7 Things You Should Always Bring Inside Before a Windstorm

When high winds are in the forecast, it doesn’t take much for the backyard to turn into a mess. Anything left out can quickly become a projectile—or worse, get damaged, lost, or cause damage to your home.

Bringing in a few key items ahead of time can save you from a lot of cleanup and repair later. These are the first things you’ll want to grab when the forecast calls for strong gusts.

Patio Furniture

Even heavy patio furniture can shift or tip in strong winds. Chairs, cushions, umbrellas, and even small tables can be tossed across the yard—or into your windows. If you don’t have a covered spot to stash it, move it into the garage or stack and secure it tightly against a wall.

Cushions are especially vulnerable. They’re lightweight, and once they catch air, they’ll end up in the next county. Storing them inside also keeps them from getting soaked if rain rolls in.

Trash Cans and Recycling Bins

One strong gust and your empty trash bin can end up halfway down the street. If it’s full, it’s even worse—now you’ve got wind-blown garbage scattered everywhere. Same goes for recycling bins, especially the lightweight plastic ones.

Bring them into the garage or secure them tightly against the side of your house. If you leave them out, you risk broken lids, missing cans, and a lot of cleanup once the storm passes.

Garden Tools

Shovels, rakes, brooms, and other long-handled tools don’t seem like a big deal until the wind picks them up or knocks them into your siding or car. They’re easy to overlook, especially if you’ve been working outside that day.

Make it a habit to return tools to the shed or garage when you’re done using them. If they’re already out and a windstorm’s coming, gather them up before they cause damage.

Potted Plants

Potted plants are surprisingly easy to knock over. Even if the pot is heavy, the plant itself can act like a sail in strong wind, pulling the whole thing over. Once it falls, you’re likely looking at broken pottery and damaged roots.

Bring smaller pots inside, or move them to a sheltered corner. For bigger ones, group them together and wedge them somewhere less exposed—like up against a wall or under the porch.

Toys and Sports Equipment

Bikes, balls, scooters, water tables—anything your kids leave in the yard is fair game for the wind. These items can be tossed, cracked, or sent flying into something more expensive, like a car or window.

Toss it all into the garage or even a large storage bin. If you’ve got kids, make it part of the routine when storms are expected: gather everything and do a quick sweep of the yard together.

Grills and Smokers

Grills might seem too heavy to budge, but strong wind has no problem tipping one over—especially if it’s top-heavy or on wheels. Smokers are even more prone to getting blown over if they’re not weighted down.

If you can’t bring them inside, at least move them to a protected spot and lock the wheels. Cover them securely to prevent lid damage or water buildup, and double-check that nothing’s left loose on top.

Yard Décor

Wind chimes, hanging baskets, garden flags, and anything decorative should come in before the storm. These are the things that get bent, cracked, or flung across the yard the fastest—and once they’re gone, they’re usually gone for good.

It’s easy to forget about smaller décor pieces, but they add up in cost and cleanup. If it’s not bolted down, bring it in. You’ll thank yourself when the wind dies down and everything’s still in one piece.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.