Tips for Lawn Equipment Storage
Fall is around the corner, and the weather is starting to change. It’s about time to go through all your outdoor lawn equipment and get them ready to store for the winter months. Or maybe you are moving and have the task of going through your garage or shed and getting all these things ready to store and move. Either way, this task can seem overwhelming, since there are so many tools that are sharp, odd shaped, dirty, and/or heavy. Fortunately, there are a few steps that you can take to make sure that your lawn equipment is ready for storage and that you store it in the most organized way possible.
Declutter
The first step to simplifying the packing and storing process is to dedicate some time to go through everything and toss out what you do not need. If that hose is completely bent out of shape or those hedge clippers are dull and warped beyond repair, do you really want to bother storing those things when you know you will not use them next year? Of course you don’t!
This is the time to stop feeling bad about tossing out junk or donating any duplicate items. If it is something you did not use while you were keeping up and enjoying your yard this year, chances are you will not use it next year. Clear it out so you have the space to store what you will actually use. Check out Porta-Stor’s blog on decluttering for more information.
Organize What’s Left
Now that you have tossed out those broken tools and decluttered all your lawn equipment, you need to get everything good and organized.
Hand Tools – Place all of these items in a handled bucket, basket, or other easy-to-access container. This way they are all together and easy for you to find and use as you go to work in your yard the next time.
Long-Handled Equipment – These types of items should all be bundled together and do not necessarily need to be stored in a box or tote.
Attachments – Take the attachments off of your power tools and other complex equipment and store them separately. This keeps them from coming apart and breaking while moving around placing in storage.
Equipment with Engines – The first thing you need to do is make sure that gas-powered items are clean of gasoline and oil and completely dry. Give them a good power wash and clean underneath. You can also get some protective covers for the blades, and make sure all attachments are taken off and stored away safely.
Organize Patio and Outdoor Areas
By going through all of the things on your deck or outdoor patio, you will find things to discard as well as things that will need to be packed with your outdoor equipment. Do a quick walk through and look over of these areas. Be sure to clean and dry what you can and get it ready to store. This could include your grill, which you will need to make sure is cleaned up and protected before putting into storage. If you are storing your outdoor furniture with your outdoor lawn equipment, make sure that is also clean and covered to prevent damage.
Over time, things will need to be replaced and some will go missing, but if you take the steps to go through, clean, and organize all of your outdoor lawn equipment each season, you are less likely to misplace or break something. Remember to label your storage totes and pack it all in your storage area in a way that will be easy to access. When filling a storage area, consider which items will need to be retrieved first, and put those closer to the front.
As you go to store your larger equipment like your lawn mower and patio furniture, remember to make sure they are well cleaned, completely dry, and have good covers over them. Even though they are in a storage container or shed, dust and other particles can still get to them. The better upkeep maintenance you do with these items, the longer they will last.
If you want more information on how to handle fall storage containers, check out Porta-Stor’s blog here!