Running a restaurant or bar takes more than delicious food and great drinks. Customers notice the details — the vibe, the atmosphere, and the comfort your space provides. During the warmer months, outdoor dining adds a special touch. Patios filled with tables and chairs become lively spots that attract guests, increase sales and give people a reason to choose your place over others.

But in Chicago, the seasons change fast. When the temperatures drop, snow starts falling and icy winds roll in, your outdoor space suddenly becomes a problem. Where do all those tables and chairs go when patio season ends?

Leaving them outside means they’ll take a beating from snow, ice and freezing rain. Shoving them into crowded basements or hallways creates clutter and safety hazards. That’s why more restaurants and bars now rely on professional moving & storage in Chicago. Instead of worrying about space, you can hand the job to experts who will move, protect and store your furniture until it’s time to set up again.

At STI Moving & Storage, we’ve worked with restaurants and bars across the city and suburbs. We know outdoor furniture isn’t just furniture — it’s part of your brand, your investment and your customer’s experience. Our job is to keep it safe so you can focus on running your business.

Why Outdoor Furniture Storage Matters

It might seem like storage is optional but for restaurants and bars, it’s actually a smart business move. Furniture is part of your customer’s experience and if it’s not cared for, both your brand and your budget can take a hit. Here’s why storage matters so much:

Weather in Chicago is Tough on Furniture

Chicago isn’t gentle when it comes to weather. Summers can be humid and winters are brutally cold. Snow, ice and wind quickly wear down even the best outdoor furniture. For example:

  • Metal rusts and weakens. Once rust sets in, it spreads fast and repairs aren’t always possible.
  • Wood warps and cracks. Moisture freezes inside the wood, expanding and splitting it.
  • Wicker & rattan unravel. Cold temperatures make fibers brittle.
  • Cushions trap moisture. They can become moldy, musty and unsafe for customers.
  • Paint & finishes peel. Once surfaces chip, water seeps in and causes deeper damage.

A set of furniture that looked brand new in October could look unsellable by April if it’s left outside all winter.

Protecting a Valuable Investment

Outdoor tables and chairs aren’t cheap. A single high-quality patio set can cost hundreds and large restaurants easily spend thousands on their outdoor spaces. When that furniture is damaged, it’s not just a financial loss — it’s lost time and effort to replace it. Seasonal storage acts like insurance, you spend a little now to avoid spending a lot later. Proper storage can extend the lifespan of your furniture by years.

Free Up Your Restaurant’s Space

Your staff already knows how cramped a restaurant can feel behind the scenes. Kitchens, back rooms and basements are packed with supplies, equipment, and staff moving around during busy shifts. Adding bulky tables and chairs into those spaces makes work harder and less safe. Off-site storage doesn’t just protect your furniture — it keeps your business organized and your staff happier.

Safety & Compliance

Stacking tables in hallways or piling chairs near exits isn’t just inconvenient — it can be dangerous. Blocked exits can lead to fire code violations. Piled furniture can tip over and injure staff. Heavy items in tight spaces increase the risk of accidents. Storing furniture off-site eliminates those risks and keeps your restaurant compliant with safety regulations.

Faster Patio Setup in Spring

When warm weather finally returns, every day counts. Customers love being the first to enjoy patio season and you don’t want to waste time fixing broken furniture or deep-cleaning moldy cushions. With storage, your tables and chairs come back clean, organized and ready to use. That means you can open your patio earlier than competitors who skipped storage — and win more customers in those early sunny weeks.

Protecting Your Brand Image

Customers judge your business by what they see. Wobbly chairs, stained cushions or rusty tables don’t just look bad — they make people doubt the overall quality of your restaurant. Proper storage ensures your outdoor area looks professional, inviting and consistent with the brand you’ve worked hard to build.

Health and Hygiene Concerns

Outdoor furniture left unprotected can attract pests or grow mold and mildew. These aren’t just maintenance issues — they’re health hazards. Customers won’t feel comfortable sitting at a moldy table or on a damp cushion. Storing your furniture in a clean, secure space avoids these problems and keeps your business sanitary.

The True Cost of Skipping Storage

Some restaurant and bar owners think skipping storage will save money. On the surface, it feels like you’re cutting out an extra expense. But the reality is often the opposite — skipping storage can cost you more in repairs, replacements and even lost sales.

Here’s what happens when furniture isn’t stored properly:

1. Repairs Add Up

Rusty chairs and wobbly tables don’t fix themselves. Repainting frames, tightening bolts or refinishing wooden surfaces can get expensive fast. And even after repairs, the furniture may never look as good as it once did. For many restaurants, the cost of repeated fixes over a few years ends up being more than the cost of proper storage.

2. Replacing Cushions and Fabrics

Cushions and seat covers absorb moisture. When they’re left outside or crammed in a damp basement, they quickly grow mold, mildew or a musty smell that customers notice right away. Once that happens, you can’t just “clean it out” — most of the time, those cushions have to be replaced completely. Multiply that cost across dozens of chairs and the total adds up fast.

3. Broken Glass Is Irreplaceable

Glass tabletops are especially vulnerable. If they’re stacked in a corner or handled roughly, cracks or chips are almost guaranteed. Replacing a single glass top can cost a lot and sometimes the replacement doesn’t even match your existing furniture. That can leave your patio looking mismatched and unprofessional.

4. Lost Business Opportunities

This is the hidden cost many owners don’t think about. When the first warm days of spring arrive, customers want to sit outside. If your patio isn’t ready because furniture is still being repaired or replaced, you lose valuable business. Competitors who planned ahead will seat those customers instead — and once a customer finds a new favorite patio, they may not come back to yours as often.

5. Staff Time and Stress

It’s not just about money. If you skip storage, your staff often ends up dealing with heavy lifting, cleaning and fixing damaged furniture in the spring. That’s time and energy they could spend focusing on customers and daily operations. Professional storage removes that burden and keeps your team happier.

6. Long-Term Wear and Tear

Every season without proper storage shortens the lifespan of your furniture. Instead of lasting five or ten years, tables and chairs may only last two or three. That means buying new sets more often — a much bigger expense in the long run.

In short: storage is like insurance. You spend a little each season to avoid huge bills later. The cost of one season of professional storage is far less than replacing multiple tables, cushions or an entire patio set.

Preparing Furniture for Storage

Storing your furniture the right way starts long before it goes into a storage unit. A little preparation now can save you a lot of time, money and stress later. Here’s a step-by-step guide that restaurants and bars can follow:

1. Clean Everything Thoroughly

Don’t just give your tables and chairs a quick wipe — treat it like a full cleaning day.

  • Tables and Chairs: Use mild soap and warm water to scrub away grease, crumbs and sticky spots. Pay attention to corners and joints where dirt hides.
  • Metal Frames: If you see rust starting, lightly sand it off before storing. Wipe the frame dry and if possible, apply a thin coat of rust protector.
  • Wooden Surfaces: Use a gentle wood cleaner then let it dry completely. Avoid harsh chemicals that can strip finishes.
  • Cushions & Fabrics: Check the care tags. Many outdoor cushions have removable covers you can wash. If not, use a fabric-safe cleaner.

Cleaning before storage keeps pests away and prevents stains from becoming permanent during the off-season.

2. Dry Completely

Moisture is your enemy in storage. Even a little dampness can cause mold and mildew.

  • Let furniture sit in the sun for a few hours after washing.
  • Stand cushions upright to make sure air flows through them.
  • Never pack damp furniture “just to get it done.” Taking time now prevents headaches later.

3. Disassemble Where You Can

Taking furniture apart saves space and protects pieces from breaking.

  • Remove glass tops and wrap them separately in bubble wrap.
  • Fold stackable chairs to make them easier to move.
  • Take legs off large tables, if possible.
  • Keep all screws, bolts and small hardware in plastic bags, then label each bag with the furniture name (e.g., “patio table legs – screws”).

Tape the labeled bag to the underside of the furniture piece or store all bags together in one box labeled “Hardware.”

4. Use Covers and Wrapping

Even in clean storage facilities, dust and scratches happen. Protecting your furniture makes a big difference.

  • Plastic Covers or Furniture Bags: Keep dust, dirt and moisture out.
  • Furniture Blankets: Wrap wooden and metal pieces to avoid scratches.
  • Shrink Wrap or Stretch Wrap: Bundle chairs together so they don’t shift during moving.

5. Organize & Label

Storing furniture isn’t just about tossing it into a unit — it’s about keeping it easy to set up later.

  • Stack chairs together by size and style.
  • Keep similar items grouped (all tables in one section, all cushions in another).
  • Label boxes with cushions, covers and small parts.
  • Make an inventory list so you know exactly what went into storage.

Snap photos of your inventory list and stored setup. That way, you can quickly reference it in spring when you’re planning the patio layout.

6. Final Check Before Storage

Walk through your items one last time before moving them:

  • Is everything clean and dry?
  • Are delicate pieces (like glass) wrapped properly?
  • Are parts and hardware labeled?
  • Do you have an updated inventory list?

Doing this extra 5-minute check saves hours of frustration when it’s time to reopen your patio.

By following these steps, you’re not just “putting furniture away.” You’re making sure it stays in great shape and is easy to set back up when the new season arrives.

Common Mistakes Restaurants Make

Even with the best intentions, many restaurants and bars slip up when it comes to storage. These mistakes might not seem serious at first but they often lead to damaged furniture, wasted money and extra stress in spring. Here’s what to avoid — and what to do instead:

1. Leaving Furniture Outside Under Plastic Tarps

At first, covering furniture with a tarp seems like a good idea. But tarps trap moisture. Rainwater or melting snow collects underneath, creating a damp environment that rusts metal, warps wood and grows mold on fabrics.

  • Why It’s a Problem: Moisture doesn’t escape, so your furniture ends up worse than if it was uncovered.
  • Better solution: Always move furniture indoors or into professional storage. If you must cover it temporarily outdoors, use breathable covers designed for outdoor furniture, not heavy plastic tarps.

2. Storing Items Damp

One of the biggest mistakes is rushing furniture into storage while it’s still wet from cleaning or rain. A single damp cushion can spread mold or mildew to everything around it.

  • Why it’s a problem: Mold spreads quickly, stains fabrics and leaves an odor that’s almost impossible to remove.
  • Better solution: Give furniture plenty of drying time before packing. Stand cushions upright in the sun and let wooden or metal pieces air dry completely. Never pack “just a little damp” furniture.

3. Piling Heavy Tables on Top of Cushions or Chairs

It’s tempting to stack items tightly to save space. But stacking heavy tables or benches on top of lighter furniture causes bent frames, crushed cushions and broken parts.

  • Frames bend out of shape, cushions lose their firmness and fabrics tear.
  • Store heavy furniture on the floor or pallets. Stack lightweight chairs together but always keep cushions and delicate items separate in boxes or bins.

4. Not Labeling Small Parts

When you take apart tables or modular sets, it’s easy to misplace screws, bolts and hardware. Months later, when you’re ready to set up again, you can’t find the right parts.

  • Missing screws or bolts make reassembly frustrating and unsafe.
  • Put all small hardware in labeled plastic bags. Either tape the bag to the furniture piece or keep all bags together in one labeled container.

5. Forgetting to Clean Before Storage

Skipping cleaning is another common mistake. Leftover crumbs, grease or drink stains attract pests and leave permanent marks over the winter.

Food residue brings rodents and insects, while stains sink deeper into materials.

Always scrub furniture with mild soap and water, wipe down metal and wash cushion covers before storage.

6. Skipping an Inventory List

Without a record of what you stored, it’s easy to forget items or waste time searching later.

You might think something is “lost” when it’s simply buried at the back.

Write an inventory list or take photos of items before they go into storage. Keep a copy for reference in spring.

Avoiding these simple mistakes keeps your furniture safe, your staff stress-free and your spring setup smooth and fast.

Storage Options for Restaurants and Bars in Chicago

Not every restaurant or bar has the same storage needs. A small café with a few tables might need something different from a large bar with a full outdoor patio. Below is a breakdown of the most common options, their pros and cons and advice to help you decide what works best.

On-Site Storage (Basements, Closets or Back Rooms)

This is usually the first idea restaurant owners think of — just tuck furniture away in the space you already have.

  • Pros
    • Free (no extra cost)
    • Immediate access if you need something
  • Cons
    • Space fills up quickly. Most back rooms and basements are already crowded with supplies
    • Furniture may get damaged when moved around for daily use
    • Basements in Chicago can be damp which increases the risk of mold or rust
  • Tips if you choose this option
    • Use pallets to keep furniture off damp basement floors
    • Keep cushions in sealed plastic bins to protect from moisture
    • Don’t block fire exits or walkways — safety violations can cost more than storage

2. Self-Storage Units

Self-storage units are a common choice for restaurants and bars because they’re affordable and widely available around Chicago and the suburbs.

  • Pros
    • Lower monthly cost compared to commercial storage
    • Flexible unit sizes — you can rent exactly what you need
    • Plenty of locations across the city and nearby suburbs
  • Cons
    • You have to move the furniture yourself (which means renting a truck or using your staff)
    • If you don’t pack properly, things may get damaged
    • Units are often not climate-controlled unless you pay extra
  • Tips if you choose this option
    • Invest in quality moving blankets and covers to protect furniture
    • Organize the unit with a clear walkway so you can grab items without unloading everything
    • Keep an updated inventory list taped to the inside of the unit door

3. Commercial Storage Facilities

These facilities are designed for businesses and offer more features than a standard self-storage unit.

  • Pros
    • Higher security (monitored, locked, sometimes even coded access)
    • Often include climate control
    • Facilities are designed for business needs, so staff may be on-site to help
  • Cons
    • Costs more than self-storage
    • May not be located as close as neighborhood storage units
  • Tips if you choose this option
    • Ask about insurance options for your furniture
    • Visit the facility first to see how clean and organized it is
    • Choose climate-controlled space if you have wood, wicker or fabric pieces

4. Climate-Controlled Storage

Chicago winters are brutal — freezing cold, snow, ice and humidity swings. Climate-controlled storage protects your furniture from these conditions.

  • Pros
    • Best protection for wood, wicker and cushions
    • Keeps humidity and temperature stable year-round
    • Reduces the risk of mold, mildew and cracking
  • Cons
    • More expensive than regular storage
    • Limited availability if you don’t book early
  • Tips if you choose this option
    • Book before fall — climate-controlled units fill up quickly
    • Still clean and cover furniture before storage (climate control helps but prep is key)
    • Group fragile items like cushions in airtight containers for double protection

5. Professional Moving & Storage (STI Moving & Storage Advantage)

With STI Moving & Storage, you’re not just renting storage space — you’re getting a complete, start-to-finish service that makes the whole process stress-free.

Here’s how it works:

  • We pick up your furniture directly from your restaurant or bar. No need to rent a truck, ask staff to lift heavy tables or worry about scheduling extra help.
  • Our Chicago movers handle everything with care. We bring the right tools, moving blankets and protective covers so nothing gets scratched, dented or broken.
  • Your items are stored in a secure, climate-controlled facility. That means no freezing damage no moldy cushions and no warped wood during Chicago’s tough winters.
  • When patio season comes back, we deliver everything right to your door. Your tables and chairs arrive clean, organized and ready to set up.

This service saves you from:

  • Extra trips back and forth to a storage unit
  • Staff injuries from lifting heavy or awkward furniture
  • Stress about where to put everything and whether it’ll survive the winter

Yes, it costs more than basic storage but it’s worth it. Instead of worrying all season, you can focus on your business, knowing your outdoor furniture is safe. Think of it as peace of mind, delivered.

Safely Moving Furniture Into Storage

Outdoor furniture can be tricky to move — especially if your business has dozens of tables, heavy chairs or fragile glass pieces. Without the right plan, you risk damage, staff injuries or wasted time. Here’s how to make the process smoother and safer:

Plan Ahead

Don’t wait until the last minute. In Chicago, winters often come fast and sudden snow or freezing rain can throw off your schedule. Start planning early in the fall. This gives you enough time to organize your furniture, schedule movers if needed and avoid rushing when the weather turns bad.

Use Equipment Wisely

The right tools make a big difference:

  • Hand trucks and dollies save time and reduce strain when moving heavy tables and stacks of chairs.
  • Furniture blankets and pads protect surfaces from scratches and dents during loading and transport.
  • Straps or shrink wrap keep chairs or stacked items secure, so they don’t slide or tip over.

Using equipment not only makes moving easier but also prevents accidents and damage.

Protect Fragile Items

Not all furniture is the same — some pieces need extra care:

  • Glass tabletops should always be wrapped with bubble wrap or thick moving blankets. Store them upright, not flat, to reduce the chance of cracks.
  • Wooden furniture should be wrapped in breathable covers to protect it from scratches and moisture.
  • Cushions should be sealed in plastic bins or bags to keep them dry and mold-free.

Spending a few extra minutes protecting fragile pieces can save you hundreds of dollars in replacements.

Load Carefully

How you load items matters:

  • Place heavy furniture at the bottom so it supports lighter items on top.
  • Keep fragile and lightweight pieces separate to avoid crushing.
  • Always secure loads with straps inside trucks or storage units so nothing shifts during transport.

A careful load means fewer surprises when it’s time to unload in the spring.

Trust Professionals

Moving outdoor furniture isn’t just about strength — it’s about skill and safety. At STI Moving & Storage, our trained team has years of experience handling bulky, heavy and delicate pieces for restaurants and bars. We bring the right tools know how to move things without damage and make sure everything reaches storage in perfect condition.

That means no sore backs for your staff, no broken furniture and no stressful moving day. Instead, you can focus on running your business while professionals handle the hard work.

Ready to Store Your Outdoor Furniture?

Don’t wait for winter to cause damage. Get your free quote today with STI professional moving and storage — keep your tables and chairs safe until spring.

Cost Considerations

Storage costs vary, but here are key factors:

  • Unit Size: Larger furniture requires bigger spaces.
  • Climate Control: Adds protection but raises monthly fees.
  • Duration: Short-term, seasonal or long-term options.
  • Service Level: Pickup, delivery and professional packing add convenience.

While storage is an added business expense, it’s also an investment. Protecting your furniture now prevents costly replacements later.

Why Choose STI Moving & Storage in Chicago

At STI Moving & Storage, we specialize in helping Chicago restaurants and bars store their outdoor furniture with ease. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Local Expertise: Serving Chicago and nearby suburbs for years
  • Complete Service: Pickup, moving, storage and seasonal delivery
  • Secure Facilities: Clean, climate-controlled and monitored
  • Flexible Options: Seasonal, monthly or long-term storage plans
  • Stress-Free Experience: We do the heavy lifting, so your staff doesn’t have to.

When patio season is over, we make sure your tables and chairs are safe. And when it returns, we deliver everything back, ready to set up.

Tips to Maximize Storage Space

When you’re paying for storage, every inch counts. With the right approach, you can fit more furniture safely without cramming or risking damage. Here are some smart tips:

Stack Chairs the Right Way

Chairs are usually designed to be stacked which makes them the easiest items to store efficiently. Make sure they’re clean and dry before stacking and don’t pile them too high — a shorter, stable stack is safer and prevents bending or tipping.

Store Cushions Separately

Cushions and fabrics take up a lot of room and can trap moisture if left on chairs. Instead, seal them in plastic bins or vacuum bags. This not only saves space but also protects them from dust, pests and mold. Label each bin so you can easily match cushions to furniture when patio season returns.

Keep Items Off the Floor

Never place wood or fabric items directly on a concrete floor — moisture can seep up and cause damage. Use wooden pallets or shelving to raise everything a few inches off the ground. This simple step adds protection and makes your storage area more organized.

Disassemble When Possible

If your tables or larger items can be taken apart, do it. Store legs, frames and tops separately, and keep screws or bolts in labeled bags. This saves space and makes items easier to move.

Maintain an Inventory List

It’s easy to forget what you’ve stored after a few months. Create a simple inventory list — either on paper or in a spreadsheet — so you know exactly what’s inside. This saves time when you need to check, retrieve or reassemble items.

By using these tricks, you maximize your storage space, cut down on costs and make spring setup smoother.

Long-Term Benefits for Your Business

Storing furniture isn’t just about surviving winter — it’s about creating long-term value for your restaurant or bar. Here’s how storage pays off year after year:

Better Customer Experience

When guests arrive in spring, they expect clean, sturdy and welcoming patio furniture. By storing your sets properly, you avoid showing customers chairs with rust spots, wobbly legs or faded cushions. Fresh-looking furniture creates a positive first impression and keeps people coming back.

Improved Efficiency

Clutter eats up valuable space inside your restaurant or bar. By moving outdoor furniture into storage, you free up basements, closets or hallways for the things you actually need day-to-day. That means smoother operations, safer work areas and less frustration for your staff.

Cost Savings

Replacing outdoor furniture year after year adds up fast. Seasonal storage protects your tables and chairs so they last longer which saves you thousands over time. Even if storage feels like an extra expense, it’s far cheaper than buying new sets every spring.

Peace of Mind

Running a restaurant or bar comes with enough daily worries — your furniture doesn’t have to be one of them. With storage, you know your investment is protected from Chicago’s unpredictable weather, theft or accidental damage. That peace of mind lets you focus on what really matters, serving your customers and growing your business.

Wrapping Up

Outdoor dining is a big part of Chicago’s restaurant and bar culture. But when the cold season arrives, your furniture shouldn’t suffer outdoors or crowd your space inside. Storing tables and chairs with STI Moving & Storage means they’ll be safe, clean and ready for spring.

As the season winds down, ask yourself: Where will your outdoor tables and chairs go this winter? If the answer isn’t clear, it’s time to act.

Contact STI Moving & Storage in Chicago today for a free quote and let us handle your outdoor furniture storage. We’ve got the trucks, the team and the space to make your life easier.