While late August is famous for end-of-season sales and Labor Day shopping, the real value right now isn't just about scoring a deal—it’s about preparing your outdoor space before the weather turns. Months of backyard BBQs, poolside lounging, and weekend gardening inevitably leave patios and yards scattered with stray hoses, fading cushions, stray tools, and forgotten planters. Before the first cold snaps and seasonal rains roll in, taking time to clean, tuck away, and shield your gear will save you major headaches (and money) come next spring.
That’s the focus of today's edition of USA TODAY’s The Fall Reset. For Day 16 of our month-long event on Sunday, Aug. 16, we’re skipping the fluff and zeroing in on practical, heavy-duty gear designed
to streamline your seasonal cleanup. From weather-proof deck boxes and heavy-duty patio furniture covers to grill shields and garden tool storage, we’ve rounded up the essential protective gear you need to wrap up summer and keep your outdoor investments safe all winter long.
Best outdoor storage and patio protection essentials to shop now
Deck boxes and outdoor storage benches
Suncast Deck Box
Featuring a 200-gallon capacity and a soft-close, lockable lid, this easy-to-assemble Suncast deck box provides sleek, low-maintenance storage for all your patio essentials.
Save 40% at Ace Hardware
Best for: Cushions, pool accessories, toys, throw pillows and small garden tools
Nothing tidies up a cluttered patio faster than a weather-resistant deck box. As you shop, prioritize UV-resistant materials and lockable lids that keep cushions, pool floats and garden tools safe from rain and sun. For tighter spaces, opt for a bench-style model—it swallows seasonal clutter whole while seamlessly doubling as extra seating or a side table.
Patio furniture covers
Love Seat Outdoor Furniture Weatherproof Cover
Built from heavy-duty, cold-crack-resistant polyester with secure leg straps and built-in air vents, this cover keeps your outdoor loveseat protected in any weather.
Save at Target
Best for: Protecting outdoor tables, sofas, sectionals and chairs from rain, leaves and fading
Before autumn storms and falling leaves take a toll on your outdoor setup, a set of reliable furniture covers is an absolute must-have. Prioritize heavy-duty, weather-resistant materials designed to block out rain and debris. For the best long-term protection, choose covers with reinforced seams, adjustable straps that cinch tight and air vents to ensure trapped moisture doesn't ruin your furniture underneath.
Best retailers to shop for outdoor storage and patio protection
Wayfair
Keter Comfy 71-Gallon Durable Resin Deck Box
Keep your yard organized and your outdoor gear safe from the elements with this weather-resistant, 71-gallon resin deck box.
Save at Wayfair
Best for: Furniture and home refreshes
Wayfair is a prime spot to score end-of-season markdowns as the retailer shifts to fall. It’s the ideal place to hunt for deals on weather-resistant storage, patio rugs and outdoor decor that need a seasonal refresh.
Top Wayfair deals:
- Costway 47-Gallon Solid Wood Acacia Storage Bench now 60% off
- Winston Porter 80-Gallon Storage Bench now 42% off
- Outdoor Patio Chair Cover Set of 3 now 66% off
- Lark Manor Deltana Floral Machine Woven Indoor / Outdoor Rug now 38% off
Shop more deals at Wayfair
Ace Hardware
Suncast Resin Vertical Pent Storage Shed
Ideal for compact spaces, the Suncast Vertical Storage Shed features durable, weather-resistant multi-wall resin and customizable shelf options to keep your tools and gear neatly organized year-round.
Save at Ace Hardware
Best for: Patio furniture covers, grill protection, outdoor storage and hands-on fall maintenance supplies
Ace Hardware brings a practical, neighborhood-hardware feel to end-of-season prep. Focus on their reliable covers for furniture and fire pits, durable storage sheds, and essential maintenance gear—like leaf bags, tarps, and cleaning supplies—to protect your outdoor investments for the months ahead.
Save at Ace Hardware
The Home Depot
The Home Depot
Shop walk-in sheds, outdoor cabinets and high-capacity deck boxes—plus essential yard tools like leaf blowers, pressure washers and gutter cleaners to get your patio and lawn winter-ready.
Shop at The Home Depot
Best for: Outdoor storage, sheds, deck boxes, patio covers and bigger seasonal maintenance projects
The Home Depot is built for the hands-on, weekend-project side of autumn prep. Focus on their large outdoor storage sheds and cabinets, then grab weatherproofing staples—from heavy-duty tarps and protective covers to leaf blowers and gutter tools—to prep your outdoor space from the ground up.
Look for deals on:
- Deck boxes and outdoor storage cabinets
- Small, medium and large storage sheds
- Patio covers, shade structures and furniture covers
- Fall yard maintenance tools and outdoor cleanup supplies
Save at The Home Depot
Walmart
4-Piece Outdoor Furniture Cover
Crafted from heavy-duty 420D Oxford fabric with windproof buckles, this 4-piece patio cover set keeps your loveseat, chairs and table dry and protected against all-weather wear.
Save $23 at Walmart
Best for: Budget-friendly deck boxes, patio furniture covers, grill covers and outdoor storage basics
Walmart is the ultimate destination for value-first shoppers who want no-nonsense, budget-friendly protection. It’s a great spot to grab versatile deck boxes, heavy-duty grill covers and multipurpose storage bins to easily stash away pool floats, patio cushions and seasonal decor without overspending.
Shop top categories at Walmart:
- Large deck boxes and storage benches
- Patio furniture covers and sectional covers
- Grill covers and outdoor cooking protection
- Garden tool storage and outdoor organization bins
Save at Walmart
Amazon
Ayleid Retractable 100-Foot Garden Hose Reel
Backed by a 24-month warranty, this retractable hose reel features a kink-free, all-weather hybrid hose with an automatic slow-return system and any-length locking for effortless storage.
Save 33% at Amazon
Best for: Fast-ship deck boxes, storage box covers, patio furniture covers and highly rated outdoor organization finds
Amazon is the ultimate one-stop shop for fast-shipping, highly rated organization finds across every footprint and budget. It’s ideal for grabbing everything from heavy-duty deck boxes and custom patio set covers to hose reels, vertical tool racks, and space-saving organizers for compact balconies and porches.
Save at Amazon
Target
Patio Chair Cover
Shop budget-friendly furniture covers and outdoor storage organizers to keep your yard tidy, protected and elevated all autumn long.
Save at Target
Best for: Affordable seasonal finds
Target is the go-to for patio protection and storage that doesn't sacrifice style. It’s ideal for snagging sleek furniture covers, rattan-style deck boxes, and compact organizers that keep balconies, porches, and backyards looking polished on a budget.
Save at Target
Smart shopping tips for your fall reset
- Prioritize outdoor purchases now. Patio furniture, grills and summer gear are often at their lowest prices before fall begins.
- Think ahead to the holidays. Home décor, cookware and entertaining essentials can be worth buying before seasonal demand spikes.
- Shop transitional pieces. Lightweight bedding, storage solutions and versatile home updates work well across seasons.
- Don't wait too long. Clearance inventory is limited, and the best colors, sizes and styles tend to disappear first.
Bottom line
As summer winds down, the smartest play isn’t buying more clutter—it’s protecting what you already have. Whether you need a heavy-duty shed project from The Home Depot, quick-ship covers from Amazon or a sleek deck box from Wayfair, taking an afternoon to organize and cover your outdoor gear now ensures your patio stays clear for fall and your favorite pieces survive until spring.
What is USA TODAY's Fall Reset?
USA TODAY's Fall Reset is a month-long shopping event in August to help shoppers prepare for the busy fall season before prices increase and popular products sell out. The event highlights the best deals and must-have seasonal items across categories including school supplies, dorm essentials, TVs, mattresses, home upgrades, fall fashion and football gear.
Throughout August, the USA TODAY Shopping team curates product recommendations, discounts and seasonal essentials to help shoppers save money and get ahead of common fall expenses before Labor Day sales begin.
Shop USA TODAY Shopping's Fall Reset by week
- Week 1:Back-to-school and dorm shopping
- Week 2:Fall vibes, home, family and seasonal prep
- Week 3:Home improvement, outdoor and yard prep
- Week 4:Football, entertainment and Labor Day shopping
USA TODAY Shopping will be covering all the best deals and drops, so be sure to sign up for text alerts, check us out on Flipboard, follow us on TikTok, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to stay updated!
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Don’t let summer gear sit out all fall—protect your patio now
