How to Store Your Outdoor Furniture for Autumn/Winter (Without a Shed)
Not everyone has a shed, garage, or spacious garden storage — but that doesn’t mean your outdoor furniture has to suffer through the colder months. With a bit of planning and the right materials, you can protect your furniture from rain, frost, and grime — and make sure it’s in top condition when spring rolls around.
Here’s how to store and care for your garden furniture over autumn and winter — even if you don’t have a shed.
1. Bring Cushions Indoors
Outdoor cushions are usually made from weather-resistant fabric, but they’ll last much longer if kept dry and protected.
1. Store indoors in a dry, ventilated space like a utility room, loft, or under a bed in a storage bag.
2. Avoid vacuum-sealing, as it can flatten the padding over time.
3. Make sure cushions are clean and dry before storing to prevent mould or mildew.
Top tip: A large, zipped storage bag or lidded plastic box works well if you’re short on cupboard space.
2. Keep Parasols Closed and Covered
Your parasol doesn’t need to come indoors, but it does need protection — especially from wind, rain, and dirt.
1. Always close and secure the canopy when not in use.
2. Use the protective cover provided with your parasol to shield it from the elements — this helps extend its life and keep it looking its best.
3. If you have space, store the parasol horizontally and off the ground to avoid rust or moisture damage from the base.
3. Cover Your Furniture (the Right Way)
If you can’t store your furniture indoors, using a protective cover is the next best thing.
1. Look for breathable, water-resistant covers to help prevent mould and mildew.
2. Avoid plastic tarpaulins or non-breathable materials — these can trap condensation and do more harm than good.
3. Only cover furniture when it’s completely dry to avoid sealing in dampness.
4. While we don’t currently offer outdoor furniture covers, you can find fitted options from third-party suppliers to suit most bench, lounger, and table shapes.
Tip: Elevating furniture slightly off the ground improves airflow and helps keep things dry underneath.
4. Tidy Up Before the Weather Turns
Before you cover or store anything, give it a quick clean:
1. Wipe down furniture with warm, soapy water to remove dust and grime.
2. Let everything dry thoroughly before covering or storing.
3. For teak furniture, consider using a teak cleaner to freshen up the wood and remove any surface dirt that’s built up during the season.
5. Plan Ahead for Spring
A bit of care now means less work later.
In early spring, remove covers and check everything for any signs of wear, rust, or dirt.
For teak furniture, a light clean or sand can restore the finish after winter exposure.
Consider applying a teak protector if you want to maintain a golden colour — or let it silver naturally for a low-maintenance finish.
Conclusion
Storing garden furniture for autumn and winter doesn’t have to be complicated — even without a shed. With the right covers, a little cleaning, and smart storage solutions for cushions and accessories, you can keep your furniture in great shape all year round.
For more information please visit our website Corido.co.uk, call our friendly team on 020 8655 6242 or email us at info@corido.co.uk
