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A Storm Is Coming – Here’s What Experts Say You Should Move Indoors Immediately

With more storms on the way, experts are urging homeowners to bring these furniture pieces inside to prevent damage

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A traditional brick American home in snow.
(Image credit: Getty Images / bauhaus1000)

Storm season is in full swing, and there's a lot to think about. And while it's tempting to focus your attention indoors – staying dry, warm, and cozy in a snowstorm is, after all, a top priority – you won't want to neglect your outdoor space, either. With strong winds and heavy snow dominating the forecast, it's time to start thinking about protecting your outdoor furniture.

Fortunately, we asked experts to share their top tips: from soft furnishings to decor and furniture pieces, these are the items you should make sure to bring inside before storms arrive. (Plus, we've compiled a list of last-minute essentials to shop – including patio furniture covers and waterproof sand bags, which are ideal for protecting your outdoor furniture in winter.) Here's all the furniture to bring inside before a storm, according to experts.

1. Cushions and Soft Furnishings

If you're feeling a little overwhelmed by snowstorm preparation, it's best to start with smaller tasks – and when it comes to outdoor furniture, decor, and soft furnishings are the easiest to tackle.

'I would bring lightweight cushions and any other decor indoors,' advises Gene Caballero, the co-founder of GreenPal. 'If you have a garage, even better.'

To ensure lightweight items like pillows and blankets don't get mislaid or damaged, try storing them in foldable storage bags (like these from Amazon) that you can pack away neatly.

'Cushions, outdoor, rugs, and decorative accessories should always be brought indoors before a storm,' advises Max Wilson, Co-Founder of Pocket Storage. 'Soft furnishings are particularly vulnerable: rain can soak through quickly, leading to mold, mildew, and lingering damp odors.'

2. Garden Tools

Items like garden tools can be easy to overlook, but it's essential to store them safely during severe weather.

In strong winds, loose items like tools can become a hazard – and they can be quickly damaged by rain or snow.

'Garden tools should never be left outside,' says Max. 'Metal parts should be dried and lightly oiled to prevent rust, then stored securely in a garage, if possible.'

3. Lightweight Furniture

If you don't have the luxury of a backyard storage area like a garage, you won't be looking forward to stacking up your garden furniture indoors – but experts say that it's an essential part of storm preparation.

Gene recommends bringing items like 'umbrellas and folding chairs' inside, along with anything else that can be moved easily. (Think folding tables and smaller stools.)

4. Wood Furniture

It isn't always possible to move heavier pieces like wood furniture to a sheltered location, but if you can make it work, it's guaranteed to provide optimal protection for your best outdoor furniture.

'Keeping furniture inside will extend the life of wooden pieces,' explains Elvin Zimmerman, Owner and Designer at Wildwood Rustics. 'Protected storage, even in a simple shed or garage, can stretch the usable life of quality furniture by many seasons.'

Making last-minute arrangements? Elvin recommends focusing on the pieces that will be most affected by severe weather.

'If you don’t have the space to bring your furniture inside for the winter, the rainy season, or during a big storm, then prioritize the most vulnerable and expensive items,' he says. 'This usually means wood pieces and anything with intricate joinery.'

What to Do With Heavier Furniture Pieces

Naturally, there are some items that simply can't be brought inside. Outdoor sectionals will most likely be too bulky to move, and heavy chairs or tables will also need to stay put.

The solution? Stabilizing heavier pieces and securing them correctly.

'I would secure and stack heavier items together, or tie them against a solid structure with some sort of lock or chain,' says Gene. 'If you cannot bring umbrellas indoors, make sure to close them and tie them down safely.'

In severe cases, you'll also need to think about protecting furniture from water damage.

'If there's flooding on the horizon, I would elevate the furniture off the ground,' Gene advises. 'I would use waterproof covers and tightly fasten those down, but don't count on those covers alone, especially in high winds.'

Where to Store Outdoor Furniture During a Storm

Garages and sheds are ideal for storing all of your backyard furniture during storms, but other sheltered areas can be useful.

'You’re going to want to find a space that is dry, ventilated, and protected from the sun,' says Elvin. 'Places like a garage or barn, a shed, a covered porch, or a basement area are great out-of-the-way spots. Just make sure your furniture pieces are covered without being at risk of trapping moisture, which can lead to issues like mildew and rot.'

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Martha Davies
Martha Davies
Content Editor

Martha is a Content Editor on the Living team at Homes & Gardens. Her love for lifestyle journalism began when she interned at Time Out Dubai when she was 15 years old; she went on to study English and German at Oxford, before covering property and interior design at Country & Town House magazine. To Martha, living beautifully is all about good food and lots of colorful home decor.