--- title: How to Pack Patio and Outdoor Furniture for a Move url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-patio-furniture/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - How to pack patio and outdoor furniture # How to pack patio and outdoor furniture Patio furniture moves clean and dry, taken apart where it can be, with cushions bagged and glass tops padded. Outdoor items carry dirt, water and seeds, so a quick wash before the crew arrives saves trouble in the truck. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) Outdoor furniture spends years in the dust, sun and rain, and it loads into the truck with all of it. A short list of steps makes the difference between furniture that arrives ready to use and furniture that needs a wash in the driveway. Reno's dry weather helps, since things dry fast. ## Clean and dry everything Hose off chairs, tables and cushions a day before the move, and let them dry fully in the sun. Wet cushions and damp wicker can grow mildew inside a closed truck. Wipe grills inside and out and run the burners to burn off grease, then let the grill cool for a full day. ## Take it apart Remove table legs and umbrella poles where they unscrew, and bag the hardware in a labeled zip bag taped to the table. Fold chairs and tie them together, two or three at a time. Glass tabletops need padding on both sides and an edge guard. Wrap them in moving pads, or in a picture box, and carry them upright. - Clean and dry each piece. - Remove legs, poles and loose parts, and bag the hardware. - Wrap glass tops in pads and stand them on edge. - Bundle folding chairs with tape or rope. - Label every piece with the word patio and the part name. ## Cushions, umbrellas and pillows Cushions go in large bags or cartons, clean and dry. Umbrellas are wrapped around the pole, tied and slipped into a tube or a long bag. Throw pillows can fill space in other cartons. Seasonal cushions can move in a bag marked patio so they go straight to the deck. ## Grills, planters and heavy items Propane cylinders cannot travel on a moving truck; the EPA household hazardous waste page explains local options, and [what movers will not move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/what-movers-will-not-move/) lists the others. Disconnect the tank and take it with you or exchange it. Large planters should be emptied of soil. Pot the plants in lighter containers if they are going with you. Check [moving with plants](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-plants/) for rules about plants moving across state lines. Hot tubs and big outdoor structures are a separate topic; see [how hot tubs are moved](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-hot-tub/). ## Wicker, metal and teak Wicker needs padding and no heavy items on top. Wrought iron is heavy and scratches other pieces, so wrap it in a pad. Teak and hardwood travel well and need only a pad to keep the finish clean. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [U.S. EPA, Household Hazardous Waste](https://www.epa.gov/hw/household-hazardous-waste-hhw) - [FMCSA, Protect Your Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [What movers will not move (hazardous items)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/what-movers-will-not-move/) - [How hot tubs are moved](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-hot-tub/) - [Moving with plants (and state plant rules)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-plants/) Moving guides ## Read next - [What to do with food and the pantry](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-pantry/) - [Packing room by room: the order that works](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/packing-room-by-room/) - [How pianos are moved](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-piano/) - [How pool tables are moved](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-pool-table/) - [How hot tubs are moved](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-hot-tub/) - [How to move a refrigerator](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-refrigerator/) - [How to move a washer and dryer](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-washer-and-dryer/) - [How to move a grandfather clock](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-grandfather-clock/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Do I need to wash patio furniture before a move? Yes. Clean furniture is easier to carry, does not stain other items and arrives ready to use. ### Can propane tanks go on the moving truck? No. Use up the gas, exchange the tank or carry an empty cylinder in your own vehicle as local rules allow. ### How do I protect a glass table? Wrap the glass in pads on both sides, use edge guards, and stand it on its long edge. A picture box or a custom crate works for large tops. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) A Ami M. February 7, 2023 O'Brien's is great! They made my move easy. They were responsive, professional and accommodating. Trusting them with my move was one less thing I had to worry about. ### Owner's reply Ami thank you so much! It was a pleasure to assist you with your move and knowing that we were able to lessen any stress you may have had with the moving process, makes us so happy!! If you need anything in the future please let us know. M Mike K. August 30, 2019 The best customer service ever! ### Owner's reply Thanks Mike we sincerely appreciate you and your business! P Patrick R. September 19, 2026 The two gentlemen that helped me move today were very Helpful and professional! ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070