Whether it’s time for winter storage or you have too much clutter at home, lawn equipment storage is an important consideration. Follow these lawn tool storage tips to stay organized and help maintain your lawn equipment for years to come!
Service & Winterize Lawn Equipment
Before storing your lawn equipment long-term, help preserve and lengthen its lifespan by winterizing any large, motorized tools—like lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and weed whackers—similarly to how you would winterize a car or boat. When storing a lawn mower, you can winterize the fuel by either adding a stabilizer to the gas in the tank or emptying the tank completely—either method works for storage in a detached garage or outdoor shed. If you use a stabilizer, run the mower for a few minutes to circulate it through the system. However, if storing the mower indoors, such as in a basement or storage unit, it’s safest to empty the tank to prevent fire hazards.
Here are a couple more winterization steps to follow before storing lawn equipment:
- Remove the spark plug
- Change the oil
- Remove lawn mower blades carefully
- Clean or replace the air filter
- Remove batteries, then place on chargers or store separately
Properly Clean Lawn Equipment
Before storing lawn tools, clean and dry them to avoid rust and other wear, ensuring they’re ready for use when needed. Generally, using a garden hose or pressure washer on low will easily remove grass clippings, dirt, and debris, though you may also need soap or special cleaning tools like a wire brush—check your lawn equipment’s user manual for proper cleaning instructions. Take special care with any lawn tools that have sharp blades—like lawn mowers, trimmers, and aerators—and wear thick, durable gloves during the cleaning process for your safety. Once you’ve cleaned all your lawn equipment, thoroughly dry each item to prevent any rust build-up.
Utilize Your Outdoor Shed or Garage
Some of the best at-home storage options for yard tools are backyard shed storage and garage storage. Not only do these locations provide added security with the ability to be locked, but they also tend to be dry and offer adequate shelter from the elements. For large lawn equipment like lawn mowers, take advantage of underutilized space by storing them under a lower shelf or slanted wall. For electric lawn tools like electric lawn mowers and leaf blowers, consider storing them on their charging stations for convenience.
Keep Lawn Tools Protected
If you don’t have the space to store lawn equipment in backyard storage, a garden shed, or garage storage, it’s still important to protect your lawn tools from harsh weather. To shield the exterior and interior components of large or motorized lawn tools from moisture and other potential damage, consider investing in specialized protection like a lawn mower cover. If a cover isn’t available, a tarp, waterproof bags, bins, or other weatherproof coverings can work just as well. If possible, store your lawn equipment under a covered patio, outdoor pergola, or awning for added protection. Taking these steps is crucial for effective outdoor lawn equipment storage.
Consider Self Storage
If you’re short on space at home or need a more secure storage solution, renting a storage unit near you is a convenient option! Storing lawn tools in a storage unit can free up space at home while offering protection from the elements. With amenities like drive-up storage to make moving heavy lawn tools easier and climate-controlled storage to help shield battery-powered tools from extreme temperatures, self storage is a practical choice. Plus, storage facilities typically provide both short-term and long-term options, making them perfect for seasonal storage or year-round storage.
Organize Small Yard Tools in Storage Bins
Need better storage for small garden tools that can easily get lost or misplaced, such as trowels, mini rakes, and pruners? Use well-labeled storage bins or boxes! Grouping similar items together in easily accessible containers helps keep your garage, shed or storage unit decluttered. These bins can be conveniently stored in overhead garage storage or on freestanding shelves. For added convenience, leave small yard tools you typically store in a bag or toolbox as they are for winter storage. Simply hang the bag on a hook or place the tool box on a shelf, and your items will be ready to grab whenever you need them!
Hang Lawn Tools to Save Space
If you’re running out of shelf or floor space in your garage or outdoor shed, try hanging your yard tools! Small lawn tools like protective goggles, gloves, shears, and more can easily be stored on a pegboard with heavy-duty hooks attached to the wall. Larger yard tools and lawn equipment like shovels, rakes, trimmers, and hoses are best hung on ceiling hooks or vertical wall racks. You can also consider overhead garage storage for bulky lawn equipment! If you’re unsure how to hang your lawn tools or need specific advice—like how to hang a lawn mower—check your use manual for brand-specific guidelines on safe storage.
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Looking for a place to store lawn equipment seasonally or year-round? Extra Space Storage has secure storage units throughout the U.S. to help. Find a storage facility near you!
