Most homeowners with any size of yard or garden are likely to need a mower to keep it neat and tidy, but how do you store it between mowing sessions or for longer periods? Does it have to be in a garden shed or can you keep it safe somewhere else?
Manual and corded or cordless electric mowers can be safely stored in sheds, garages, and even in the home in a pinch with the right preparation. Gas-powered mowers on the other hand are best stored in a shed or garage that’s preferably detached from your living space.
Read on to find out the best places to store a mower safely and whether a storage facility is a good option. I’ll also look at what to do if there’s weather coming in and you need an emergency solution to stop your mower from getting drenched.
Should Lawnmowers Be In A Shed Or Garage?
When it comes to storing a lawnmower, most homeowners will opt for either a shed in the backyard or a garage. But which one is best?
It should come as no surprise that both a shed and a garage can be great places to store your lawnmower and any other garden tools you have. Both have their perks, and the best choice really depends on your individual circumstances.
Sheds and garages both offer solid protection from the elements. This is very important as nothing ages a garden tool faster than being exposed to harsh weather all year round. Rust is a mower’s worst enemy, and a dry, sheltered place to keep it is your first line of defense.
If you have the choice of both a shed and a garage, here are a few things to consider that may help you decide.
Is It Dry And Well-Ventilated?
First, the space should be dry and well-ventilated. You don’t want any dampness creeping in and causing your machine to corrode. The last thing you need is to pull out your mower for the first mow of spring and find it has rusted solid!
Does It Have Enough Space?
Space is another thing to think about. You don’t want your mower squeezed into a tight corner where it’s difficult to reach. A bit of breathing room to get at it for maintenance is always a good idea.
How Accessible Is It?
Don’t forget about accessibility. If it’s a chore to get your mower in and out of storage, you’re less likely to use it regularly or look after it properly, and both are essential for keeping your grass looking at its best.

Storing With Gas In The Tank?
If you have a gas-powered mower, it’s also worth thinking about whether you want to store it with fuel in the tank. Garages that are integrated into your living space are not suitable for storing mowers still containing gas due to the risk of fumes entering your home.
If you are not familiar with the potential dangers of storing your mower with a tank full of gas, check out this article so that you can make an informed decision.
Is It Secure?
Lastly, consider the security aspects. Garages are often more secure than a shed so if that’s important to you then it could be a deciding factor.
When it comes to choosing between a shed and a garage, both are fine choices as long as they’re dry, well-ventilated, spacious enough, and easily accessible. It will come down to what works best for you when taking all the considerations above into account.
Is It Ok To Store A Lawnmower In A Shed?
A shed can absolutely be a decent spot for your lawnmower. After all, they’re made to store garden tools and other outdoor equipment.
Often constructed of wood or metal, sheds offer solid protection from the weather. But just like any other property, location matters!
Can You Get To It?
Make sure your shed is easy to get to. If it feels like it’s a struggle every time you need to mow, that’s a problem. And if it’s tricky to get the mower in and out, you risk damaging it or even hurting yourself.
Another aspect to consider is the flooring. A sturdy, level floor is a must-have in your shed. Uneven floors could easily cause an accident with your mower tipping over or getting damaged.
If you are wondering whether your shed has enough space to store your mower, this article can help you.
Cold Temperatures
Temperature is something else to think about. If your shed isn’t insulated, things can get pretty chilly in the winter, and your mower may suffer if it gets well below freezing.
Consider getting a cover to protect it from extreme temperatures – this will also help stop it from getting coated in dust and save it from sudden leaks in the roof during a storm.
Check that your shed is well-ventilated as well as this will not only help prevent condensation but also stop fumes from building up if you have a gas-powered mower. This can be achieved through weather-proof grills in the shed walls or a vent in the roof.
Security
Finally, if your shed doesn’t have a lock it’s worth investing in a simple hasp and staple with a good padlock to stop thieves from stealing your valuable garden machinery.
So, is it OK to store a lawnmower in a shed? Absolutely, as long as it’s accessible, secure, sturdy, and weatherproof.
Is It Safe To Keep A Lawnmower In The Garage?
Many homeowners choose to keep a lawnmower in their garage and it’s a good choice when a few basic safety precautions are taken.
Assuming you’ve got the space alongside your car and other tools (plus all those holiday decorations many of us often store there!), then the main thing you will need to worry about is fuel safety with a gas-powered mower.
Safety Considerations
If your garage is attached to your home, you should never put a gas lawnmower away with fuel still in the tank. This is because fumes from the fuel can build up in the garage and find their way into your living space.
That’s not a good situation as besides making you feel ill, they can also pose a fire risk. There are plenty of potential ignition sources inside a typical house and if there are enough fumes, these could ignite causing an explosion.
So make sure you always drain the gas completely from your mower if you need to store it in an integrated or attached garage area. For manual and electric mowers, there’s no need to take such precautions of course.
A garage that’s completely separate and located away from the home is a better option, particularly if you want to leave your mower full of gas. However make sure there’s nothing located in there that involves an open flame, such as a furnace or heating boiler.
If you aren’t sure how to store gas for your mower, I wrote about that in greater detail here.
Dry And Well-Ventilated
Generally, garages provide good shelter from the elements, which is critical for preventing rust and other weather-related damage. You’ll also want to make sure your garage is dry and well-ventilated, which they usually are of course.
Don’t just shove your mower in the corner and pile boxes on it though. You will need to check on it now and again plus it needs air circulating around it to prevent condensation.
If you decide to store your mower in the garage, make sure to check out this article where I discuss the ins and outs of this option.
Secure From People And Animals
Most people keep their garages locked and secure as they often have valuable vehicles and equipment in there. This makes it ideal storage for expensive lawnmowers which are often easy targets for thieves.
Can You Put A Lawnmower In A Storage Unit?
A storage unit is maybe not the first place you might think of for storing your mower, but it can definitely work.
Check With The Owners First
The first thing you’ll want to do is check with the storage facility about their rules. Some places aren’t too keen on storing gasoline or other flammable stuff, and your machine’s fuel tank could be a problem there if it’s not completely emptied beforehand.
They may also not be happy with an engine containing oil which could make a mess of the unit if it leaks. You will most likely find that manual or electric mowers are not a problem though.
Climate Control
If the facility gives you the green light, then you’ve got a few other things to consider. First up is climate control. If you’re shelling out for a storage unit, try to find one that’s got temperature and humidity control. Just like in a shed or garage, you want to keep your lawnmower away from moisture and extreme temperatures.
If that’s not an option, a good, durable cover can offer some protection.
Location
Accessibility is another thing to think about. Remember, out of sight can often mean out of mind.
If your lawnmower is tucked away in a storage unit across town, you might not be as inclined to check on it as often as you should if it’s stored over a long period. It’s also important that the unit is close enough to easily retrieve when you want to start using it again.
Cost
Finally, consider the cost. Remember, you’re paying for this space month after month, so you need to decide whether it’s worth the expense. If you’ve got a top-of-the-line lawnmower or maybe a few pieces of other pricey equipment to store as well, it might be.
But for your average push mower? You might be better off finding a spot in a neighbor’s garage or shed if you don’t have anywhere.
So, can you put a lawnmower in a storage unit? As long as you’ve checked and followed the rules of the facility then it’s certainly possible.
Is It Safe To Store A Lawnmower In The House?
Storing a lawnmower in the house is definitely not recommended and could well be a health and safety hazard, especially if it’s gas driven. However, if you’re in a pinch, there are some things you can do to make it possible for a very short time.
Safety First
First off, the safety of your home and family is paramount. Lawnmowers, particularly gas-powered ones, aren’t designed for storage indoors in your living space.
They can leak oil or fuel, and those fumes aren’t something you want lingering in your living room. Inhaling those fumes isn’t just unpleasant – it can be downright dangerous. Not only that but they pose a significant explosion risk as well.
Then there are the dirt and grass clippings that inevitably stick to your mower. Do you really want that tracked into your house? Probably not. Plus, think of all the tiny critters that could be hitching a ride in amongst the mess. Again, not ideal house guests.
Temporary Storage
But what if you urgently need to get your mower inside for just a brief period? Maybe a storm’s coming, and you have no other options.
If you absolutely must bring your lawnmower inside, there are some precautions you should take:
- For gas mowers, make sure to empty the fuel tank. This reduces the risk of fumes or leaks.
- Give the mower a good clean. You don’t want grass clippings and dirt spread around your home.
- Don’t store it near any heat sources or open flames.
Remember, this should only be a temporary solution as a last resort. It’s not suitable or safe for long-term storage.
To sum up, generally, it’s not recommended to store a mower in the house, although it might be perfectly acceptable for a manual or electric model that’s been thoroughly cleaned.
A better option in my view is to purchase a good quality waterproof cover so that you can leave it outside but still protected from the elements.
Is It Ok To Store A Lawnmower Outside?
Leaving a mower outside without any kind of protection may work ok for a short time if you live in a region where you have a dry and warm climate.
However, for most people, this is not a good option unless you have some sort of cover to stop rain and moisture from getting in and causing it to start going rusty or corroding.
Water can also contaminate the fuel and affect performance very quickly as well.
However, it is certainly possible to store your mower outside with a few precautions – you can read more about this in my article here.
Also, if you are out of ideas, check out this huge collection of mower storage options. There might be something in there that is perfect for you!
How Do I Store A Lawnmower During Winter?
If you want to store your mower during winter, you should first winterize it (duh…). The exact process is beyond the scope of this article, but I already wrote a detailed guide about it, so you can check that out.
Final Thoughts
That brings us to the end of my article on lawnmower storage, I hope you’ve found it useful.
Remember to always try and find a dry, secure, well-ventilated spot in your shed or garage if possible. And remember to follow all the safety precautions to avoid risking any danger to you, your family, and your home.