When the grass-cutting season ends, that bulky lawn mower becomes a nuisance as it hogs space in the garage. But with some clever thinking, you can find a specialized storage spot that keeps it out of sight and out of mind.
This article explores unique lawn mower storage ideas beyond jamming it in a dusty corner. Let’s get creative about how and where to stash the mower over the winter.
Hoist It Overhead
One of the best uses of space is storing the mower overhead. This frees up the floor area for other uses.
- Use a professional garage ceiling hoist with a manual winch to lift and lower the mower. Make sure to balance the weight evenly first.
- Construct a pulley system with ropes and hooks anchored securely to ceiling beams. Attach to mower handle to easily hoist aloft.
- An engine hoist on casters can lift the mower and then roll it aside for seasonal storage. Reinforce ceiling mounting points.
- For sheds, affix strong eye hooks in rafters and tie the mower to them via a rope sling threaded through the handle and body.
Make a Discrete Yard Hideaway
Who says the mower needs to be stored inside? You can creatively disguise it right in the backyard.
- Use a trellis or latticework to obscure the mower along fences or walls.
- Disguise it among bushes, garden beds, or flowering vines on a pulley lift.
- Build an A-frame shelter from old pallets to cover it near the garage.
- Construct a small outbuilding shed on wheels to roll around the yard discreetly.
Fashion a Mower Sling
A simple but very effective approach is fashioning a sling to hang the mower anywhere.
- Use strong canvas straps with grommets and hooks on the ends. Thread under the mower handle and body to make a harness.
- Make a rope web tied off to eye hooks screwed into overhead beams. Hoist the mower and secure it neatly overhead.
- Run straps through pulleys anchored above to lift the mower by pulling on rope ends.
Maximize Vertical Wall Space
Most garages offer ample vertical space not being utilized. Take advantage of this to get the mower off the floor.
- Secure the mower upright on the wall with custom racks, brackets, or clamps.
- Stand on rear wheels on shelving ledges anchored firmly to studs.
- Use an adjustable strap system that allows lifting and hanging from hooks.
- Build a wooden brace or teepee for the mower to stand upright in.
Repurpose a Closet or Cabinet
Take back a cluttered closet or cabinet by turning it into a dedicated mower storage space.
- Use shelves, hooks, and clamps customized to fit the mower snugly inside.
- Install hasp lock on doors to make the space secure from kids or pets.
- Add a ventilation fan to prevent gas vapor accumulation.
- Slide the mower in and out like a drawer using a wall-mounted track system.
Hide in Plain View
With creative camouflaging, you can conceal the lawn mower right out in your yard discreetly.
- Disguise it among flower beds, bushes, trellises, or yard art.
- Stash under a stairway or deck, covered neatly by a tarp.
- Place behind foliage inside a small garden shed or greenhouse.
- Bury upright under wood mulch or decorative rocks.
Stand It On End
Storing the mower vertically helps minimize space. Allow the base and wheels to hold it upright.
- Use a sturdy wood brace for freestanding storage against a wall or in a corner.
- Place the rear end on a shelf ledge bolted securely to studs.
- Build an enclosed wheeled box it slots into like a holster.
- Tip the mower forward to rest on the lower handle in a small footprint.
Mower Shed or Enclosure
For the ultimate organized storage, build a custom shed or enclosure fitted for your mower’s exact dimensions.
- Size it specifically so space is used efficiently.
- Add shelves, hooks, pulleys, or ramps to conveniently get the mower in and out.
- Install ventilation holes to prevent moisture buildup while stored.
- Use hasp locks for securing the shed or garage closet.
Create a Ceiling Pulley System
This space-saving system uses ropes and pulleys mounted overhead to lift and lower the mower for storage.
- Anchor sturdy eye bolt hooks into ceiling beams. Thread ropes through and attach to a mower.
- Use carabiners on ropes for easily detaching the mower when needed.
- Add a handle wheel near the mower to crank and raise it more easily.
- Balance weight carefully before fully lifting. Secure overhead.
Alternative Outdoor Storage Spots
- Inside empty decorative planters or pots
- Under a deck or staircase
- Inside a small truck bed or trailer
- Within a repurposed refrigerator or cabinet
- Buried in mulch beds around shrubs or trees
- Behind trellises or yard artwork structures
- Inside a backyard mini barn, shed, or greenhouse
Lawn Mower Storage Tips
Once you’ve found the ideal unconventional storage spot, keep these tips in mind:
- Allow the mower to fully cool before storing it in enclosed spaces.
- Drain the gas tank and disconnect the spark plug before long-term storage.
- Charge the battery on electric mowers periodically.
- Keep the mower covered and protected from sun, rain, and snow.
- Avoid piling stuff on top that could bend parts.
- Check for rodent nests or damage before first use and after storage.
With some clever thinking, you can likely find unused space perfect for stashing away that bulky mower! No need to keep tripping over it in the garage all winter.
Go vertical with lifts and pulleys. Hide in plain sight with camouflaging. Repurpose closets or cabinets. The options are endless for getting that mower out of sight and out of mind when not in use. Reclaim your space!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Mower Storage
What are some unique outdoor storage ideas for lawnmowers?
Get creative by disguising it with yard art or plants, stashing it under stairs or porches, placing it in old cabinets or fridges, covering it in spare sheds or greenhouses, burying it in mulch beds, and other concealment ideas that blend into the outdoor areas.
What are some considerations for storing a mower overhead?
Make sure pulley systems and hooks are very securely anchored. Use carabiners or cleat hooks for easy detachment when needed. Properly balance the weight before fully hoisting aloft. Leave ropes loose – don’t tighten pulleys once lifted. Periodically check the condition of ropes, pulleys, and hooks.
How can you store a lawn mower on its end vertically?
Place securely on sturdy rear wheels against a wall or in a corner. Lash to wall studs with ratchet straps to prevent tipping. Build a wooden brace or platform fitted to the mower footprint to hold it upright. Stand inside a wheeled box with rails to slot in snugly.
What are the key steps when preparing a mower for storage?
Always allow the engine to fully cool before storage. Disconnect the spark plug. Drain all fuel and run the mower dry. Clean the mowing deck and wipe down the exterior. Apply lubricant to metal parts to prevent rust. Charge battery if electric model.
What are creative ways to store a mower in a shed?
Optimize space by storing vertically on wall hooks or racks. Use pulleys anchored overhead to lift out of the way. Build ramps or angled shelves to park on end. Use bungees to hold in place on shelves. Take advantage of any wasted vertical space. Ensure good ventilation.
How often should you check on a stored lawn mower?
Ideally, check over the mower every 4-6 weeks. Look for developing problems like flat tires or corroded parts. Check fluid levels and charge the battery. Wipe accumulated dust and debris. Start the engine periodically to lubricate the cylinders. Ensure the protective covering is secure.
What are the precautions for storing a mower outside?
Always cover securely with a waterproof tarp. Lift up on blocks or pallets to avoid damp ground. Tie-down with straps in case of wind gusts. Ensure the mower is fully cooled before covering to prevent fire hazards. Place away from yard chemicals, fuels, and fertilizers.
Where are poor locations to store a lawn mower long term?
Avoid excess moisture, extreme temperatures, or exposure to elements like sun, snow, and rain. Do not store in enclosed spaces with gas remaining in the tank. Keep away from ignition sources if gas vapors are present. Never pile stuff atop the mower that could damage parts.
What are the signs of problems with a stored lawn mower?
Watch for flat tires, rust, spider webs, cobwebs, rodent nests, frayed wiring, cracked hoses, accumulated debris, musty odor, standing water, or mold/mildew buildup. Charging issues or corroded battery terminals can indicate problems with electric mowers
