8 Things You Should Never Leave Out In The Snow
Winter weather can be hard on more than just your heating bill. Snow and ice can do serious damage to things you might leave outside without thinking twice. Some materials break down faster in freezing conditions. Others may stop working altogether, or even become dangerous. Whether you're prepping for a storm or just managing day-to-day, knowing what not to leave out in the snow can save you time, money, and hassle.
Garden Hoses and Outdoor Faucets
Leaving your hose connected to the spigot in the winter can cause water to freeze inside, which leads to burst pipes. Even a drained hose can stiffen and crack if left in snow for too long. Always disconnect, drain, and coil hoses before storing them in a shed or garage. It's also smart to shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and cover them with insulating caps if you expect a deep freeze.
Paint and Chemicals
Many paints, sealants, and cleaning products can't handle freezing temperatures. If left outside, they can separate, harden, or become completely unusable. The same goes for things like fertilizer or lawn treatments. Store these items indoors or in a climate-controlled space. Once they've frozen, most are ruined, and you'll end up having to replace them when spring comes.
Electronics and Power Tools
Anything with a motor, battery, or wiring should never be left in the snow. Moisture can get into the casing and corrode the internals. Cold weather can also drain batteries and cause plastic components to crack. Even heavy-duty tools labeled as weather-resistant aren't designed for frequent freezing and thawing. If it plugs in or powers on, store it somewhere dry and protected once you're done using it.
Outdoor Furniture with Cushions
It's easy to think your outdoor chairs and tables can stand up to the elements, but cushions and fabrics usually can't. Once soaked and frozen, cushions often become misshapen, moldy, or torn. Even metal or wood frames can rust, crack, or warp when exposed to repeated cycles of freezing and thawing. Store them in a dry place or at least cover them tightly with waterproof covers until the snow passes.
Pet Food and Supplies
If you keep pet food, beds, or other supplies outside, winter is a good time to bring them in. Dry food can freeze, absorb moisture, and spoil. Bedding and toys can get soaked or stiff, making them uncomfortable or unsafe. And of course, water bowls can freeze solid, leaving animals without access to fresh water. Your pets rely on you for comfort and safety, especially when the weather turns harsh.
Terracotta and Ceramic Planters
These porous materials absorb a lot of moisture, and when temperatures drop, that moisture freezes and expands. The result is usually a cracked or shattered pot by morning. Even if the planter looks fine after a frost, small cracks often form and get worse over time. If you care about saving your pots for next year, empty them out and store them inside a shed or basement before the first snow hits.
Bikes and Metal Tools
Bikes and hand tools are built for rugged use, sure, but snow and salt are their enemies. Moisture causes rust, which can quickly wear down chains, gears, and blades. Freezing temperatures also make tires brittle and more prone to cracking. If you use your bike or any hand tools over winter, wipe them down after and move them to a dry, sheltered area. If you know you won't be using them for a while, consider giving metal parts a light coat of oil to prevent rusting, too.
Firewood Left Uncovered
It might seem like firewood should be fine outside, but snow can saturate the logs and make them hard to light. Wet wood also burns less efficiently and creates more smoke, which isn't great for your chimney or your indoor air. Always stack firewood off the ground and cover it with a breathable tarp or store it in a covered rack. That way, it stays dry and ready when you need it most.
Snow can be beautiful, but it's also unforgiving. A little planning goes a long way toward protecting your belongings during the winter months. From tools and furniture to pet supplies and garden gear, keeping the right things out of the snow helps them last longer and perform better. Take the time to store them properly now so you’re not dealing with broken, rusted, or ruined items come spring.