New England winters are beautiful, but they can be brutal on your property. As the temperatures drop and the first flakes begin to fall, expensive outdoor equipment becomes vulnerable. Snow, ice, moisture, and freezing temperatures are the enemies of longevity. If left unprotected, your grills, mowers, and patio furniture can succumb to rust, corrosion, and mechanical failure long before spring arrives.

Many homeowners and business owners make the mistake of covering items with a tarp and hoping for the best. Unfortunately, this often traps moisture and leads to mold or rust. Proper preparation and secure storage are essential to protecting your investment. For those lacking garage space, onsite mobile storage offers a convenient, weather-resistant solution to keep your gear safe without cluttering your home.

Preparing Outdoor Equipment for Winter Storage

Before you tuck your equipment away, a little maintenance goes a long way. Storing dirty equipment is one of the fastest ways to invite corrosion.

• • Clean thoroughly: Wash away dirt, grass clippings, and grease. Organic matter holds moisture, which accelerates rust on metal surfaces.
  • Remove power sources: For battery-operated tools, remove the batteries and store them indoors where the temperature is controlled.
  • Dry completely: Never store wet equipment. Ensure every nook and cranny is bone dry to prevent freezing cracks and mold growth.
  • Inspect for damage: Look for worn belts, loose screws, or chipped paint. Fixing these small issues now prevents them from worsening over the winter.

Storing Grills Safely for Winter

Your grill is likely the centerpiece of your summer entertainment, so don’t leave it out in the cold.

First, disconnect the propane tank. Propane tanks should generally be stored outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from the house, rather than inside a sealed container. Once the tank is removed, clean the grates and the interior surfaces to remove food residue that might attract pests. Finally, moving the grill into a mobile storage unit keeps it dry and prevents the weight of heavy snow from damaging the hood or wheels.

Protecting Lawnmowers and Yard Equipment

Lawnmowers, trimmers, and blowers need specific attention to ensure they start up again in April.

• • Fuel management: Gas left in a tank for months can degrade and gum up the carburetor. Either drain the fuel system completely or add a high-quality fuel stabilizer and run the engine for a few minutes to circulate it.
  • Blade care: Remove the blade, sharpen it, and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust.
  • Elevate: Store push mowers and other heavy equipment off the ground using pallets or blocks. This prevents moisture from seeping up through the floor and corroding the wheels or deck.

Winter Storage for Sports Equipment

From bikes and scooters to kayaks and summer sports gear, these items are prone to warping and rusting if exposed to the elements.

Bicycles should be cleaned and the chains lubricated. For kayaks and paddleboards, ensure they are stored off the ground to prevent hull distortion. Plastic becomes brittle in freezing temperatures, so keeping these items inside a weather-resistant container protects them from cracking under stress. Grouping your gear by activity will make it easier to retrieve exactly what you need when the weather warms up.

Storing Outdoor Toys and Recreation Items

Plastic playsets, ride-on toys, and inflatable pools can fade and crack when subjected to freeze-thaw cycles and UV exposure (yes, even in winter).

Deflate and thoroughly dry all inflatable items to prevent mildew. For rigid plastic toys, wipe them down and stack them neatly. Keeping these items labeled in bins or grouped together in your storage unit ensures you aren’t searching for missing parts next season.

Why Onsite Mobile Storage Is Ideal for Winter Equipment

When your garage or basement is overflowing, Mobile Storage Inc. provides the perfect alternative. Our ground-level storage containers are constructed from steel, offering superior protection against wind, snow, and theft.

The biggest advantage is convenience. You don’t need to haul heavy equipment to a distant facility. The container sits right on your property, giving you easy access whenever you need it. Whether you need a short-term rental just for the snowy months or a longer-term solution, we offer flexible options to suit your timeline.

Storage Organization Tips for Winter

How you pack your storage unit matters just as much as what you pack.

• • Use vertical space: Utilize shelving units or racks to keep smaller items organized and off the floor.
  • Prioritize placement: Place heavy, bulky items like mowers and snow blowers (if you aren’t using them) toward the back.
  • Allow for airflow: Don’t pack items too tightly. Leave a small aisle and space between items to allow air to circulate, which helps keep humidity levels in check.

When to Remove Items from Storage

Patience is a virtue when it comes to spring retrieval. Wait until the threat of the last hard frost has passed before bringing out sensitive plants or water-based equipment.

When you do remove your items, give them a quick inspection. Check tire pressure on bikes and mowers, reinstall batteries, and reconnect fuel lines. A quick tune-up ensures you are ready to go the moment the sun comes out.

Storing Outdoor Equipment Safely Through the Winter Months

Proper winter storage is not just about tidiness; it is about extending the life of the tools and toys you rely on. By taking the time to clean, prep, and store your equipment correctly, you save money on repairs and replacements in the long run.

Don’t let the harsh New England winter damage your property. Secure your tools, seasonal inventory, and outdoor gear with a reliable solution from Mobile Storage Inc.

Ready to clear out the garage? Contact us today to reserve a mobile storage container before the winter weather hits.