This $35 Storage Solution Makes Bulky Outdoor Cushions Almost Effortless to Store Over Winter – And Frees Up Precious Shelf Space
It's the space-saving solution every small home needs
As rainier fall weather threatens our outdoor seating, it’s time to start thinking about bringing soft furnishings indoors. Even under furniture covers, cushions can become damp and moldy from condensation, or attract pests looking for a cozy place to nest over winter.
The problem is that these bulky, awkwardly shaped cushions aren’t exactly easy to store. Basements and garages may offer extra space, but they can also be prone to humidity, pests, and often offer precious little usable storage.
My solution? Hanging vacuum storage bags from Amazon. They compress bulky cushions to roughly half their original size while keeping them safely off the floor, making use of vertical storage to save space. It’s a simple storage trick that can make the end-of-season tidy-up considerably easier.
Most of the time, cushion storage comes down to folding them as tightly as possible into a box and calling it a day. However, not only is this a terrible waste of space when your home storage is already cramped, but it can misshape your cushions and still leave them susceptible to mold and damp, not to mention musty smells.
Vacuum storage bags are easily one of the best options for keeping your cushions in top condition and reducing their storage footprint. However, keeping the cushions flat can still prove tricky when they span the length of a two-seater sofa and above.
Hanging vacuum storage bags offer a clever workaround. By making use of rails, hooks, and other vertical storage points, you can keep bulky cushions off the floor while freeing up valuable shelving for boxes and other seasonal items.
The Vacbird bags from Amazon do double duty as vacuum compression bags and hanging garment protectors, while also providing a dustproof barrier. Made from five-layer PA+PE material with an airtight valve, they help protect cushions from moisture, dust, and pests, keeping them in good condition from the moment you pack them away until warmer weather returns next spring.
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From smart space-saving storage to moisture protectors, these are the essentials your fall and winter storage zones need to see you through to next summer
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
Adding hanging space to your garage or basement is a great way to double storage, making use of vertical height where you cannot add shelving, and need the flexibility of moving your items around. They're great for hanging vacuum bags and outdoor equipment when not in use.
If you do not have hanging space, these storage bags are ideal. They fold away when not in use, saving space in the summer months, and pop out again when you need to stash outdoor textiles through winter.
Moisture absorbers can help to prevent condensation, damp, and mold in storage all over your home, limiting musty smells and keeping your items in perfect condition between seasons.
These 100% natural plug-in air fresheners emit a fresh peppermint scent known to deter mice and rats, keeping your storage pest-free without harsh chemicals.
You cannot go wrong with regular vacuum storage bags. Ideal for everything from seasonal textiles to clothing, they can help to save space and protect fabrics everywhere from the garage to the bedroom.
Before stashing your outdoor cushions away for the season, take a moment to spot-clean any spills and stains to ensure they come out perfect for use next spring.
No space inside your home? Worry not. We have a host of backyard storage ideas you can use as inspiration.
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Chiana is Homes & Gardens’ kitchen appliances editor. With a lifelong passion for cooking and baking, she grew up experimenting in the kitchen every weekend with her baking-extraordinaire Mom, has spent time cooking with Le Creuset's expert chefs, and has developed a great understanding of how tools and appliances can make or break your ideal relaxing kitchen routine.