January is the perfect time to take a step back and inspect your backyard. After months of barbecues, gardening, and outdoor relaxation, chances are your patio, shed, or deck has become a catch-all for items that shouldn’t be left outside year-round. Cold temperatures, moisture, and sun exposure can quietly damage the things you rely on—and even attract pests or cause safety concerns.
Doing a “January Backyard Audit” helps you declutter, protect your belongings, and prepare your outdoor areas for the rest of the year. Here are 10 things you should never store outside again if you want to keep your home organized and your gear in good shape.
Garden Tools and Power Equipment
Shovels, rakes, lawnmowers, and trimmers are built for outdoor work—but not endless outdoor exposure. Metal parts rust, handles warp, and electric tools can short-circuit if moisture seeps in. Bring these items into a shed or garage, or store them in weatherproof containers. For power tools, disconnect power sources and clean off any soil or debris to prevent corrosion.
Outdoor Cushions and Fabric Furniture
Even “weather-resistant” cushions can only withstand so much. Prolonged exposure to moisture and frost causes foam to mildew and fabric to fade or crack. Before winter settles in completely, shake off debris, let cushions dry thoroughly, and move them into a dry area. If you’re short on storage space, consider using vacuum-sealed bags or plastic bins with tight-fitting lids to prevent mold growth.
Paint, Fertilizer, and Chemicals
Paints and chemical products are particularly vulnerable to freezing and temperature changes. Cold weather can separate the components in latex paints, while fertilizers and pesticides may clump or become ineffective. Store them indoors in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location—away from children or pets. Never keep flammable items near appliances or heat sources. This small precaution can prevent toxic fumes and dangerous reactions.
Bicycles and Sporting Gear
If you’ve been leaving bicycles, skateboards, or sports gear leaning against the fence, it’s time to move them inside. Constant exposure to rain and frost can cause metal chains to rust and tires to degrade. Even rubber basketballs or soccer balls can crack from repeated freezing and thawing. Keep them in the garage or in an enclosed space, such as a weather-sealed outdoor locker.
Gardening Pots and Planters
Unused planters and clay pots left outside through winter can easily crack when trapped water freezes and expands. Stack and store them in the shed or under a covered porch where they’ll stay dry. If your planters are too large to move, make sure they’re well-drained and covered to prevent moisture buildup.
This is also a great time to wash dirt and algae off your pots so they’re ready for fresh spring planting.
Wooden Furniture
Outdoor wooden furniture may look sturdy, but continuous exposure to rain, frost, or humidity can cause rot and splintering. Even high-quality teak pieces benefit from being stored under cover. If you don’t have room inside, clean and treat the wood with a protective oil, then cover it with a breathable, waterproof tarp. Avoid fully sealing it in plastic—it needs air circulation to stay in good condition.
Propane Tanks and Gas Accessories
Propane tanks can be left outdoors in well-ventilated spaces, but smaller gas accessories, such as portable camping stoves or fire pit igniters, should be stored elsewhere. Moisture can corrode valves and fittings, making them unsafe to use. Keep propane accessories off the ground and away from areas where water can collect or freeze.
Grills and BBQ Accessories
Your grill might be designed for the outdoors, but accessories like utensils, thermometers, and covers rarely hold up under cold conditions. Stainless steel tongs and brushes can rust if left outside, while grill covers that accumulate ice or snow can tear easily. Store these items inside after each use, and check seals and lines before grilling again in the spring.
Plastic Storage Bins and Cheap Outdoor Containers
Not all outdoor storage is created equal. Standard plastic bins, while convenient, can become brittle in cold weather and crack under the weight of snow. Instead, invest in heavy-duty, UV-resistant outdoor containers designed to withstand temperature fluctuations. If you want to keep your trash cans neat and protected, durable trash can storage boxes from Keter can handle the job with weather-sealed doors and long-lasting materials.
Firewood
Storing firewood right next to your home may seem convenient, but it can invite unwanted pests like termites and carpenter ants. It also draws moisture into the wood, making it harder to light and creating smoky fires. Stack your wood at least 20 feet away from your house on an elevated rack with a cover to keep it dry and bug-free.
Bonus Tip: Check for Hidden Damage
While you’re moving and sorting items during your backyard audit, take note of any damage that might have gone unnoticed—cracked siding, loose boards, mold around gutters, or rust on fences. Addressing these issues in winter prevents costly repairs in spring. If you notice water pooling near your storage areas, improve drainage or add gravel to prevent ongoing moisture problems.
A few hours spent tackling your January Backyard Audit can make an enormous difference for your home’s longevity and appearance. You’ll save money by protecting items from weather damage, reclaim storage space for the spring months ahead, and keep your backyard looking well-kept even through winter.
Make it a tradition: each January, take stock of what’s stored outside, what needs to come in, and what can be improved. Your future self—and your outdoor living space—will thank you.