Summer eventually comes to an end.
The evenings become darker, temperatures start dropping and the garden furniture that was used constantly in June and July may barely be touched by the end of September.
That’s when many households face the same problem.
Where does everything go for the next six months?
Garden tables, chairs, parasols, cushions, children’s outdoor toys, camping equipment and seasonal accessories can take up an enormous amount of space.
Leaving everything outside throughout autumn and winter isn’t always ideal, while squeezing it all into the garage can make the garage almost impossible to use.
For households with a lot of seasonal outdoor equipment, self storage can provide another option.
SecureStore provides flexible personal self storage across Bury, Manchester, Failsworth and Salford, helping you free up space at home while keeping suitable seasonal belongings organised until they’re needed again.
2-Week Flash Offer: First Month’s Storage for Just £1
If you’re packing away your summer equipment, SecureStore’s current flash offer could make now an ideal time to organise everything properly.
For two weeks only, get your first month of storage for just £1.
Instead of filling the garage, shed or spare room, suitable seasonal belongings can be moved into storage while they’re not being used.
2-WEEK FLASH OFFER
FIRST MONTH’S STORAGE: £1
Promotional terms, eligibility and availability apply.
Call 0161 470 0288 or email info@securestoreselfstorage.co.uk to enquire.
Why Autumn Is a Good Time for a Household Storage Reset
September and October create a natural transition.
Summer equipment is going away.
Winter belongings are coming out.
That makes this an excellent time to review what you’re keeping.
Look around your garden, garage and shed.
You may have:
- Garden chairs
- Outdoor tables
- Sun loungers
- Parasols
- Outdoor cushions
- Children’s garden toys
- Camping equipment
- Picnic equipment
- Paddling pools
- Outdoor games
- Bikes
- Sports equipment
Some of these belongings won’t be needed again until spring.
Do they really need to occupy your best storage space at home throughout winter?
Start With Your Garden Furniture
Garden furniture can represent a significant investment.
Rather than simply abandoning it outside when summer finishes, check the manufacturer’s guidance for the specific materials and products you own.
Different materials require different care.
Wood, metal, rattan-style furniture, plastics and outdoor fabrics shouldn’t automatically be treated in exactly the same way.
Before storing suitable furniture, inspect it carefully.
Clean Furniture Before Putting It Away
Don’t store garden furniture covered in the remains of summer.
Remove:
- Dirt
- Leaves
- Food residue
- Bird mess
- General garden debris
Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for the particular furniture.
Once cleaned, allow everything to dry thoroughly before packing or storing it.
Putting damp belongings away for months can create unnecessary problems.
Don’t Forget Underneath
Outdoor tables and chairs can look clean from above while still carrying mud and dirt underneath.
Turn suitable furniture over safely and check:
- Legs
- Feet
- Undersides
- Joints
- Frames
This is also a useful opportunity to identify anything requiring maintenance before next summer.
Check for Damage Now, Not Next Spring
There’s nothing worse than pulling garden furniture out on the first warm weekend of the year and discovering something is broken.
Inspect it before storage.
Look for:
- Loose fixings
- Damage
- Cracks
- Corrosion
- Worn components
- Missing pieces
Deal with maintenance according to the manufacturer’s instructions where appropriate.
Then when spring arrives, your furniture should be much closer to being ready for use.
Outdoor Cushions Need Particular Attention
Garden cushions can consume huge amounts of indoor cupboard space during winter.
Before storing suitable cushions:
- Check the care label.
- Clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Make sure they’re completely dry.
- Keep matching sets together.
- Pack them appropriately.
Don’t seal damp fabric away for months.
Label Cushion Sets
If you have several pieces of outdoor furniture, it can be surprisingly difficult to remember which cushion belongs where after six months.
Label sets clearly.
For example:
GARDEN SOFA – BACK CUSHIONS
DINING CHAIRS – 6 SEAT PADS
SUN LOUNGERS – 2 CUSHIONS
Spring setup becomes considerably easier.
What About the Parasol?
A large garden parasol can be awkward to store.
Before putting it away, make sure it is clean and properly dry in accordance with its care instructions.
Check whether the canopy should be removed.
Keep any fittings together.
If you dismantle the parasol, label the components.
Don’t spend the first sunny day next year trying to work out where the base fitting disappeared to.
Don’t Forget the Parasol Base
Heavy parasol bases are easy to overlook because they don’t appear particularly vulnerable.
But if you’re reorganising the garden, decide where the base will live too.
Be careful when moving heavy items and don’t attempt lifts beyond your capabilities.
Pack Away Summer Dining Equipment
Some households have equipment used almost exclusively for outdoor entertaining.
This might include:
- Plastic serving ware
- Outdoor glasses
- Picnic equipment
- Tablecloths
- Serving trays
- Cool boxes
If you won’t use these items over winter, clean and organise suitable equipment before storing it.
Group similar belongings together rather than scattering them around different cupboards.
Be Careful With BBQs and Fuel
Barbecues require more thought than ordinary garden furniture.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning, maintenance and storage.
Importantly, fuels and other flammable or hazardous materials may be prohibited from self storage.
Do not place gas cylinders, petrol, flammable liquids or other prohibited hazardous materials into a storage unit.
Speak to SecureStore if you’re unsure whether a particular item is permitted.
For gas safety information, see:
Gas Safe Register
gassaferegister.co.uk
Never Assume a Shed Is Completely Weatherproof
Garden sheds are convenient, but conditions vary considerably.
Before putting valuable equipment away for winter, inspect your shed.
Check for:
- Leaks
- Damp
- Gaps
- Damaged roofing
- Poorly fitting doors
- Signs of pests
Don’t assume that because something is technically indoors it is automatically protected.
The Garage Can Fill Up Very Quickly
Garden furniture often migrates into the garage at the end of summer.
Then come the bikes.
Then the outdoor toys.
Then the camping equipment.
By November, the garage is full and the car remains outside.
If you want your garage to remain functional, decide what genuinely needs to be kept there.
Suitable seasonal belongings that won’t be touched for months may be candidates for storage elsewhere.
Reclaim Your Garage for Winter
A garage can be particularly useful during colder months.
You may want easier access to:
- Car equipment
- Tools
- Winter supplies
- Bikes
- DIY equipment
If the entire floor is covered with summer belongings, accessing anything becomes frustrating.
Moving suitable seasonal equipment into self storage can help create a more usable garage.
Children’s Outdoor Toys Need Sorting Too
Children can accumulate a surprising amount of garden equipment.
You may have:
- Scooters
- Ride-on toys
- Garden games
- Water tables
- Outdoor play equipment
- Football goals
- Paddling pools
Before automatically storing everything until next summer, ask whether your children are likely to use it again.
They may have outgrown some items.
Don’t Store Things Your Children Have Already Outgrown
Children change considerably between summers.
Something perfect this year may be too small or no longer interesting next year.
If an item is in good condition but unlikely to be used again, selling or donating it may make more sense than storing it.
This can reduce the amount of storage space required.
Pack Paddling Pools Carefully
If you’re keeping a paddling pool or similar seasonal equipment, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and storage.
Ensure suitable items are properly emptied, cleaned and thoroughly dried before packing.
Keep pumps and relevant accessories together where appropriate.
Label everything clearly.
Camping Equipment Often Comes Indoors at the Same Time
The end of summer can also mean the end of the main camping season for many households.
Tents, camping chairs, tables, sleeping equipment and other gear can consume significant garage or cupboard space.
Use the autumn reset to organise camping equipment at the same time.
Never Pack a Tent Away Damp
If you’ve returned from a wet camping trip, don’t simply leave the tent packed until next year.
Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions and make sure appropriate equipment is clean and thoroughly dry before longer-term storage.
Check components and keep poles, pegs and other relevant parts organised.
Create a Summer Equipment Zone
Instead of mixing everything together, group belongings by season.
For example:
GARDEN FURNITURE
OUTDOOR CUSHIONS
CAMPING
SUMMER SPORTS
CHILDREN’S OUTDOOR TOYS
PICNIC EQUIPMENT
When spring arrives, you’ll know exactly what needs retrieving.
Photograph Your Equipment
Take photographs before packing larger items away.
This can help you remember:
- How something was assembled
- Which cushions belong together
- What equipment you own
- Where components fit
If you dismantle suitable furniture, photographs can be particularly useful.
Keep Fixings With the Item
If furniture needs dismantling, put screws, bolts and other fittings into a labelled bag.
Keep the bag securely with the relevant furniture where appropriate.
Write something specific:
GARDEN TABLE – FIXINGS
rather than:
SCREWS
Six months later, the distinction matters.
Think About What You’ll Need First Next Spring
Don’t pack everything randomly.
Items likely to be needed early in the season should be reasonably accessible.
For example, garden chairs may come out before paddling pools.
Organising storage according to likely retrieval order can save considerable effort later.
Autumn Is Also a Good Time to Sell Unwanted Garden Equipment
Don’t wait until the garage is overflowing.
If you’ve replaced furniture or your children have outgrown outdoor equipment, consider selling suitable unwanted items.
Options include:
eBay UK
ebay.co.uk
Facebook Marketplace
facebook.com/marketplace
If you decide to sell, clean items and provide accurate descriptions of their condition.
Donate Suitable Items
Good-quality household and furniture items may also be suitable for donation depending on the organisation and its current requirements.
British Heart Foundation
bhf.org.uk
Check what is currently accepted before arranging a donation or collection.
Dispose of Broken Equipment Responsibly
Not everything is worth storing, selling or donating.
Broken garden furniture and damaged outdoor equipment may need appropriate disposal or recycling.
Local rules vary.
You can find your local council through:
GOV.UK – Find Your Local Council
gov.uk/find-local-council
Check the appropriate household waste and recycling arrangements in your area.
Don’t Forget Your Bikes
Cycling may continue throughout winter, so don’t automatically store every bicycle.
Instead ask:
Which bikes will actually be used?
A frequently used commuting bike needs to remain accessible.
A specialist bike that won’t be used again for months is a different situation.
Whatever you decide, clean and maintain equipment according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Protect Your Best Indoor Storage Space
Many households use their spare room, hallway or utility room for seasonal outdoor belongings.
Before long, the garden furniture has solved one problem while creating another.
Try to avoid bringing large amounts of outdoor equipment into valuable everyday living space simply because winter has arrived.
Make a Seasonal Inventory
A simple list can be surprisingly useful.
For example:
Garden
- Table
- 6 chairs
- Parasol
- Cushions
Camping
- Tent
- 4 chairs
- Sleeping equipment
- Table
Children
- Outdoor games
- Paddling pool
When spring arrives, you’ll know exactly what you kept.
Review the List Before Buying Anything Next Year
Seasonal belongings are easy to forget.
Then the first sunny weekend arrives and another set of outdoor chairs gets purchased.
Check your inventory before buying replacements.
You may already own exactly what you need.
Use the Winter to Decide What You Really Want
After several months without an item, you may realise you don’t actually need it.
Storage doesn’t have to mean keeping something forever.
Review suitable stored belongings periodically.
If something is unlikely to be used again, consider selling, donating or disposing of it appropriately.
Removal + Storage Can Help With Bulky Garden Furniture
Garden tables, chairs and other suitable seasonal furniture can be awkward to move.
SecureStore provides Removal + Storage, allowing you to discuss moving suitable belongings as well as storing them.
That can be particularly helpful if you’re trying to clear a garage, shed or outdoor area before winter.
Use SecureStore’s £1 First-Month Flash Offer
If you’re packing summer away, our current promotion could make now a good time to reorganise.
For two weeks only:
GET YOUR FIRST MONTH OF STORAGE FOR JUST £1
Suitable storage could help you make space by moving:
- Garden furniture
- Outdoor cushions
- Parasols
- Camping equipment
- Summer sports equipment
- Children’s outdoor toys
- Picnic equipment
- Other suitable seasonal household belongings
Remember that prohibited items, including certain fuels, flammable materials and hazardous substances, must not be stored.
2-WEEK FLASH OFFER – FIRST MONTH’S STORAGE £1
Promotional terms, eligibility and availability apply.
How to Book Your Unit With SecureStore
Getting organised for autumn is straightforward:
- Review your garden, garage and shed.
- Decide which summer belongings won’t be needed for several months.
- Clean suitable items according to manufacturer instructions.
- Allow appropriate items to dry completely.
- Sell, donate or appropriately dispose of things you no longer need.
- Label dismantled furniture and keep relevant fixings together.
- Contact SecureStore and ask about our 2-week flash offer – first month’s storage for £1.
- Choose a suitable storage unit.
- Ask about Removal + Storage for bulky suitable furniture.
- Keep an inventory ready for spring.
2-WEEK FLASH OFFER: FIRST MONTH’S STORAGE FOR £1
Call: 0161 470 0288
Email: info@securestoreselfstorage.co.uk
Visit: 574 Manchester Road, Bury
Locations: Bury | Manchester | Failsworth | Salford
No deposit required in many cases; same-day move-in may be available.
Contact SecureStore for promotional terms, eligibility and current unit availability.
Pack Summer Away Properly and Make Space for Autumn
Seasonal equipment doesn’t need to dominate your home simply because you’re not using it.
A little organisation at the end of summer can help protect suitable belongings, free up the garage and make next spring much easier.
Clean things before they go away.
Make sure suitable equipment is dry.
Label everything.
Get rid of things you no longer want.
And keep the belongings worth retaining organised until the warmer weather returns.
SecureStore provides flexible personal self storage and Removal + Storage across Bury, Manchester, Failsworth and Salford.
And for a limited period, your first month of storage is just £1 with our 2-week flash offer.
Call 0161 470 0288 or email info@securestoreselfstorage.co.uk to discuss your storage requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put garden furniture into self storage for winter?
Suitable garden furniture can be stored subject to SecureStore’s terms and availability. Clean and prepare furniture according to the manufacturer’s instructions before storage.
Can I store outdoor cushions?
Suitable cushions should be cleaned and thoroughly dried according to their care instructions before being packed away.
Can I put a barbecue or gas bottle into a storage unit?
Restrictions apply to hazardous and flammable materials. Do not store gas cylinders, fuel or other prohibited hazardous materials. Speak to SecureStore about the particular equipment you have before moving it into a unit.
Can SecureStore help move bulky garden furniture?
Yes. SecureStore provides Removal + Storage. Speak to our team about the suitable furniture and equipment you need moving.
Is self storage useful for camping equipment over winter?
It can be useful for suitable camping and seasonal equipment that isn’t needed for several months, particularly if you want to reclaim garage or cupboard space.
What is SecureStore’s current flash offer?
For a limited two-week period, your first month of storage is £1, subject to promotional terms, eligibility and availability.
