As the sun sets on summer, the time has come to store backyard gear and prepare for cold weather. Though the task may seem daunting, these simple solutions to organize and stow your summer accessories keep it painless.

Invest in an outdoor storage bench — or two.
These benches — often made of durable plastic or treated wood — can disguise stored items, such as toys, gardening tools, pool supplies and practically anything else. They also double your seating space and even add a decorative touch. Outdoor storage benches are ideal for easily accessing materials while the weather is still favorable, though it’s suggested to move them to a shed or workshop if a snowstorm is in the forecast.

Discover the bliss of storage bins.
Stackable, portable and water-resistant — convenience is key when it comes to storage bins. Whether you keep them in the shed, basement or backyard, plastic storage bins offer an easy, inexpensive solution for most outdoor gear. Choose among the countless varieties of shapes, colors and sizes to suit your needs. In addition, organizing your belongings and labeling each container on the front will help you easily access things later.

Another handy tip: Indicate the weight of each bin — such as “light” or “heavy” — to prepare your back when lifting.

Rack ’em up.
Keep your backyard in order with an outdoor storage rack. These durable units are ideal for stacking larger items, such as firewood, or housing those helpful storage bins. Be sure to determine your storage needs and measure an allotted space — then you’ll know which size and type of rack is right for you. Also consider a space-saving vertical rack: When the sky is the limit, you gain much more storage room without taking up additional ground space.