As any seasoned gardener knows, storing your lawnmower in a well-ventilated, dry place is the best way to keep it in good condition. But what if you only have a small shed in your backyard, how do you store your lawnmower in there along with all your other tools?
How you store your lawnmower in a small shed will depend on the size and type of mower along with how much space you have. The main options will be to keep it horizontal on its wheels, which takes up the most floor area, or stand it up/hang it vertically. Not all mowers can be stored this way but it does help to make the best use of the restricted room available.
Read on to find out which storage option is best for you and how organizing your small shed properly can make all the difference.
Understanding Your Space: Lawnmower And Shed Dimensions
Before working out how you’re going to store your lawnmower in a small shed your first job is to measure both the machine and the interior shed dimensions.
Note that there’s no point in talking about any type of ride-on mowers here as they will need far more storage space than a small backyard shed! So for the purposes of this article, we will just cover push-along machines.
Understanding these measurements is a crucial step to efficient storage. Jot down the length, width, and height of your mower with the handle fully up, folded, and removed (if possible) and your garden hut. These numbers will help you plan your space more effectively.
Remember, the goal here isn’t to just shove the lawnmower into the shed without regard for anything else in there. It’s about storing it in a way that allows for easy access and minimal hassle.
If you haven’t yet purchased a mower, for reference most types of rotary or reel push-along models will fit in a small building measuring 4 feet by 4 feet as a large 30-inch mower will need around 3 square feet of floor space with the handle removed (if you are interested, I already wrote about the optimal shed size to store various types of mowers here).
Smaller mowers will obviously need less space but if you allow for the largest size you will not go far wrong. Note that as we’re talking minimal shed sizes, it’s highly likely you will need to remove or at least collapse the handle each time you put it away so remember to take that into consideration.
Of course, not all mowers will need to be stored flat on the floor as some can be stored vertically and will need less clear floor space.
Choosing the Right Storage Position: Vertical vs. Horizontal
Now that you’ve got your measurements, let’s talk about how you’re actually going to store that lawnmower. There are two main options here: vertical and horizontal storage.
Horizontal Storage
This is the most common way to store a lawnmower and is by far the easiest method. It involves just rolling the mower into your shed and leaving it flat on its wheels. Simple, right?
However, it’s not always the most space-efficient method, especially in a small hut. You will also need to make sure that you have enough room to maneuver the mower into place if you’re not keeping it directly in line with the door.
Vertical Storage
One of the best ways to store a mower in a small area involves standing it upright, so it takes up less floor space. You can even hang certain models from sturdy hooks on the wall, but you will need to be able to lift it into place of course.
The best models for this are lightweight push reel mowers or most types of electric machines. This is because they have no engine oil or fuel to worry about leaking out or damaging the engine as could happen in many gas-powered lawnmowers.
However, it’s worth noting that there are some modern high-end gas mowers that are designed for vertical storage, like certain models from Toro. If you’re considering this option, do ensure your mower is designed for it first. I previously wrote about the ins and outs of vertical storage solutions here, so you can check out that article if you are thinking about storing your mower this way.
The Art Of Tetris: Optimizing Shed Storage
Storing your lawnmower in a small garden hut is a bit like playing a game of Tetris. You’ve got to fit all your tools into a limited space, and it’s all about strategy.
Firstly, consider the layout of your shed. Can you move some things around to make more room for your lawnmower? Maybe those garden shears can hang on a wall, or that bag of fertilizer can sit on a shelf.
Use your vertical space wisely. Install shelves, hooks, or pegboards for additional storage and plan everything out. You will be amazed at how much you can get into a small space when you give it some thought.
Also, remember to keep your most-used tools near the door for easy access. Nothing’s more frustrating than having to dig through a disorganized pile of assorted garden tools just to find your garden trowel!
Ensuring Proper Ventilation In The Shed
Something that many folk don’t often think about when storing a lawnmower in a small shed is ventilation. Even if you’re not storing one you want to ensure you take care of this.
A well-ventilated shed helps prevent condensation, which can lead to rust or other damage to your precious tools.
When storing a gas mower, you also need to consider the buildup of fumes and these need to be allowed to escape to prevent them becoming an explosion risk.
There are a few ways you can improve ventilation. One is to use vented doors or windows. Another is to install a simple vent or two in the shed walls. Make sure to leave the door open for a while on a dry day as well to help clear the air.
Do I Need To Drain The Fuel First?
If your small shed is well away from your house, then storing a mower for short periods with some gas in the tank is considered safe as long as you follow basic safety precautions.
These include keeping the area well-ventilated, regularly checking for leaks, and ensuring no ignition sources are nearby.
For more extended periods of storage such as over the winter, it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your particular model as some recommend you drain the mower completely, while others advise you to store it with a full tank of gas. You can read about this in more detail in this article.
Conclusion
That completes my guide to storing a lawnmower in a small shed. It’s all about understanding your space, choosing the right storage position, optimizing your layout, ensuring proper ventilation, and taking safety measures.
Follow these steps and you will be able to keep your mower in good shape no matter how tiny your backyard shed is!