Pro Tips for Outdoor Lawn Equipment Storage
With summer almost over, it’s time to start thinking about your big seasonal switchover. You know the drill. Summer gear goes on hiatus, while fall and winter gear comes out of hibernation. For most people, this means figuring out how to handle outdoor lawn equipment storage so that it’s safe and sound all winter and will be ready to go again come spring. So, if you’re looking for tips on outdoor lawn equipment storage, you’ve come to the right place. Mini Mall Storage has the info you need to store in style. Let’s get into it.
Can You Put Lawn Equipment in Self Storage?
One of the most common questions we get about seasonal storage is, can you put lawn equipment in storage? And the answer is a resounding yes! While you can’t store any flammable, hazardous or combustible items in Mini Mall Storage units, you can store most of your lawn care equipment alongside all your patio furniture.
Non-motorized lawn equipment like rakes, weeders and aerators are no brainers. Simply brush away any dirt or grit, use sandpaper to remove rust, give them a quick all-over cleaning, and polish wood handles with linseed oil to keep them in tip-top shape and ready for next season.
Lawn mower storage is a bit different, so keep reading for our tips on that in the next section.
How to Prepare a Lawn Mower for Winter Storage?
Proper winter storage for a lawn mower takes a little more than just wheeling it off your truck and into your storage unit. You’ll want to make sure it’s properly prepared if you want to extend its working lifespan and ensure it’ll start for you again come spring.
- Start by cleaning out all the grass from the undercarriage, feeder, and bag.
- Wipe down the deck and undercarriage with a damp cloth to remove any stuck-on grass, dirt, or residue.
- Add lubricant to any bare metal parts to prevent rust.
- If it’s a gas-powered mower, empty all the gas before putting it in storage. Removing the gas prevents it from separating, degrading, and damaging your mower as it sits over winter.
- If you have a cordless, battery-powered mower, you’ll need to remove the battery and store it indoors or in a climate-controlled unit over the winter to protect it from fluctuations in temperature.
Keeping Your Lawn and Garden Equipment Organized for the Long Haul
No matter what you’re storing, we always recommend keeping it organized. Over time, the pile of things living in your storage unit may grow, and you don’t want to forget what you’ve stashed in there or be tripping over things to try and find what you’re looking for. Having a plan to stay organized from the start will make your life simpler in the long run, and lawn and garden equipment is no different.
Try adding some shelves to keep small tools and flowerpots in place. Group similar items together, such as rakes, shovels, and hoes in one section and smaller tools like clippers and gloves in another. You can use a clean, empty garbage pail or other large container to store lawn equipment like rakes and shelves.
Storing flowerpots and garden containers? Clean them out first, and if they’ve been home to a plant with a fungus or a pest infection, wash them out with warm, soapy water and vinegar to kill any fungus, bacteria, or pests that may lay dormant over the winter.
As you prepare your lawn and garden equipment for hibernation, remember that proper storage is key to ensuring it’s ready to go when you need it again. By following these tips, you can protect your gear from damage and keep everything organized and in peak condition for a hassle-free spring. Looking for more self storage tips? Mini Mall Storage has all the resources and tools you need to find the right type of storage unit for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about all the storage solutions we offer.
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