8 Things You’ll Regret Storing Outside if There’s Any Chance of Wind
It doesn’t take much wind to make a mess. Even in summer, gusts can show up fast—and lightweight or awkwardly shaped things don’t stand a chance. You might think you’re safe if it’s tucked behind a shed or leaning against a fence, but if it’s not anchored or protected, it can turn into a projectile or leave you with a mess to clean up.
Lawn Chairs and Outdoor Furniture
Plastic chairs are the first to go flying. But even heavier furniture with cushions can get tossed around once the wind gets under it. Stack and secure anything loose.
If you don’t want it scratched, cracked, or broken—or worse, slamming into your siding—either bring it inside or strap it down. Wind doesn’t care how new it is.
Bagged Soil, Mulch, or Feed
Bags of anything lightweight are a guaranteed mess if left outside. One strong gust and the corners flap open, or the whole thing tumbles across the yard.
If you can’t store them in a shed or bin, weigh them down and cover them with a tarp. Otherwise, you’ll end up wasting product or clogging a drainage ditch.
Tools and Rakes Left Upright
Leaning a rake against the barn might seem harmless, but once it falls, it can break, rust, or poke a hole in something nearby. Tools with long handles act like sails in a storm.
Stick them back in the shed or anchor them flat. They’re too expensive to let the wind toss them around.
Unsecured Trash or Recycling Bins
Even heavy-duty bins will tip if they’re not latched or wedged. Loose lids will fly, and anything inside is fair game for the wind—or the local raccoons.
If a storm’s coming or even if it’s just breezy, secure the lids and move them somewhere sheltered. You don’t want to spend your Saturday chasing soda cans and wrappers across the field.
Kid Toys and Baby Pools
Those lightweight toys can scatter fast. Balls, shovels, ride-ons—all of it turns into clutter or disappears completely in a gust.
If you’re not using them that day, gather them into a tote or stash them in the garage. You’ll save yourself a cleanup and stop it from becoming a tripping hazard later.
Firewood Stack Covers
A tarp flapping loose over firewood can turn into a nightmare. It’ll unravel, tangle, and possibly carry pieces of your woodpile with it.
Anchor it tight or swap it for something with grommets you can stake down. Better yet, keep a section of your stack indoors and skip the mess altogether.
Buckets, Totes, and Feed Scoops
Those lightweight containers act like kites. Once they’re airborne, they can dent cars, clog gutters, or scatter plastic shards across the yard.
Don’t count on tucking them under something. Bring them inside or set a heavy object on top. They’re too useful to risk losing.
Loose Panels or DIY Projects
If you’ve got unfinished wood, roofing panels, or leftover fencing lying around, don’t assume it’s heavy enough to stay put. Even if it doesn’t move far, it can shift and cause damage.
Lean it flat against something solid and weigh it down, or store it until you’re ready to use it. Wind plus half-finished projects equals trouble every time.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
