.

• Metal can rust, especially if the paint or coating is chipped.

• Wood can swell, split and rot, and may develop green algae.

• Rattan and wicker can fade, become brittle or grow mould in damp conditions.

• Cushions and fabric hold moisture, which leads to mildew and unpleasant smells.

• Plastic and resin can become brittle and crack in freezing temperatures.

  
  

Covers help, but they’re not a complete answer. Trapped condensation under a cover can cause as much damage as the rain itself. Storing your furniture indoors, or at least off the ground and out of the weather, is the best way to protect it.

Step 1: Clean Everything First

Never put furniture away dirty. Dirt, bird droppings and organic debris attract moisture and can cause mould or staining while the furniture sits in storage.

• Wood: Brush off debris, wash with warm soapy water and a soft brush, then rinse.

• Metal: Wipe down with soapy water. Check for chips or rust patches and touch them up with rust-resistant paint.

• Rattan and wicker: Vacuum or brush into the weave, then wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap.

• Plastic and resin: Wash with warm soapy water and a sponge.

• Cushions: Check the care label. Many covers can be machine washed, while others need spot cleaning.

Step 2: Make Sure It’s Completely Dry

This is the step most people rush, and it’s the one that causes the most problems. Leave furniture to dry fully in the sun or in a well-ventilated space for at least a day. Cushions need longer, so dry them thoroughly and press them to check there’s no hidden dampness inside. Storing anything even slightly damp is the quickest route to mould.

Step 3: Take Furniture Apart and Protect It

Wherever possible, make your furniture smaller and easier to store.

• Remove legs, cushions and removable parts.

• Keep screws and fittings together in a labelled bag, taped to the furniture it belongs to.

• Apply a coat of furniture oil or wax to wooden pieces to protect them from drying out.

• Add a thin layer of protective spray or wax to metal parts.

• Wrap furniture in breathable covers or old sheets rather than plastic, which traps moisture.

If you’re stacking chairs, put a piece of cloth or cardboard between them to stop scratches.

Step 4: Store Cushions Properly

Cushions are the first thing to go mouldy, so give them extra attention.

• Store them in breathable fabric bags or storage boxes with a few holes for airflow.

• Add moisture absorbers or silica gel sachets to the box.

• Keep them off the floor and away from external walls.

• Never use sealed plastic bags for anything that isn’t bone dry.

Step 5: Choose the Right Place to Store It

Where you store your furniture matters as much as how you prepare it. Here’s how the main options compare:

Storage option	Pros	Cons
Shed	Convenient, already at home	Often damp, cluttered and full of tools
Garage	Dry and covered	Usually full already, and cars and DIY gear take priority
Under a cover outdoors	Free, no moving needed	Condensation, frost and wind damage still happen
Loft	Dry and out of the way	Hard to get large items up there
Self storage unit	Secure, dry and with space for the whole set	Monthly cost

If your shed and garage are already full, a self storage unit can be a practical alternative. It keeps your furniture dry and secure, and it frees up space at home at the same time.

Storing Garden Furniture With Green Oak Self Storage

At Green Oak Self Storage, we help people across Tamworth, Sutton Coldfield and the surrounding area store everything from garden sets to seasonal items. Our units are flexible, so you can rent for the winter months and bring your furniture back out when spring arrives, rather than committing to a long contract.

We have access seven days a week, so you can collect your furniture on the first sunny weekend of the year without waiting for an appointment. Take a look at our domestic storage page or our prices to find the right size for your set.

Garden Furniture Storage Checklist

Before you pack everything away, run through this quick list:

• Clean all furniture and remove dirt

• Dry everything completely, especially cushions

• Take apart where possible and bag the fittings

• Treat wood, metal or rattan with protective oil or wax

• Cover with breathable fabric, not plastic

• Store cushions in ventilated bags or boxes with moisture absorbers

• Keep everything off the ground on pallets or shelves

• Label boxes so spring set-up is quick and easy

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave garden furniture outside over winter?

You can, but it’s a risk. Heavy-duty, weatherproof furniture with a good-quality fitted cover may survive, but wood, rattan and anything with cushions will last far longer if stored indoors.

Should I cover garden furniture with plastic?

Avoid plastic sheeting, because it traps moisture and can cause mould. Use breathable covers designed for outdoor furniture, or wrap items in old cotton sheets.

How do I stop garden cushions going mouldy in storage?

Make sure they’re completely dry before you pack them. Store them in a ventilated bag or box with moisture absorbers, and keep them off the floor.

When should I put garden furniture away for winter?

October and early November is ideal, before the first hard frosts and the wettest weather. If you pick a dry, sunny day to clean and dry everything, you’ll get the best results.

How big a storage unit do I need for a garden furniture set?

It depends on the size of your set and whatever else you want to store. Get in touch and we’ll help you choose the right size without paying for more than you need.

Ready to Free Up Space and Protect Your Furniture?

If your shed or garage is bursting at the seams, Green Oak Self Storage can give your garden furniture a dry, secure home until spring. Call us on 0121 378 2870, email info@greenoakselfstorage.co.uk, or book online to reserve your unit at our Tamworth site, which serves customers across Sutton Coldfield and the surrounding area.