Garden tools in winter — where to put them without a garage

Lawnmower, strimmer, spades, rakes, garden hoses, buckets, pumps — garden equipment takes up a surprising amount of space. Add outdoor furniture, a barbecue and children's garden toys to the mix, and the storage problem becomes truly pressing.

City flats rarely offer a place to safely store a lawnmower or cultivator. Basements tend to be damp, balconies expose equipment to the weather, and hallways are simply not the right spot. The answer is a storage unit where your garden gear can spend the winter in the right conditions.

Preparing garden tools for winter storage

Proper preparation before storage will significantly extend the lifespan of your tools and equipment:

Hand tools (spades, rakes, shears, hoes)

• Remove residual soil and dirt. Rinse tools and allow them to dry completely.
• Apply a thin layer of protective oil to all metal parts to prevent corrosion.
• Inspect wooden handles — if cracked, smooth with sandpaper and treat with linseed oil.
• Sharpen cutting tools (shears, saws) before storage — they will be ready to use come spring.

Motorised equipment (lawnmowers, strimmers, cultivators)

• Clean the air filter and check the spark plug — replace it if worn.
• Drain fuel from petrol engines or add a fuel stabiliser.
• Change or top up engine oil according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Clean the mower blade of grass residue and check sharpness.
• Disconnect electric devices from power sources and store batteries fully charged in a dry environment.

Garden hoses and irrigation systems

• Drain all water — frozen water splits hoses and connectors.
• Coil hoses in loose loops and store in a dry place.

Ideal storage conditions

Garden tools and equipment need several conditions to be met for safe winter storage:

• A dry space with humidity below 65 % — moisture causes metal corrosion and mould on wooden handles.
• Protection from direct sunlight and frost.
• Sufficient ventilation to prevent condensation.
• Security against theft — many garden tools and machines are high-value items.

Benefits of storing with TOP SKLAD

The ventilated container units at TOP SKLAD provide proper air circulation and protection from sunlight. Your equipment is protected by CCTV with continuous recording and complimentary insurance up to €2,000. Access is available 24/7, so in spring you simply collect your gear whenever it suits you.

Why a storage unit beats a garage or basement

• Controlled environment — unlike a basement or garage, a TOP SKLAD unit provides stable conditions without extreme humidity or heat.
• Security — private, guarded sites with CCTV and individual access using your own padlock. Most garages do not even have a proper lock.
• Space to fit your needs — from small indoor lockers (from 0.8 m²) to large containers (up to 15 m² and more), big enough even for a ride-on mower.
• Price — rental from just €25/month. Cheaper than heating a garage over winter.
• Online management — the entire rental is completed at top-sklad.com in 10 minutes.

How to rent a storage unit

A quick and convenient online process:

• At top-sklad.com, choose a location — 6 sites in Bratislava and 1 in Nitra.
• Select a unit size based on the volume of your equipment.
• Fill in your contact details and confirm your order.
• After payment through our secure gateway, you receive instant access.

Site access works via GSM gate module. Your unit is secured with your own padlock — a free sealed padlock is provided as a gift with every new rental.

Tip for garden owners

If you have a large garden with an extensive collection of tools, consider a bigger container. Heights of up to 3 metres allow efficient vertical storage — hang rakes, hoes and spades on the wall, place the mower on the floor, and stack boxes of smaller tools above it. A single unit can hold a complete set including the barbecue and outdoor furniture.