Your patio is an oasis, a pocket of outdoor tranquility right outside your backdoor. But to keep it looking its best, a bit of maintenance and organization is required. That’s where your patio storage box comes in handy. This one piece of furniture is the unsung hero, holding all the essentials that keep your patio functional, clean, and ready for that next summer barbecue or chill winter’s night. Keep reading to discover the 13 things I always keep in my patio storage box, and maybe you’ll find some inspiration for your own outdoor space.
1. Outdoor Cushions and Pillows
Outdoor cushions and pillows are top of the list for a reason. While designed for outdoors, these items can still suffer from wear and tear due to the elements. To prolong their life, I always store them in my patio storage box when they’re not in use.
Cushions and pillows add a touch of comfort and elegance to your patio furniture. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to change your patio’s look with the seasons. However, they are prone to fading and damage from rain, dew, or even the occasional bird droppings. Storing them in the box keeps them fresh and ready for your next outdoor soiree.
2. Gardening Tools
Having a small selection of gardening tools at hand can keep your patio and surrounding garden looking its best. From a trusty pair of pruning shears to a hand trowel and gloves, these tools are essential for any green thumb.
Keeping your gardening tools in the patio storage box means they’re always within reach when you notice a plant that needs a little TLC or when you’ve got a few minutes to spare for a quick weed. And, storing them in the box rather than a shed or garage keeps them close to where they’re most needed, saving you time and effort.
3. BBQ Tools
There’s nothing quite like a BBQ on a warm summer’s evening. But digging through kitchen drawers for tongs, spatulas, and grill brushes can put a damper on the occasion. That’s why I always keep a set of BBQ tools in my patio storage box.
Not only does this save me the trouble of hunting them down each time, but it also helps to keep these greasy tools away from my kitchen utensils. Just remember to clean them after each use before returning them to the box to avoid any unwanted smells or bugs.
4. Outdoor Dinnerware
Whether it’s for a family meal or a gathering with friends, having a set of outdoor dinnerware in your storage box can make al fresco dining a breeze. These could include unbreakable plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery that are safe to use outside.
Outdoor dinnerware is generally more durable and less prone to breakage than regular dinnerware. Plus, having them in your storage box means you don’t have to worry about carrying items back and forth from the kitchen. Just make sure to clean them before storing them away to keep pests at bay.
5. Spare Light Bulbs
Our patio is a place that we often use in the evenings, whether it’s for a late-night BBQ or simply to relax after a long day. That’s why keeping spare light bulbs in the storage box can be a lifesaver.
Outdoor lighting creates a warm and inviting atmosphere but when a bulb suddenly goes out, it can leave your patio in the dark. Having spares on hand in your storage box means you can quickly and easily replace any burnt-out bulbs, keeping your patio lit and welcoming.
6. Bug Repellent
Bugs and pests are a common nuisance when enjoying your patio. To combat this, I always keep some form of bug repellent in my patio storage box.
Depending on your preferences and local bug population, this could be anything from citronella candles to mosquito coils or even a bug zapper. Having these items readily available in your storage box ensures that you’re always prepared to deal with these pesky intruders.
7. Cleaning Supplies
Keeping a small selection of cleaning supplies in your patio storage box can make maintenance tasks much easier. This could include a small broom and dustpan, some multi-surface cleaner, and a few rags.
Having these items on hand means you can quickly deal with any spills or messes as they happen, without having to run inside to find cleaning supplies. Plus, a quick sweep and wipe down after each use can keep your patio looking its best.
8. Spare Batteries
Many outdoor items, from lanterns to garden lights or even some BBQs, run on batteries. Keeping a selection of spare batteries in your patio storage box can mean the difference between a well-lit evening and sitting in the dark.
Just remember to check what types of batteries your outdoor items use and keep a few of each in your box. Also, keep in mind that extreme temperatures can affect battery performance, so store them in a cool, dry place as much as possible.
9. First Aid Kit
No matter how careful we are, accidents can happen. That’s why I always keep a basic first aid kit in my patio storage box.
This doesn’t need to be anything fancy, just a few band-aids, some antiseptic cream, and maybe a few tweezers for any splinters. Having these items on hand can help to quickly deal with any minor injuries that might occur, so you can get back to enjoying your patio.
10. Patio Heater Covers
If you live in an area with a colder climate, chances are you have a patio heater to keep things cozy. To protect your heater from the elements when not in use, I recommend keeping a cover in your patio storage box.
Patio heater covers are designed to protect your heater from rain, snow, and even UV rays, prolonging its life and keeping it ready for those chillier nights. Just remember to let your heater cool down fully before covering it to avoid any potential fire hazards.
11. Bird Feed
If you enjoy bird watching, keeping some bird feed in your patio storage box can attract a variety of feathered friends to your garden.
Bird feed comes in many forms, from seeds to suet balls, and can attract different types of birds. Having some on hand in your storage box means you can easily refill your feeders, encouraging birds to visit and adding a touch of nature to your outdoor space.
12. Fire Pit Accessories
For those with a fire pit or chiminea, keeping some fire-starting accessories in your patio storage box can make starting a fire much easier.
This could include fire starters, kindling, or even a poker to help stoke the fire. Having these items on hand means you can quickly get a fire going when the mood strikes, without having to hunt down supplies.
13. Outdoor Games
Lastly, I always keep a selection of outdoor games in my patio storage box. These can provide hours of entertainment for both kids and adults alike.
From classic lawn games like bocce or croquet to more modern games like giant Jenga or cornhole, outdoor games can turn your patio into a hub of fun and laughter. Having them stored in your box means they’re always ready for a spontaneous game or two.