How to Store Patio Furniture and Grills

Gas Grill Storage

1. Remove the Propane Tank: One of the biggest safety hazards of storing a gas grill is the fuel source. To start preparing to move your gas grill to storage, turn off the gas and disconnect the propane tank completely. Due to fire hazards, you will not be able to store your propane tank in most self storage units, so it may be necessary to store it with a friend or give it away to a neighbor when storing your gas grill long term.
2. Clean Your Grill: Although it’s important to clean your gas grill range after each use, when storing any type of grill, you will want to give it a thorough cleaning. Wash down the exterior portion of the grill with water and dry with a microfiber cloth. Avoid using paper towels since the texture may be too rough on the finish, especially those made with stainless steel. Use a grill brush to clean the grates. Finish up by emptying the small drip pans. The crucial element of cleaning a gas grill is to ensure it is not wet when moving to a storage unit.
3. Secure the Lid: If you have a gas grill that does not have a locking mechanism, place a piece of packing tape on the unit to secure the top lid. Fold up all other parts of the grill to make it easier to move.
4. Measure the Gas Grill: Determine the type of space you will need by measuring your gas grill before moving. Allow for a few extra inches on all sides of the grill so that furniture or box corners do not scratch the finish.
5. Add a Waterproof Cover to Your Grill: Keep your gas grill in prime condition by covering the unit with a cover that fits securely and firmly. Make sure the grill is completely dry and then wrap the waterproof cover around the exterior, tying the cover at the ends. A cover offers added protection when storing a gas grill in a storage unit.
6. Store Upright: Your gas grill is designed to be stored and used in an upright position. Make sure that you have enough room on the moving truck and in your self storage unit for the appliance to remain in its natural state.
7. Propane Tank Storage: If you are storing a gas grill temporarily and do not wish to dispose of your propane tank, consider these tips on where to store it:

1. Empty the Charcoal: Prevent a safety hazard when storing a charcoal grill in a garage or a storage unit by removing all the charcoal from the grill. Make sure you begin preparation when the charcoal has completely cooled. A general rule of thumb is to let the charcoal cool for at least 48 hours. Then, wrap the charcoal briquettes in aluminum foil, and dispose them into a non-combustible garbage bin for pickup. Other uses for leftover charcoal include:
2. If you are using additive-free wood charcoal, it can double as fertilizer. Fuel your plants with the charcoal ash to bring nourishment to your garden.
3. In some cases, charcoal ash can be useful for deterring outdoor pests that invade your garden. Mix charcoal ash with water and lime, and spray the solution around the perimeter of your garden.
4. Deter mites and lice around chicken coops by spraying a combination of charcoal ash, hydrated lime and a gallon of water near the coop.
5. Clean the Interior and Exterior Portions of the Grill: The last thing you want is grease and grime to sit long term when storing a charcoal grill in a storage unit. Make sure the interior and exterior parts of the grill are thoroughly clean. Use a grill brush to remove leftover meat and wipe down the grates with a paper towel or wet cloth. Next, wipe down the exterior of the grill with a microfiber cloth. Paper towels are useful for the interior of a charcoal grill, but if the exterior of your grill is made of stainless steel, paper towels could scratch the surface.
6. Let the Unit Dry: Especially if you’ve used a hose to clean your charcoal grill, let the unit dry for at least 48 hours before you prepare to move it into a storage unit.
7. Cover Your Charcoal Grill: Using packing tape, secure the top of the charcoal grill to the bottom portion and invest in a cover to thoroughly protect the unit. You may also need to remove the legs before covering so the charcoal grill is easier to transport.
8. Store the Grill Upright: Eliminate potential damage to your charcoal grill by storing it upright in a storage unit. While most charcoal grills are durable, you can ward off potential damage by not placing any boxes or items on top of the grill while it is stored.

1. Gather Cleaning Supplies: Your lawn furniture needs to be thoroughly cleaned when storing it for the winter or even for just a short time. If you’re wondering how to clean outdoor furniture, start by gathering cleaning supplies, such as a vacuum for the cushions, a wash cloth, and laundry detergent or an all-purpose cleaner.
2. Wipe Down and Clean Outdoor Furniture: For metal outdoor furniture, prepare the pieces for storage by wiping down the legs, seat, and backs with water and detergent. You can also scrub the outdoor furniture and rinse with a hose. Wicker furniture with signs of mold or built-up grime may require a cleaning session with water and bleach. For wood furniture, consider adding a clear water repellant to the surface to extend its life.
3. Inspect the Outdoor Furniture: If you see signs of corrosion or rust, consider treating metal outdoor furniture with a rust-neutralizing primer. Outdoor furniture with excessive rust may also need to be painted to improve the look.
4. Invest in Furniture Covers: You can extend the life of your outdoor furniture by investing in covers that fit securely. Know when to store outdoor furniture so you can move each piece prior to exposure to harsh winter temperatures.
5. Move and Store: Know how to store outdoor furniture before you even load the pieces onto a moving truck. All cushions and fabric components should be packed away in a box or plastic tote. Keep tables and chairs upright and avoid placing heavy boxes or items on the outdoor furniture when it is placed into a nearby self storage unit.