Autumn is here, and now is the time to begin to think about where and how to store items that you will not be using during the winter.
If you do not have space in a garage or shed for your lawn and gardening equipment and other items, a good alternative is to store them in a portable garage or storage building. A portable shelter will protect your equipment from harsh temperatures, snow, and ice that could cause damage.
Before you place your items in storage, you should sort them to make the best use of the space available and avoid having to search for something you may need later.
Put summer items that you will not need for the next four to six months, such as patio furniture or a grill, at the back of your portable storage building. This will keep them out of the way and allow you to have easy access to things you will need during the winter.
Place lawn and gardening equipment that you will need in the spring in front of your summer items. Put a piece of cardboard or a plastic tarp on the ground before you store your equipment.
Be sure your lawn and garden equipment is clean before you place it in storage to avoid damage from dirt, grime, and animals. Remove and sharpen the blades from your lawn mower.
Disconnect the batteries from your power equipment to avoid power drainage. Store the batteries in a cool, dry place.
Some manufacturers recommend draining fluids, while others advise owners to keep fuel in the machines and add a fuel stabilizer for winter storage. Check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cover the lawn mower with a tarp. Store hedge clippers and chain saws in a way similar to how you stored your lawn mower. Clean rakes, hoes, shovels, and brooms and store them in a trash can.
Put equipment that you will need during the winter, such as a snow blower, shovels, and buckets of sand or salt, at the front of your storage unit. That will make those items easily accessible whenever you need them in the months ahead.
