Having a lawn mower is a necessity for most homeowners, but finding a place to store it can be a challenge. The garage may seem like the obvious place, but space is often limited. You don't want your mower cluttering up the garage and making it difficult to park your cars.

Fortunately, with a little creativity, there are plenty of handy lawn mower storage ideas that will keep your mower safe, accessible, and out of the way.

Benefits of Proper Lawn Mower Storage

Having a good storage solution for your lawn mower provides several advantages:

• Protects your investment. Lawn mowers are not cheap, so you want to protect yours from theft, damage from the elements, and accidents like getting knocked over.
• Saves space. Many lawn mower storage ideas allow you to store the mower upright or suspended from the ceiling or wall, saving precious floor area.
• Keeps the garage or shed organized. Give your mower a designated spot so you don't have to move things around to get to it.
• Allows the mower to air out. Storing the mower in an enclosed space can lead to moisture buildup that promotes rust.
• Makes the mower easily accessible. You'll be more likely to keep up with mowing if your mower is easy to get to and start up.

Storing a Lawn Mower in the Garage

For many homeowners, the garage is the go-to for lawn mower storage. But this common space is also used for vehicles, bicycles, sports gear, tools, and all manner of other things. Finding an out-of-the-way spot for the lawn mower can take some creativity.

Use the Wall Space

One of the best uses of vertical space in the garage is to store the mower upright against the wall. This lifts the mower up off the floor and leaves the floor space open.

You have a couple options for safely securing the mower against the wall:

• Mower storage rack: This is a specialized metal rack, typically custom made, that holds the mower upright. It securely anchors to the wall and cradles the mower.
• Shelving brackets: Attaching heavy duty brackets to the wall provides a ledge to stand the mower on its rear end. Be sure it is very securely fastened.
• Eye bolts: Screw large eye bolts into the wall studs and use rope, bungie cords or chains to lash the mower handle to the bolts. Add padding to prevent scratches.

Create a Mower Hoist System

For the ultimate vertical lawn mower storage, a pulley system allows you to hoist the mower up to the ceiling rafters and out of the way.

The typical garage mower hoist uses a strong pulley and rope/cable system anchored to ceiling beams. A separate pulley wheel sits on the floor for easily pulling the rope to lift the mower.

With the mower handle securely attached to the hoist, you simply crank the rope to lift the mower overhead for storage. It's an easy one-person operation.

For safety, always carefully balance and secure overhead items in case the hoist system fails. And keep the lift rope out of the way of vehicles driving into the garage.

Make a Mower Storage Rack

If you have some DIY skills and tools, you can build a custom mower storage rack for your garage. This is an ideal project if you want specialized storage that fits your mower perfectly.

Some ideas for DIY racks:

• A teepee style rack of 2x4 lumber crossed at the top holds the mower handle vertical.
• Bolt heavy duty shelving brackets into studs to create ledges for the mower to sit upright.
• Use lumber and conduit to build an A-frame rack the mower sits upright on.

Make sure the rack is very sturdily constructed if going the DIY route. A fallen mower could damage your vehicle.

Use an Empty Corner

Often, the floor space area around the edges and corners of the garage goes unused. This wasted space presents an opportunity for upright lawn mower storage.

You can stand your mower vertically in a garage corner to keep it out of the way but easily accessible. Use ropes, bungee cords or other ties to secure it to corner wall studs so it doesn't tip over.

For extra stability, build a basic lumber or plywood bracket for the mower to sit in. Make sure it doesn't protrude out to block vehicles.

Storing a Mower in the Shed

A storage shed is an obvious place to keep your lawn mower. Here are some smart storage solutions to use that limited shed space wisely.

Hang It from the Ceiling

Similar to the garage hoist idea, you can create an overhead pulley system in your shed to lift and store the lawn mower above floor level when not in use.

Secure pulleys to the ceiling rafters or beams and run rope or cable through them. Affix the other end to the mower handle. Now you can simply crank the rope to lift and lower the machine.

This vertical storage opens up all the floor space for other items. Just be sure to balance the mower well overhead so it doesn't tip and fall.

Mount It On French Cleats

French cleats provide an easy way to mount the mower on a wall for storage. A French cleat is like a hanging rail. One board is screwed to the wall with the top edge angled out. The other piece is screwed to the mower with the bottom edge cut at the same angle.

When you fit the two pieces together, gravity holds them in place against the angled edges. But you can easily lift the mower off for use. This allows storing the mower vertically while keeping it from accidentally falling off the wall.

Use Wall Hooks

Heavy duty wall hooks provide another good shed storage solution for getting your mower off the floor.

Screw large hooks into the wall studs and use rope or chain to create "slings." Place the hooks under the mower body or handle and hoist it up. The wall hooks hold the weight securely.

You can buy special mower slings, usually made of canvas. Or simply use strong rope, bungies or chains looped through the handle and body areas. Pad sharp areas to prevent damage.

Build a Wood Storage Rack

A simple wood rack custom fitted to your lawn mower makes for secure shed storage. You can build it from 2x4 lumber to any specifications needed.

Some ideas for DIY storage racks:

• An upright teepee style holder works well for standing mowers vertically.
• Small shelf ledges secured to the wall store the mower on its end wheel.
• Make a wooden platform for the mower to sit on with rails around the edges.

Consider adding wheel chocks or other anti-roll features to prevent movement and tip over.

More Unique Lawn Mower Storage Solutions

Beyond the typical garage and shed spaces, there are some creative and unexpected storage methods to consider:

In the Landscape

Why take up valuable building space with lawn mower storage? Some homeowners neatly tuck the mower right into yard.

Try camouflaging it in garden beds, under large bushes, or behind screening plants. Just be sure it's accessible and the muffler has cooled before hiding to prevent fire risk.

You might build a basic covered shelter or box of wood planks or lattice right in the yard. Or cover with a tarp and secure well when not in use.

On a Wall-Mounted Shelf

Securing small shelving brackets on the garage or shed wall creates a ledge to securely store the mower up on its rear wheels.

This helps keep the floor clear while allowing the mower tires to hold it in place on the shelf. You can even build an enclosed hutch this way.

Mower Shed or Closet

For the ultimate organized storage, turn a corner of the garage or shed into a dedicated mower closet. Install hasp locks to make it secure.

Build a wooden shed enclosure fitted specifically for the mower's dimensions. Give it barn style doors for easy open access.

Use French cleats, pulleys or shelf ledges to keep the mower off the floor and free up space for other items.

Standing Vertical

Simply parking the mower in an out of the way corner but standing it vertically can be an effective storage solution.

Use ropes, bungee cords, chains or other ties to lash the handle and body to wall studs or large hooks screwed into the framing.

You can also build an A-frame rack with 2x4s for the mower to stand upright in. Just secure it well so it doesn't fall over.

Lawn Mower Storage Tips

Once you've decided on the storage solution for your mower, keep these tips in mind:

• Check the owner's manual for any specific storage recommendations from the manufacturer.
• Always allow the mower to fully cool before storing to prevent fire hazards.
• Drain the fuel tank and run the engine dry to avoid gummed up carburetors.
• Disconnect the spark plug wire. Clear debris from under the deck. Clean oil and dirt off engine.
• Store away from direct sunlight, rain, snow, and temperature extremes. Avoid excess moisture that promotes rust.
• If space allows, don't stack or pile other items on top of a stored mower.
• Battery powered mowers should be charged fully before storage. Gas mowers may need charging periodically in storage.
• Tires can get flat spots if a mower sits too long. Prop up the front axle occasionally.
• Start the mower every 4-6 weeks to keep the engine lubricated. Change oil if storing over 6 months.

With a well organized storage solution, your lawn mower investment will last for years to come. What lawn mower storage ideas work best for your home and garage? Get creative with ways to keep that bulky machine safely stowed but still easy to access when yard care day rolls around.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Mower Storage

What is the best way to store a lawn mower?

Ideally, store your mower in a dry, covered area like a garage or shed. Allow the engine to fully cool before storing, and disconnect the spark plug. Drain the fuel tank and run the mower until it stops to avoid gummed up carburetors. Store on a rack or shelf to keep it off the damp floor.

Should you store a mower upright or flat?

Storing a mower upright helps it take up less floor space. It can be safely positioned upright if secured properly to prevent tipping over. You can also store a mower on its side if needed. Avoid storing it upside down long term as this can lead to carburetor problems from gas pooling.

How do you hang a lawn mower on the wall?

One method is to securely screw heavy duty wall hooks into the wall studs, then loop strong rope, chain, or canvas straps through the mower handle and body. Lift using the ropes to hang the mower from the hooks. You can also build wooden brackets to cradle the mower upright on the wall.

Can you store a lawn mower outside?

It's best to store your mower in a covered area, but you can leave it outdoors if needed. Avoid placing it directly on damp ground which can lead to rust. Cover with a tarp and tie down securely. Make sure the mower has cooled completely with no gas fumes before covering to prevent fire hazard.

Where should you not store your lawn mower?

Avoid storing your lawn mower in places with direct sun exposure, excessive moisture and humidity, or large temperature fluctuations. Also do not store near a heat source like a water heater or furnace where fumes could ignite. Never store a mower with gas still in the tank indoors.

How do you prepare a lawn mower for storage?

When storing the mower for extended periods: Allow engine to fully cool, then disconnect the spark plug wire. Drain the gas tank completely and run the mower dry so no fuel remains in carburetor. Clean the mower deck and wipe any debris from under the housing. Apply a coat of lubricant to metal parts to prevent rust.

What can damage a lawn mower in storage?

Excess moisture leading to rust, gummed up carburetors from old gas, flat spots on the tires, and seized up engine parts from lack of lubrication during long term storage are all damaging to a stored mower. Rodents may chew on wiring. Avoid sun, dirt, and debris which can deteriorate parts.

How do you maintain a stored lawn mower?

Check on the mower at least monthly. Keep it covered when not in use. Occasionally rotate the tires to avoid flat spots. Charge the battery monthly or trickle charge it. Start the engine every 4-6 weeks and allow it to run for a few minutes. This lubricates the cylinders and cycles the fluids.

Can you hang a lawn mower from the ceiling?

Yes, you can store a mower overhead with a pulley system secured to ceiling beams or rafters. Attach the other end to the mower handle and use the rope to raise and lower the machine. Balance the weight evenly and secure the mower overhead so it cannot fall. An engine hoist also lifts the mower overhead for storage.