Below, you will find our best tips and tricks for optimal placement of your Bag’in, proper stacking of outdoor furniture, as well as advice on how to keep it in good condition and pack it away for spring.
Very easy to use
Perhaps the best thing about Bag’in is how quick and easy it is to pack away your outdoor furniture, without needing any assistance.
Step 1 – Unpacking
In the Bag’in box, you will find two items: a bottom part and a top part.
The first thing you need to do is choose a suitable outdoor area. Wooden decking is the optimal surface. If you have a stone patio, ensure there is a slope so water can drain away. Avoid placing Bag’in on grass or soil, and also avoid placing it under a sloped roof where snow might fall.
Check that the surface is even and free of damage, such as broken decking boards, screws, or nails that could damage the bottom part.
Once the surface is prepared, place the bottom part and begin stacking the furniture. The red arrow on the bottom part indicates where the two parts are joined, so it’s a good idea to place this in an easily accessible area.
Step 2 – Placing the furniture
To quickly see how much can fit into your chosen Bag’in, we recommend starting with the largest pieces of furniture. Ensure the furniture is dry before packing it. To optimize the space, stack the furniture smartly and make sure it is stable.
Another useful trick is to stack the furniture in a way that allows water and snow to drain off naturally. All our Nordic Bags have a water column of 20,000 millimeters and can withstand heavy rain, but if water pools on the cover, it will eventually seep through. Therefore, we recommend creating a peak on the Bag’in to allow water and snow to drain off naturally.
Tips:
- Avoid storing cushions and other items that cannot withstand the winter cold.
- Never place tabletops directly on the bottom part, and ensure that large flat surfaces do not rest directly on it. This can prevent Bag’in from ventilating properly.
Step 3 – Place the top cover
Carefully pull the top cover over your outdoor furniture and ensure that the red triangle on the top cover matches the red triangle on the bottom cover. Make sure the top cover does not get caught along the way. If it becomes too tight, it may mean that you have tried to pack in too much furniture. In that case, remove some pieces to ensure a good fit and prevent damage to your Bag’in.
Step 4 – Connect the top and bottom parts
The top and bottom parts are connected with a zipper. To prevent the zipper from snagging, lift the protective edge when fastening the zipper. There's no need to use force—the zipper is high-quality and should glide easily.
Ensure that the ventilation channels are not covered and are hanging downwards, so water cannot enter the openings. You can tighten the lower part and the middle section of the bag to compress it and make sure everything is secure. The corner straps can be attached to our storm anchors, which is especially useful if your outdoor area is exposed to strong winds or if the outdoor furniture is lightweight.
What not to store in Bag’in over the winter
The bag itself is designed to withstand all weather conditions, but the same doesn't necessarily apply to the furniture and interior items you wish to store inside. Inside the bag, there will be fluctuations in both temperature and humidity, which can negatively affect certain products. These items are not suitable for storage in Bag’in:
- Wooden furniture: Wood can be affected by moisture and temperature fluctuations, which may lead to cracks or warping.
- Cushions that can't withstand moisture and cold: Some cushions are not made to endure winter conditions and may be damaged by moisture or cold.
- Rugs: Rugs can absorb moisture and become damaged over time.
- Glass tabletops: Glass can be subject to stress due to temperature changes, which can cause cracking.
- Pots that can’t tolerate the cold: Certain types of ceramics or other materials may crack in frost.
- Plants: Live plants will not survive the winter inside Bag’in.
Now you and your outdoor furniture are ready for autumn and winter, but there are still a few things to consider along the way and before unpacking your outdoor furniture in the spring.
1. Remove water puddles regularly from Bag’in
to prevent water from seeping through the material over time. By shaking off puddles after heavy rainfall, you help your Bag’in last longer. This also helps the bag dry much faster, protecting both the bag and its contents from unnecessary wear and moisture.
3. Cleaning before packing it away
Before you pack away your Bag’in for the season, it's important to clean it thoroughly. Remove all dust, dirt, and any stains with a mild soap mixture and a soft brush or cloth. Then rinse the bag well with clean water and ensure it is completely dry before packing it away. This will prevent mold and odors and extend the life of your Bag’in. Once it is dry and clean, you can fold it up and store it in a dry place until the next season.
When the spring sun finally starts to warm up after a long autumn and winter, it's time to get your outdoor space ready again. It's likely that Bag’in has accumulated dirt and grime over the winter. To clean it effectively, we recommend using Bag’in's own cleaning kit, which is specially designed for Bag’in material. This kit also works great on awnings, parasols, and outdoor furniture.
The cleaning kit also includes an impregnator that prevents mildew formation while strengthening and preserving the material’s properties, keeping Bag’in in top condition through the seasons.
3. Packing Up
- Lay the top cover flat on the terrace so you have plenty of space to work.
- Fold in the sides of the top cover to shape it into a square.
- Use the storage bag as a guide to see how wide you need to roll the top cover.
- Fold and roll the top cover as tightly as possible to ensure it fits into the storage bag.
- Repeat the process with the bottom cover.