A backyard movie night or a garden party is far easier when the gear lives in one place and travels in one trip. Good storage also protects equipment from sun, dust and damp. These are general approaches; we do not endorse any product, and the right solution is the one that fits your space.
Moving gear: carts and trolleys
A sturdy rolling cart turns a dozen trips into one. Look for wheels suited to your ground: larger wheels roll over lawn, gravel and thresholds more easily than small casters. A cart with a lip or strap keeps a projector or speaker from sliding off on a slope, and a lower shelf keeps heavy items low and stable. Lock the wheels before setting anything up.
A cart can also act as the projector stand itself, putting the lens at a useful height. Check the throw distance and placement tips on our Backyard Cinema page.
Weatherproof storage
- Keep electronics indoors between uses. A garage or shed can get very hot in a Los Angeles summer.
- For items that stay outside, such as cushions, stakes, and tethers, use lidded deck boxes or bins and lift them off bare soil.
- Add silica gel packs to cases that hold electronics or lenses to absorb moisture.
- Label every bin so anyone in the household can find and return things.
Cable management
Cables cause most outdoor trip hazards. Coil them loosely using an over-under method so they lie flat and do not kink, and fasten each one with a reusable strap. Store cords with the device they belong to. When running cables across a lawn or patio, use cable covers or route them along edges, never across a main walkway. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission advises making sure any extension cord is rated for its intended use and plugging outdoor equipment into a GFCI-protected receptacle or a portable GFCI. For permanent outdoor outlets, use a licensed electrician.
Keeping kit dry
Rain is rare for much of the year here, since the dry season runs roughly May through October, but sprinklers and evening dew are not. Know when your irrigation runs and switch it off on movie nights. Cover gear between films, never pack up anything damp, and let a projector cool down before putting it in its case.
A ready-to-go kit
Keep a single tub with extension cords, adapters, spare batteries, a flashlight, and bug spray. Our Accessories page lists the small extras worth having, and Screens covers storing a screen without creases.