The Best Outdoor Storage Solutions for Winter Gear, from Boots and Firewood to Snow Shovels and Blowers

When winter hits, bulky gear has a way of taking over garages, entryways, and mudrooms, so smart outdoor storage matters more than ever. Items like snow boots, shovels, roof rakes, sleds, sports equipment, and even holiday decorations need to be kept dry, accessible, and protected from the elements when they’re not in use. Storage solutions designed specifically for winter gear and to withstand cold temperatures can help keep clutter at bay while extending the life of your belongings. Whether you plan to store winter gear on a small porch, shared driveway, the side of your house, or in a sprawling backyard, there are a variety of outdoor storage options. We’ve pulled together our favorite durable, weather-resistant outdoor storage solutions to help you stay organized all winter long.

Rubbermaid 24-Gallon Action-Packer Storage Boxes are heavy-duty bins that provide weather-resistant portable storage for outdoor items. The lid has a grooved design that prevents moisture from pooling on top of the container. It also has latches with holes to hold a lock or loop bungee cords through to help keep items secure. These bins are easy to clean, and the stackable design adds helps you store the bins in a way that saves space.

What our tester says: “In testing, we were highly impressed by how sturdy the Rubbermaid Action-Packer bins proved to be… They were comfortable to carry, and the impact-resistant plastic exterior kept the contents, including pantry items, clothing, and bedding, intact and dry. The Action-Packer kept water and moisture out, even after a heavy rainstorm.” —Debbie Wolfe, Contributing Writer & Product Tester

Pop this boot tray into the garage by the door to collect all rain, mud, and snow before it has a chance to enter the house. A 0.8-inch lip keeps melty slush contained, and the extra length (47.5 inches to be exact) accommodates up to five pairs of boots.

Take it a step further, and flip your boots upside down on a boot organizer to promote airflow. Not only is this design space-smart, taking up less than 32 inches by 10 inches on your floor, but airing your boots out this way mitigates moisture and the odor that comes with it.

For the most efficient use of space at a bargain price, the Suncast 73-gallon deck box pulls double duty as both a midsize storage bin and a seat. With its tool-free assembly, setting up this multitasker is a breeze, too. Pieces snap together with no additional hardware or other small parts to keep track of. The stout lid supports up to 200 pounds, with enough space for one or two people. Overall, this is a sturdy and secure deck box.

What our tester says: “We especially liked the inclusion of wheels and pull handles on this box. They made it easy to move the box around… It could be a great option for families with small children, as it offers a practical and affordable storage solution.” —Mark Wolfe, Staff Writer & Product Tester

The Tangkula deck box is made of beautiful, durable, and affordable acacia wood, a dense hardwood species with excellent resistance to scratches and dents. It’s also unlikely to warp, crack, or splinter under normal use. Weighing just 31 pounds, the Tangkula deck box is quite strong and lightweight for its size. It offers 47 gallons of storage space and can bear loads up to 355 pounds. 

What our tester says: “Of all the deck boxes we tested, the wooden one from Tangkula seemed best suited for my 10-by-12-foot deck. At 18 inches tall, it offered a lot of flexibility for secondary uses as a bench, coffee table, or potted plant stand, and it had the structural strength to do any of those things.” —Mark Wolfe, Staff Writer & Product Tester

If you are looking for a deck box with added security, then the Lifetime 116-Gallon Heavy-Duty Outdoor Storage Box is a smart choice. This high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic deck box features a steel-reinforced dual-wall design with powder-coated steel hinges, as well as a padlock bracket located below the handle. It also comes with anti-slam lid pistons for safe and convenient use.

What our tester says: “It is one of the sturdiest boxes we tested, and it offers an impressive 116 gallons of storage capacity. The medium size was great for holding small- to medium-size toys and tools.” —Mark Wolfe, Staff Writer & Product Tester

Folks with significant firewood needs for the winter season will want to consider the ShelterLogic rack. This large firewood rack features an overall size of just under 12 feet wide at 140.5 inches, allowing it to hold up to ⅗ cord of wood. This frame is made from 16-gauge steel and is coated in a premium powder to enhance durability. The best part? Its polyester cover protects the wood from snow and rain while it’s seasoning, adjustable to fit wood cut up to 24 inches long.

Mount this 48-inch heavy-duty rack to a wall in the garage or shed to keep your tools—and this season, snow shovel—untangled and accessible. Six rubber-coated double hooks grip a wide range of tools, from rakes and bolt cutters to hoses and extension cords. The overall steel design is rated to support up to 350 pounds.

A storage bench is an attractive and convenient way to hide winter gear, particularly on a covered patio or porch. The Keter Solana 70-Gallon Outdoor Storage Bench has a cozy back and armrests that make it look like just a regular bench at first glance. This bench is made of easy-to-clean, weather-resistant resin material that can withstand the elements for many years with virtually no maintenance. The faux wood-grain finish is a nice detail that provides a convincing wood-like appearance. The seat opens to reveal 70 gallons of storage space that’s lockable for extra security. Finally, it has built-in ventilation and moisture resistance to ensure that your stored items stay safe and dry.

Need seating for one and a place to store some items? The Suncast 31-Gallon Outdoor Patio Seat is a small outdoor storage box that doubles as a chair. For comfort, it has a wide backrest and armrests. It is made from sturdy water-, crack-, and UV-resistant resin. The seat offers 31 gallons of storage space and is the perfect compact choice for a small patio or deck. Finally, the wood-grain design makes it an attractive piece of outdoor furniture.

With a tall and slender profile, the Suncast Outdoor Plastic Vertical Shed is best for storing tools and other long items. It measures 6 feet high, just under 3 feet wide, and a bit over 2 feet deep, giving it a small footprint but ideal space for storage on the side of the home or even as a deck or patio storage shed. Its hefty construction ensures that the shed can withstand inclement weather without fading. This outdoor storage cabinet consists of thick plastic resin that’s sturdier than resin sheds with thinner walls, and slots molded into the walls to create a place to install interior shelving.

If you are looking to store a large amount of equipment and willing to make an investment, then the Suncast Tremont 8-foot by 10-foot Storage Shed is a great choice. If offers an attractive design, ample size, and plenty of windows and skylights that create natural lighting. The 8.4-feet wide by 10.2-feet deep shed features heavy-duty resin construction that’s molded to resemble real wood. Unlike other plastic storage sheds, this Suncast model has a double-layered wall and metal truss system, giving it added strength.

 

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