7 Outdoor Storage Finds That Are A No-Brainer For Replacing Deck Boxes

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Does your deck feel like a disaster waiting to happen? When an assortment of pool toys, grilling tools, and gardening gizmos starts making your favorite outdoor space feel more like an obstacle course than a cozy hangout spot, a deck box can really come in handy. But if the last thing you want to do is add another bulky piece of furniture to your backyard, there are plenty of other ways to organize your outdoor clutter worth considering. From dual-purpose furniture with built-in storage to repurposed planters and bar carts that can help keep clutter in check, here are seven outdoor storage finds that are a no-brainer for getting a messy deck under control.

Many of us start the outdoor season with the best of intentions. We remember that spring is the best time to weed and feed the lawn and enthusiastically sign up to host a few summer block parties. A little chaos almost adds to the fun when gleeful kids pull out pool toys you didn't even know existed and friends toss your outdoor throw pillows aside to make room for just one more person. But things can start feeling cluttered pretty quickly when there's nowhere to put everything once it's no longer in use — or worse, when your outdoor essentials aren't properly stored. Piles of still-damp toys and pillows can start to mildew, while gardening tools left behind when it gets too hot to work can quickly rust. You don't necessarily need to invest in an expensive weatherproof deck box, though. Incorporating a few multipurpose finds on or around your deck can help keep your deck tidy while extending the lifespan of your must-have outdoor items.

You may already rely on storage ottomans inside your home. Available in every size and color imaginable, they're an excellent way to combine hidden storage, extra seating, and a spot to rest a tray full of snacks all in one compact piece of furniture. Although you'll want to leave the upholstered ones inside, ottomans made from weatherproof resin are perfect for replacing a boring deck box. You can find spacious, lightweight outdoor ottomans, like this Keter Circa 37 Gallon Resin Deck Box Stool, on Amazon for under $100.

A deck box or ottoman works if you need to sit for a moment to help a kid put on floaties, but there are outdoor finds that are better for relaxing. Storage benches are available in a wide range of materials, including resin and wood, so you can find one to match just about any outdoor space. What sets them apart is the lifting seat, which doubles as the top of a discreet storage space that's perfect for stashing throw pillows, beach towels, and other items you want to keep protected from the elements.

Outdoor furniture sets often come with a pair of side tables that take up a lot of room while offering absolutely no storage space. And while flat-topped deck boxes can technically double as a side table, there's a better alternative. Dual-purpose products like the EDOSME Outdoor Side Table from Walmart provide plenty of space for furniture covers or small outdoor toys while adding an old-money aesthetic with their handwoven, wicker-like rattan exterior. Opt for footed side tables that are slightly elevated from your deck to protect the bottom during soggy weather.

Even though composite decking material may hold up beautifully in all types of weather, your favorite tools definitely won't. If a full-sized shed is out of the question, consider these compact storage options for small decks, like an all-weather cabinet. The tall, slim profiles work well for storing long gardening tools, decorative flagpoles, or pool noodles, while short chunky versions are perfect for stashing hoses or your collection of weed killer sprays. And with careful placement, storage cabinets can even double as a privacy screen.

One of the reasons deck boxes are so popular is that they're generally designed to be airtight and waterproof. Those qualities make them ideal for birdwatchers or nature enthusiasts who need a place to store seed or suet. Fortunately, galvanized steel pails with snug-fitting lids are also well-suited for the job. Because galvanized steel is corrosion-resistant, you can also use them to store deicing salt or kitty litter when the weather gets cooler, giving you a handy place to keep supplies that can make slippery decks a little safer.

There are almost as many planters as there are beautiful flowers to tuck inside them, but whether you love contemporary square ones, romantic round ones, or you just want to repurpose the empty planters stacked up in the corner of your garage, they're a no-brainer for replacing a deck box. Although they aren't lidded, tall planters can still hold a bunch of baseball bats, badminton rackets, or other sports equipment. Shorter ones can be used to hold a few bottles of sunscreen and bug spray. With a little creativity, they're also a perfect hiding spot for a garden hose. And if you don't already have a planter that fits the bill, you can even DIY one to suit your space and storage needs.

So, what about all the other pool and yard gear you need to store near your deck? Metal bar carts work surprisingly well, especially if you want to keep similar items grouped together. An option like this Best Choice Products Rolling Bar Cart has two tiers, giving you plenty of room to keep goggles and deflated beach balls on one level, gardening gloves and a hand trowel on another, and your go-to grill brush and meat thermometer on the top. If you live in a rainy area, look for a cart with slatted or perforated metal shelves, or use a small metal drill bit to add a few drainage holes to each tier before rolling it out onto your deck