Whether it's the end of summer or you're moving to a new place, it is important to learn how to pack up your backyard properly. Unless you live in a place where there's pleasant weather all year round, occasionally you'll have to pack everything up to prevent damage to your lawn furniture and other backyard essentials like grills, landscaping tools, and outdoor playsets.
Here are some useful packing tips to ensure that your backyard items can be packed and moved without sustaining any damage.
Cleaning Your Backyard Items
The first step in packing up your backyard items is to clean everything, including chairs, tables, grills and other items. This will help you save time next year when you bring them out or when you arrive at your new place.
- Clean your outdoor furniture - If you haven't been great about cleaning your chairs and tables throughout the warmer months now is the time to really use some elbow grease and give your furniture some TLC. But different materials require different kinds of care:
- Mesh - Wash it with a mild soap and water and then rinse and let it dry.
- Stainless steel: Washing it regularly with mild, soapy water is enough, but for a deeper clean, use white vinegar or a mixture of baking soda and dish soap to wipe it down. Then rinse and towel dry.
- Teak - This strong, lightweight wood is resistant to the elements and has naturally high oil content. It's strongly encouraged to rinse teak furniture with water regularly. Stains can usually be removed using a diluted bleach mixture with a 4:1 ratio of water to bleach. Any color changes from cleaning will even out within a month, thanks to the wood's natural oil content.
- Plastic - Plastic chairs and tables can be cleaned with a mixture of ¼ cup bleach and hot water. Use a scrub brush to get any tough spots and then rinse off with clean water. Vinegar or dish soap can also be used to clean the plastic furniture.
- Pack up your grill - Clean the inside and outside of the grill before anything else. If your grill can be taken apart, do so. If not, make sure it is secured properly when loading it onto the truck. If you have a propane grill, make sure the tank is empty or dispose it of properly before you move the grill. These can easily be replaced if needed.
- Collect any seasonal decorations - Anything that can't be left outside during the winter such as hammocks, portable fire pits, etc., should be brought in and packed up.
Storing Your Backyard Essentials
Once you have cleaned all your furniture and other backyard belongings, you must store them properly by following these helpful tips:
- Use covers for stacked chairs, sofas, and tables. This will help protect the furniture from the elements, dust, debris, and the sun while they're packed away.
- Store the pillows or cushions in a protective bin, box, or a vacuum-sealed bag for a smaller footprint if desired. Keeping them dry will help prevent any damage.
- Carry lightweight tables to the storage area or cover them securely if you are going to keep them outside.
- Over the course of the winter, be sure to brush off any snow that accumulates on the items you left outside to prevent water damage.
Packing Playhouses and Swing Sets
If you have a larger playset or playhouse in your backyard that you plan on bringing with you when moving, you'll need to disassemble it properly. Make sure you keep all the parts together and organized so you can easily put it back together in your new home.
Here are some useful tips for packing your playsets and swings:
- When packing up the play set, it's best to measure each part before loading it onto the truck. This will help you make sure that everything will fit once it's fully disassembled. If you find that the clubhouse part of the outdoor playset is too tall, usually the roof can be removed.
- Keep the smaller portions like swings, gliders, and small railings in bins with their respective connective parts to keep them from sliding around the inside of the truck during transit.
- Smaller plastic playhouses can usually be easily disassembled without issues. It's also easier to tie all the parts together before placing them on the truck or wherever you will be storing it.
- Do your best to pack the playset flat on the truck or keep the parts neatly stacked to minimize the amount of space the playset will take up.
TIP: Many companies offer assembly and disassembly services. Contact the manufacturer and find out if they can do it for you.
Preparing Backyard Tools for the Move
Items like garden hoses, shovels, and lawnmowers should be properly prepped before being moved. Here are some tips for packing and moving these tools:
- Garden hose - Disconnect the hose and drain all the water. Roll it up carefully without crinkling the rubber to ensure the hose functions properly in your new home or when you take it out next year.
- Landscaping tools - Tie the handles of any shovels, rakes or tills to keep them grouped together.
- Lawnmowers - Properly dispose of any fuel in your lawnmower before packing it. If it folds or disassembles easily, make sure to keep the parts together for future use. Loose parts on riding mowers should be attached before packing it onto the truck.
If you are unsure about how to store any of your backyard items or how to move them, consider hiring professional movers to help you.