Article: Outdoor Furniture Storage and Cover Tips for Second Homes
Outdoor Furniture Storage and Cover Tips for Second Homes
One of the best parts of owning a second home is arriving and being able to enjoy it.
The last thing most owners want is to spend the first day of every visit cleaning patio furniture, drying cushions, removing storm debris, and repairing things that were left exposed while no one was there.
Outdoor furniture at a second home has a unique challenge: it may spend more time unattended than furniture at your primary residence.
That makes storage and protection especially important.
Think About What Happens While You're Away
Before leaving your second home, think about what the outdoor area could experience before you return.
Depending on location and season, that might include:
- heavy rain
- thunderstorms
- high humidity
- strong sun
- wind
- falling leaves
- pollen
- snow
- salt air
You cannot prevent outdoor weather, but you can prepare the patio for it.
Decide What Should Stay Outside
Large outdoor pieces are normally intended to remain outside.
That might include:
- dining tables
- sectionals
- lounge chairs
- benches
- grills
- fire pits
Smaller soft or lightweight items are often easier to store.
Examples include:
- throw pillows
- loose cushions
- small decorations
- lightweight accessories
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for each product.
Use Covers for Furniture That Remains Outside
Outdoor covers can reduce the amount of weather, dirt and debris that reaches furniture while the property is unattended.
The best approach is to choose covers that fit the individual furniture pieces appropriately.
Vacation Home Furnishings currently carries Covermates outdoor covers in multiple sizes and configurations. For example, the Ultima Ripstop Outdoor Chair Cover is currently offered in numerous dimensions, giving homeowners options for different chair sizes.
Match the Cover to Your Climate
Not every property experiences the same weather.
A desert home may need protection primarily from intense sun and dust.
A coastal home may deal with:
- salt air
- wind
- humidity
- rain
A mountain property may need to prepare for:
- snow
- freezing conditions
- seasonal closures
Choose protection based on the actual climate where the furniture sits.
Never Cover Wet Furniture Without Thinking About Drying
When possible, allow furniture and cushions to dry before covering or storing them.
Trapping unnecessary moisture beneath a cover or inside a storage space can create additional maintenance issues.
Follow both the furniture manufacturer's and cover manufacturer's care guidance.
Cushions Need Their Own Plan
Cushions are often the hardest part of second-home patio maintenance.
If the property will be vacant for an extended period, consider storing loose cushions somewhere clean and dry if practical.
Possible locations include:
- a designated storage room
- garage storage
- weather-appropriate deck boxes
- another dry storage area
Do not store cushions wet.
Make the Patio Easy to Reset
The goal is to return to a patio that can be enjoyed quickly.
Before leaving:
- clean the furniture
- dry cushions and surfaces
- store small accessories
- cover appropriate furniture
- secure lightweight items
- check the grill
- inspect the area for anything that could become a problem in wind or rain
When you return:
- remove covers
- inspect the furniture
- wipe surfaces if needed
- replace cushions
- enjoy the space
Buy Furniture With Absences in Mind
Second-home buyers should think differently from homeowners who use their patio every day.
Look for furniture that fits your maintenance expectations.
Vacation Home Furnishings currently offers numerous Sequoia Outdoor Homestead dining configurations, including square, round and rectangular tables, allowing second-home owners to choose the size that matches the property rather than overcrowding the patio.
Consider Covered Outdoor Living Areas
Creating a more defined outdoor area can improve both comfort and organization.
A pergola, for example, can help establish a dedicated zone for:
- dining
- lounge seating
- outdoor kitchens
- entertaining
The Sequoia Outdoor St. Clair pergolas currently available on the site include 8x8, 10x10, 10x12 and 12x12 sizes.
Browse Outdoor Furniture and Pergolas
A pergola is not a substitute for furniture covers or storm preparation, but it can be part of a more intentional outdoor-living design.
Don't Forget the Grill
Before leaving a vacation property:
- clean the grill according to manufacturer instructions
- turn everything off properly
- allow it to cool
- protect it as recommended
- secure loose accessories
For properties in storm-prone areas, include the grill in the same pre-departure checklist you use for furniture.
Create a Seasonal Departure Checklist
Consider keeping a simple checklist at the second home.
Before leaving:
- furniture clean
- cushions dry
- cushions stored if necessary
- covers installed
- lightweight items secured
- grill protected
- umbrellas handled appropriately
- storm forecast checked
- patio drainage clear
This becomes especially valuable if different family members use the property.
Everyone knows how the outdoor area should be left.
Consider Who Will Check the Property
If you regularly leave the second home for several months, a local property manager or caretaker can be valuable.
They may be able to inspect the property after major weather events, depending on your arrangement with them.
Covers and storage help, but nothing replaces an actual inspection after unusually severe weather.
Final Thoughts
Second homes should feel like an escape, not another maintenance project.
Choosing appropriate outdoor furniture and developing a simple storage-and-cover routine can make a meaningful difference.
Protect what needs protection, store what is easy to store, prepare before extended absences, and choose furniture with your property's climate and usage pattern in mind.
The goal is simple: when you return, your outdoor space should be closer to ready-to-enjoy than ready-to-repair.
Make Your Second-Home Patio Easier to Own
Explore outdoor furniture designed for patios, vacation properties and second homes.
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