Lawnmowers are seasonal must-have equipment and require proper storage when not in use. No matter the make or brand, whether it’s a fancy mower or not, you don’t want to leave it outside for the cold and rain.
A dry and sheltered place is the best space for storing it. So you probably store the lawnmower in your garage or an outdoor shed. As a homeowner, you likely have other equipment and tools, and you need more space to store them.
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Read this to learn how to store a lawnmower in the garage the right way
That is why it can be difficult to create room for the mower in your garage due to its size, weight, and shape. But there are various ways to make space for the lawnmower in the garage. These ways may include making a shed, a shelf, a wall hanger, or building a rack if you have more than one mower.
This article gives different ideas on storing your mower in your garage so that it is within reach, takes up little space, and is not a trip hazard.
Here are a few suggestions on storing a lawnmower in the garage
- Put your garage space to good use
You can do this first by mentally reorganizing your garage to see what space you have. Determine the tools and equipment that are taking too much space. Adjust them as much as possible to make more room. That way, you can see how much space you have left and determine an ideal spot for the mower.
The most suitable and safe place to store a mower in the garage is in a corner or under an overhang. These areas in your garage would keep the mower out of the way and easy to bring it out once it’s time to use it again.
- Cover the mower with a tarpaulin
This is a very simple and affordable way to store your mower in the garage. Though there are better ways to store a lawnmower, this method is good if you lack DIY skills and want to keep your mower out of the way and efficiently stored until its season.
You should keep your lawnmower from the cold and external substances that might cause it to rust. A tarpaulin is a great way to achieve this. Even if you are skilled in DIY but want something suitable and an inexpensive option, a tarpaulin is a great idea for storing your lawnmower.
- Put a wall hanger on your garage walls
It is common to have wall hangers in garages. They are very convenient for hanging tools and equipment so that one can properly manage the space in the garage.
Some people store their lawnmowers on these types of wall hangers. But you must make sure you use high-quality hooks and straps since lawnmowers are generally heavy.
You can also consider mounting a stud on your garage wall. Mounting a stud is a better option than the strong hooks.
With hooks and straps, there’s a risk that the garage could collapse because of the weight.
We should also mention that some mowers are not designed to hang vertically. So you should confirm if your lawnmower can be stored this way before using this method.
- Build shelves for the mower and other machinery
One great way to maximize your garage space is to build a shelf for your equipment. Make sure the shelving unit is high enough to accommodate a piece of equipment like your lawnmower. It also gives you space for other tools and machinery in your garage.
The mower should sit at the bottom of the shelf because of its weight. Pulling it out to use becomes easy and hassle-free.
- Store your mower on top of your garage shelf
Some mowers are not too heavy to sit on top of your garage shelf. This makes it a great option to store it there. Though bringing it out for use might require someone strong enough to handle its weight.
It’s not the best option because of the stress of getting it out later. But if your lawnmower is light and foldable, it is an adequate method to store the equipment.
- Install a ceiling hanger on your garage
Ceiling hangers are similar to wall hangers, but the hanger goes on the ceiling. This method may not be suitable for every mower or homeowner. You need to first confirm that your ceiling is sturdy enough, and can handle the mower’s weight. In addition, as we’ve said, not all mowers can hang vertically. So you need to make sure you can before using this option.
If you choose this method, ensure your garage has a high-quality joist. That way, it can support the weight, so your ceiling does not crash.
- Build a small shed for your mower and other equipment
A great way to protect your equipment and tools from air damage and unpleasant temperatures is to store them in a shed. Most garages are not well protected from changing weather, and one way to fix this problem is to build a small shed where you can store your tools and equipment, including your lawnmower.
The most suitable shed for your lawnmower would be one that opens from the side, not the top. Pulling the mower out of the shed is definitely easier than having to lift it. Ensure you get a small shed that can house the mower as not all mini shelves can.
Is it safe to store a lawnmower in the garage?
A garage may not be the safest place to store a gas-powered lawnmower because small holes in the fuel tank can fill the air with harmful fumes. But for electric-powered or manual-push mowers, it is quite safe.
Although, tools and equipment stored in the garage can also become tripping hazards unless they are properly positioned, and kept out of the way. Some garages come with mini storage where these things can be kept, making it safe to store pieces of machinery like the mower in it. Though there are other storage options for your lawnmower, the garage is the most common and uncomplicated storage option for the mower.
We will explain some safety tips to improve this lawnmower storage option.
Before you store your lawnmower in the garage
- Clean the lawnmower
Cleaning the mower before storing it will prevent rust that could develop from stains. You also need to keep your garage clean, and a dirty mower will bring in debris to the garage floor. The mower will also last longer if you clean it before storage.
- Empty the fuel tank and the oil
If you are storing the mower for the season, you won’t be using it for the next few months. Emptying the tank and cleaning out old oil will prevent the tank from getting rust while in storage.
Old oil can damage engines if left in it for too long. It is safer to remove the oil before storage. More importantly, the oil fumes can escape through small holes, filling the air with pollution that is unhealthy. If the tank is empty, there’s no chance of this happening.
- Check the ignition and remove the spark plug
Before storing the lawnmower, make sure the ignition is in good condition. Then decouple the spark plug, and keep that somewhere safe to prevent rust.
We also recommend that you remove the battery and keep them active by using them for other things. When you store batteries for too long without use, they might fail to work and could even damage the engine.
- Cover the fuel tank
Even after emptying the gas tank of your lawnmower before storage, you need to make sure the tank is tightly covered. That way, you would prevent any drops of fuel from licking onto the floor of your garage.
Oil on the garage floor can leave permanent stains and make the floor look ugly and dirty. You should also check regularly to ensure the tank is tightly shut.
After following these steps, you can safely store your lawnmower in the garage using any of the above options.
