Grill Storage

• When not in use, especially over long periods, a grill should be cleaned and stored to prevent rust, animal infestation and other damage from the elements. Give the burners, grill and other exposed metal parts a coat of spray cooking oil. If you have a gas grill, shut off the gas and disconnect the tubes. Put plastic bags over the open ends of the hoses and wrap them shut with tape. If possible, detach the burner and store it in its own plastic bag. Cover the whole grill with a tarpaulin or similar cover.

Tool Storage

• Storing barbecue tools can be a nuisance; they tend to be too long for most kitchen drawers. A storage box with a lid is ideal for protecting these tools from rust. Re-purpose a toolbox or tackle box to hold barbecue tools. With luck, you'll be able to find one that will fit neatly into your grill's storage shelf. Be sure to clean and dry all tools thoroughly before putting them into the toolbox; keeping them out of the rain won't do any good if they go into storage damp.

Indoor Storage

• Keep grilling condiments and other ingredients organized by storing them in a simple basket or box indoors. This makes it easy to move them between the kitchen and the grill, as well as to keep track of which ones you're low on. Reuse a shopping basket or shower caddy to hold ingredients. Alternatively, build a simple wooden box with a rope handle or add a handle to an existing container such as a coffee can.

Building a Locker

• If you have enough grilling paraphernalia that you can't fit it on the grill, a stand-alone storage locker is a good way of housing it. This locker is a simple box shape with a wooden frame. Walls can be made of fiber cement paneling or plywood. For extra utility, give the locker a hinged lid, place cushions on top of it and use it as an extra garden bench.