4 Self-Storage Alternatives - Are They Worth Considering?

Lawnmowers are necessary for many homeowners, but they can quickly become a source of clutter and stress if not correctly stored during those winter months. If you're looking to keep your push mower, riding lawnmower, and other garden tools for an extended period, there are a few tips and tricks you should know to keep it in good condition. Here are our best practices on long-term storage for lawnmowers and equipment: Storage for Lawnmower and Lawn Equipment Depending on the type, size, and amount of lawn care equipment you own, there are various storage options to take advantage of. Here are some of the most common: Garage storage Garage storage is probably the most common option for storing equipment. Most garages have enough space to store a push mower and other lawn equipment. There are some disadvantages to this option. First, keep the garage clean and organized to maximize limited storage space. Second, you must decide what you store in the garage because space is limited. If you're keeping equipment for the winter when you don't regularly use it, will there still be room for your vehicles? Finally, just because it's stored in your garage doesn't mean you don't have to take measures to ensure your lawn equipment is maintained correctly. It will probably break down over time if you don't take care of it. And if it breaks down, you'll need to replace it with a new one. Shed There are many benefits to using storage sheds for lawn equipment. They are weatherproof and resistant to pests and decay. They also offer an easy way to organize and access tools and equipment. However, this storage method for lawnmower equipment also has disadvantages. Sheds generally do not offer any climate control. While your equipment might not be so delicate as to require exact temperatures, extreme temperature exposure during long-term storage can still be damaging. Storage for Lawnmower in a Unit Self-storage units have become popular storage options for lawnmowers and lawn equipment. Here are some of the many benefits of self-storage units: They can be cheaper than other storage options They offer the convenience of being able to store these items close to where they are used. It means you can access your equipment when you need it. They can be a good option if using your lawn equipment frequently, as they can hold multiple pieces of equipment at once. These units are also secure and usually come with 24-hour security. When you're ready to store equipment for the winter, consider using a storage unit. Often these units come with various features, such as climate control. Prepare your equipment for long-term storage If you want it to be in good shape when spring rolls around, follow these tips for long-term lawnmower storage. Remove, sharpen and inspect the blade To remove the blade, you'll need to loosen the bolts that connect it to your mower. Then, use a file to sharpen the blade and inspect it for cracks or other damage. Replace it if necessary—you can buy replacement blades at most hardware stores and lawn equipment dealerships. Alternatively, most places have businesses that sharpen and inspect blades for you. Clean your mower Clean your mower. First, remove all leaves, twigs, and other debris from the underside of the deck. Remove any buildup of clippings in the chute by using a vacuum attachment to clean it out. Then, use a brush to clean underneath each blade on both sides of your mower's deck. Finally, hose down your engine with water to remove dirt and grease buildup from moving parts (but don't let water sit anywhere for too long). Replace the spark plugs Spark plugs need to be replaced every year. If you don't, they can cause your lawnmower to run poorly and might lead to a dangerous fire. Spark plugs are easy and cheap to replace, so there's no reason not to do it. To change spark plugs, we recommend you check the owner's manual for your equipment to see specific instructions. It would be best if you replaced spark plugs every year or two, depending on how often you use your mower and how much grass clippings, debris, and dust it picks up during operation. It may also be necessary to replace them more frequently if you start having problems with starting or idling more than usual—this is an indication that there's a problem somewhere within your engine that may require professional attention before any further damage is done to other parts beyond just replacing one component! Drain and replace engine oil Your lawnmower, trimmer, and other equipment are essential tools that help you maintain your lawn. They can also be a huge pain if they break down in the middle of the cutting season or while you're away on vacation. To prevent malfunctions, ensure your equipment is ready for long-term storage after the last time you use it before winter. This includes draining all fluids from the engine and changing their oil before storing them for months at a time. Oil is vital to keeping your engine running smoothly and safely. When an engine gets cold (as in winter), its oil will thicken and become more difficult to pump through its pipelines when it warms up again later in the year when you're ready to use it again. In addition, old oil will begin breaking down over time into sludge that clogs up vital parts of your machine's internal workings if left unattended too long under these conditions. Remove the battery It's essential to remove the battery from your mower before storing it. Otherwise, you may experience damage to the equipment or injury while trying to start it in the spring. To remove the battery: Ensure all accessories are disconnected from your lawnmower, including any extension cords or power tools used during storage. Remove the key from its storage compartment on your lawnmower and store it safely. Refer to your owner's manual for instructions on removing the battery from your model and how to store the battery correctly. Lubricate essential parts Before putting your equipment away, you should lubricate all the moving parts. Lubricating your lawnmower will make springtime start-up much more effortless. Here are some steps to take: Apply a few drops of oil to each blade. Wipe away any excess with a rag or shop towel. Apply a little bit of 3 in 1 oil (or other multi-purpose oil) on all four wheels that roll and each roller shoe if yours have them. This will help prevent rust from forming in those areas and allow for easier rolling when you're ready to use it again! After cleaning out any debris inside the engine compartment, apply small amounts of motor oil where metal meets metal—especially around nuts holding things together and connecting rods near their bearings—and where bearings sit against their housing units. This will ensure smooth operation during storage without causing corrosion or damage over time due to a lack of lubrication during off-season storage periods. Store in a dry and clean space After you've finished using your lawn equipment, it's time to store it. If a storage shed isn't an option, keep in mind that there are many ways to store your gear outside a shed or garage. Perhaps the safest and most straightforward solution is within your unit at South Rock Storage! Here are some essential things to keep in mind when storing any lawn equipment: Store in a dry and clean space. It's best to find a place where the ground is level and has no moisture, such as under a carport or on your driveway. Don't let your mower sit out in the rain because this will cause rusting over time! Don't store near heat sources like fireplaces or furnaces since heat may damage certain parts of the machine, like paint jobs or plastic parts. Final Thoughts Remember to keep your lawnmower in good working order by following these tips and tricks for long-term storage. This will ensure that your lawnmower can serve you for many years. Of all the storage options mentioned, storing lawnmowers and other equipment in self-storage units is the best. It will provide a safe and secure spot for your lawnmower to be held in, protecting it from water, dust, and other elements that can damage or destroy it. It also gives you the peace of mind that it will be safely stored and not damaged. This will allow you to use your lawnmower when you need it and keep it in good shape, improving your overall working experience. If you are in Wichita, Kansas, and looking for a place to store your lawnmower, look no further than South Rock Storage. Our storage units provide you with the utmost security, making you feel confident that your belongings will be safe from theft and damage.

We understand that your boat is a significant investment at South Rock Storage. That's why we offer secure storage units to help you protect your investment. Whether you need to store your boat for the winter or you're looking for long-term storage, we have a unit that will fit your needs. As you prepare to store with South Rock Storage, follow our helpful guide for proper storage to ensure your boat is ready for the next season. Please note that these are our recommendations. Do your research, and consult your owner's manual for specific instructions. Clean your boat To prepare your boat for storage, we recommend cleaning it thoroughly and drying it completely. This will help to prevent mold and mildew from forming. Be sure to clean all surfaces, including the hull, deck, upholstery, and carpets. If you have a canvas cover, clean it and ensure it is dry before storing it. Remove all items from the boat Before you store your boat, be sure to remove all items from the boat, including life jackets, fishing gear, and any other personal belongings. This will help to protect your belongings and prevent them from being damaged during storage. Drain all fluids It's crucial to drain all fluids from your boat before storing it. This includes fuel, oil, and coolant. If possible, open all hatches and compartments to allow air to circulate. Be sure to consult your owner's manual for specific instructions on how to do this. Use a dehumidifier If you are storing your boat in an enclosed space, it is essential to take measures to prevent mold and mildew from forming. One way to do this is to use a dehumidifier to help keep the air dry. Mold and mildew need moist conditions to grow, so by keeping the air dry and circulating, you can help to discourage their growth. Dehumidifiers work by removing moisture from the air, which can help prevent mold and mildew from taking hold. In addition, it is important to ensure that the space is well-ventilated. Remove the battery When you're getting your boat ready for storage, one of the most important things to do is to remove the battery. If you leave the battery in the boat, it's likely to leak and cause damage. The best way to avoid this is to remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. If you don't have a place to store the battery, you can always disconnect it from the boat and leave it outside. Just be sure to cover it so that it doesn't get wet or damaged by the elements. Taking these simple precautions can help prevent your battery from leaking and damaging your boat. Cover your boat If you're storing your boat for an extended time, we recommend covering it with a tarp. This will help to protect it from the elements and keep it clean while in storage. Tarps and shrink wrap are relatively inexpensive, and they can save you a lot of time and money in the long run by protecting your boat from the sun, wind, and rain. Repair damages before storage As the boating season closes, it's important to consider how you'll store your boat for the winter. While some people opt to keep their boat in the water year-round, this can be costly and cause wear and tear on the hull. For most people, storing the boat on land makes more sense. However, simply putting your boat in storage is not enough. It would be best if you took the time to prepare your boat for storage properly. This means fixing anything that is broken, worn, or damaged. By taking care of repairs now, you can avoid long wait times and higher costs later. Plus, you'll be able to hit the water as soon as the weather warms up! Double check your owner's manual Many people believe that their insurance will cover any damage that occurs to their boat. However, most carriers only provide coverage for accidents and acts of God, not damages caused by a lack of maintenance. You could face a hefty repair bill if your boat is not properly winterized or stored. Luckily, winterizing and storing your boat doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Taking a few simple precautions can help ensure that your boat stays in good condition all season long. Just be sure to consult the owner's manual for specific instructions on how to winterize and store your particular model. Prepare your boat to store While the requirements to store a boat are different in every case, some best practices apply to all. Please consult with the owner's manual specific to your boat, but we recommend the following at a minimum. Be sure to give your boat a thorough cleaning inside and out. Besides cleaning your boat, this gives you time to discover anything that might need repair before putting your boat away until the spring. After cleaning your boat, apply a rust inhibitor to your steering and control cables. Choose the right storage facility Regarding boat storage, there are a few things to consider to ensure your boat is adequately taken care of: First, you'll want to make sure the facility has proper security in place to deter any would-be thieves. Next, you'll want to confirm that the storage unit is big enough to accommodate your boat. Finally, you'll want to ask about the facility's policy on storing boats during inclement weather. This is important to know in case you need to make alternate arrangements for your boat in the event of a storm. By taking the time to find a storage facility that meets all of your needs, you can rest assured that your boat will be safe and sound until you're ready to hit the open water again. Being in the business since 2006, South Rock Storage understands the importance of finding the proper storage solution for your boat. That's why we offer secure, spacious storage units that can accommodate boats of all sizes. The above tips on preparing your boat for storage are only recommendations. Make sure to consult your owner's instruction manual for specific guidelines on how to prepare your boat for storage.