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Although garden sheds are a great year-round storage solution, winter weather can limit what you can store inside. These spaces can get very cold if they aren’t insulated, so anything prone to freezing or damage is best kept elsewhere. This guide provides a list of items you can safely store and some factors that may suggest otherwise.
What Can You Keep in Your Shed?
Prioritise items that shouldn’t be left outside in freezing temperatures but can handle the cold when stored, including:
Garden furniture
High-quality garden furniture is designed to hold up against various weather conditions, but that doesn’t mean it should be left exposed. Sheds are the perfect place to keep these outdoor sets safe from snow and moisture until they’re ready to be brought back outside.
Winter can be particularly harsh on materials like wood and metal. And while rattan furniture can be left year-round, it benefits from being stored when not in use; the same goes for others. Always leave enough room to fit them inside the shed.
Before storing, wipe each piece down with a damp cloth to remove dirt. We also recommend covering them with a furniture cover. This will provide an extra barrier against moisture from reaching the set while keeping it dust-free. Once the weather warms up again, they’ll be ready for use.
Garden tools
Garden tools should always be stored in a safe and dry storage when not in use, regardless of the season. You wouldn’t want to leave them scattered on the lawn during winter, would you? They’ll probably end up buried under the snow, and digging them out later will be a right hassle. Rust could also make things even trickier.
Just store them as you normally would, but don’t forget to give them a good clean first. This includes shovels, rakes, and hoes, as well as power tools like lawn mower. Oil, sharpen, or repair whatever’s needed, so they’re all set and ready to go when spring comes.
Tip: Place snow shovels, sleds, and wheelbarrow are found toward the front of the shed. If you’ve got chemicals like ice melt, make sure they’re properly sealed to keep the liquid from freezing.
Plant pots and bags of compost or fertiliser
No greenhouse? No problem! A storage shed or a potting shed can provide a home for your plant pots and extra compost or fertiliser, keeping them safe from frost damage.
Wooden sheds are generally warmer than other types of sheds, due to the naturally insulating qualities of timber. This is especially true for buildings which have tongue and groove cladding. They will not go as warm as a greenhouse when the sun appears, but they equally won’t be quite as cold overnight.
If your pots are made of terracotta, give them a good wrap with bubble wrap or an old blanket for some extra insulation. If they’ve got any soil in them, pop them in a sealed container to help keep the warmth and moisture in. As for the bags of compost or fertiliser, make sure to keep them off the ground using pallets or wooden boards. This will help stop the cold from seeping in from the floor.
Note: Don’t store any containers with water in them; they can freeze and expand, which might crack the pots or cause leaks. If you have any pots or trays with standing water, empty them before putting them away.
BBQ
Like garden furniture, your trusty grill will thank you for keeping it safe and snug in the shed during winter. Take off removable components such as side tables, grill racks, or utensil hooks. If there’s a detachable thermometer, wrap it in bubble wrap, then store it separately in a box or container but keep it close to the grill for easy access. Once that’s done, cover the grill with a waterproof BBQ cover keep it protected and free from dust.
When the sun’s out again, your grill will be all set to fire up. Just give it a dust off, and you’re ready for a summer outdoor cookout!
Note: If you own a gas grill that uses propane tanks, keep the tank away from other heat sources, such as electric heaters, when storing it. Temperature fluctuations can mess with the pressure inside the tank. In such a case, you’re better off storing it somewhere like a well-ventilated garage or utility room rather than a shed.
Don’t Store These Items in Your Shed over Winter
Here are a few things which you should probably bring out of the shed and into your house over the winter.
- Pets – some pet owners use their shed to house their animals some of the time. During winter, however, this may be very hazardous to animal health, especially when temperatures drop to below freezing. You will definitely need a warmer building if you keep a fish tank in there.
- Electronics – computers and other devices sometimes warn not to expose them to extremely cold temperatures – check the safety manuals to make sure. And if your shed is at risk of leaks and condensation, moisture could get into the circuitry of your device and cause serious damage.
- Batteries – lithium-ion batteries in particular are known for not working well at low temperatures, and in some cases being left to the cold can cause them to crack and leak.
Why Insulation Matters?
Insulation is a game-changer for garden sheds when it comes to winter storage. It’s worth considering, as it helps keep the temperature inside more consistent. This means your stored items are less likely to be affected by freezing temperatures outside. A warmer, controlled environment also helps keep mould and mildew at bay, which tend to thrive in damp, cold conditions.
Insulating your shed is the way to go if you want that better protection against the frigid temperatures. It’s a simple fix that really pays off in the long run! If you’re taking the DIY route, check out this guide, ‘Do You Need An Air Gap For Shed Insulation?’ for some handy tips.
And if you’re thinking about investing in something new, our range of insulated garden rooms might be just what you’re looking for. Up next on your reading list: Shed vs. Cabin vs. Insulated Garden Room
