Keep Landscaping Project Supplies in Self-Storage

When a do-it-yourself landscaping project is finished, there’s often material left over, like landscape rocks, bricks, or chunks of concrete. Not to mention, there might be equipment that you no longer need.

So what are your options? Well, you could throw everything away or donate it. Or you could get your money’s worth by saving it until your next landscaping project comes around. If you’re particularly hands-on when it comes to your yard, you know that’s bound to happen. But where can you keep these extra supplies and tools? Having a big stack of landscape materials and wheelbarrows scattered all over your garage or driveway is a nuisance.

If you want to keep your supplies organized without taking up valuable space, rent a self-storage unit!

Preparing Landscaping Equipment for Storage

Non-electrical equipment simply needs to be cleaned before storage, as dirt, grass, and other debris will draw insects to your storage unit. With sharp tools like hedge clippers and tillers, be sure to wipe down the blades and sharpen them so they’ll be ready for immediate use the next time you work on your home’s landscaping.

Cleaning and drying extra landscape fabric, garden tools, or bags of unused garden soil will help prevent mold, rust, or other damage while in storage.

Electrical equipment like edgers and lawn mowers requires special maintenance before storage to keep everything functioning properly.

“We recommend putting fresh oil in the landscaping equipment, and some fuel stabilizer in the fuel tank,” says Ryno Lawn Care in Lewisville, TX. “The amount of ethanol in our fuel today causes a lot of damage to carburetors if it sits there too long. A fuel stabilizer keeps the gas more stable.”

Maintenance is also important for those storing equipment in regions that see cold winters.

“The most important thing in winterizing is fuel,” says North Dakota-based ECHO Bear Cat, which sells chippers, trimmers, log splitters, and more. “If ethanol-blended fuel is used, always use a stabilizer during use and storage. Better yet, run the machine until empty or discard the fuel at an authorized disposal center.”

Ryno Lawn Care agrees. “When ethanol fuel is used, the alcohol will separate from the gasoline and combine with moisture from the atmosphere or condensation. This is likely to corrode the carburetor.”

It can’t be stressed enough—don’t forget about your equipment’s maintenance before it goes to storage.

Where and How to Store Landscaping Supplies and Equipment

When looking for the right storage facility, keep in mind that you might be storing expensive tools, in which case you’ll want a facility that offers some protection beyond just a unit lock.

Fernando Corona, manager for Armour Self Storage in El Paso, Texas, says a good facility will have “24-hour video surveillance, a computerized gate system, and a resident manager who [lives on or near the facility].”

You may also look at facilities that offer climate-controlled storage. This is useful if you plan to store moist materials like mulch or garden soil, which can stimulate mold growth when kept in confined environments with too much heat and humidity. Climate control can even protect the internal circuitry of your power tools from damage caused by extreme temperatures and humidity.

As for unit size, the amount of supplies and equipment you need to store will ultimately determine how much space you’ll need. For instance, if you’re storing small equipment along with a few hand tools, such as rakes and trowels, a 5×5 will be more than enough to satisfy your needs. The same applies if you’re storing a few bags of leftover garden soil or a small pile of landscape rocks.

But what if you’re storing piles of landscape stone, shovels, wheelbarrows, tillers, bags of dirt, and more?

“It depends,” says Corona. “If you’re storing items you want to access [easily], I’d recommend a 10×15 or a 10×20.” Having a larger unit makes it more convenient to find items in your unit without getting injured. Also, it’s easier to organize your supplies in a larger space.

Lastly, be aware that most storage facilities have policies about storing hazardous materials. Corona recommends not storing “insecticides or anything that might be flammable” in your unit, as this is a safety hazard and could lead to you being evicted from the premises. For similar reasons, don’t store gas or other fuel sources in your unit.

Self-storage is a convenient solution for storing leftover landscape materials or heavy-duty tools after your next project, perfect for homeowners, DIYers, or even landscaping contractors who need temporary space for extra supplies.

With proper storage, your investment in landscaping materials will last, keeping your garage, driveway, and yard free of clutter and ready for your next big project.

Storage.com’s storage finder tool will help you find the perfect storage unit for your needs. Filter by size, amenity, and location, then reserve online in seconds without a credit card.