How to Store Garden Tools

Imagine stepping into your garden, ready to tend to your plants or trim the hedges, only to find your shovel, spade, or pole saw scattered haphazardly and rusting away. You’ve invested hard-earned money into your gardening tools; the last thing you want is for them to succumb to the detrimental effects of rust and neglect.

Properly storing your gardening tools helps protect them from rust, damage and the elements. Let’s explore some practical tips for correctly storing your garden tools at home.

Where should you store your garden tools?

A garden shed or garage is the best place for secure tool storage, as it will shield your equipment against the whims of Mother Nature. Trade Tested has a huge range of secure and weather-resistant garden sheds and garages in many different sizes. Our options include steel garden sheds, resin garden sheds, wooden garden sheds, steel garages, and portable PVC garages. Check out our guide on choosing the best garden shed for help on picking yours.

How to store your garden tools

Care for your garden equipment correctly with these storage tips.

Outdoor storage boxes

Storing tools in outdoor storage boxes is a practical and convenient solution. Storage bins provide protection, security and organisation for your gardening equipment while keeping it within easy reach. Use outdoor storage boxes to secure and protect other outdoor items, such as gloves, hoses and small gardening accessories.

Storage bins and tool boxes

Storage bins allow you to efficiently sort and arrange your tools at home. Their nesting design allows easy stacking, and you can tuck them away when not in use. Our tool storage products offer a bit more in the way of organisation and are ideal for any smaller hand tools you need to take care of. You’ll find parts organisers, tool chests, portable tool boxes, and more.

Storage shelves and cabinets

Shelving units and cabinets feature multiple shelves or drawers, ensuring everything has its designated place. This systematic organisation in your shed or garage saves time in identifying and accessing what you need. Organise your shed with Trade Tested’s shelving units and storage cabinets.

Wall and ceiling racks

Wall hanging storage or ceiling hoists and racks are ideal for small or crowded areas, freeing up valuable floor space in your home, shed or garage. A ceiling or wall rack is designed to securely hold specific equipment, ensuring its safety and security and allowing you to customise the setup according to your specific tool collection.

Long-term storage considerations

Creating a dry environment

Excessive moisture can lead to rust, corrosion and deterioration. To combat this, ensure your shed or garage is well-ventilated and free from leaks. Consider using dehumidifiers or moisture-absorbing products to control humidity levels and prevent moisture buildup.

Cleaning and maintenance

Regular cleaning and maintenance ensure the longevity of your equipment. Before storing, wipe down gear using a damp cloth. Remember to remove any batteries before cleaning. Warm, soapy water works best to remove dried-on dirt and grass. Afterwards, dry with a soft, dry cloth. Use an old, dry toothbrush to get into corners and crevices to remove any remaining grime on chains, knives and metal parts. Don’t forget to sharpen your blades, pruners and other cutting equipment once a season to keep them effective, too.

Find more garden tool storage ideas with Trade Tested

A secure shed or garage is handy for correctly organising, maintaining and protecting your equipment. Shop Trade Tested for all your garden-related tool storage needs today. From versatile racks to secure cabinets, we have a wide range of high-quality solutions to suit your space and requirements. Explore your options now.

Contact our friendly team to discuss any of our products.

See what our customers are saying

“I am an ex-builder and over the years have erected several garden sheds, and this is by far the easiest and sturdiest shed I have ever erected. It looks good and is very tidy.”

“Great storage box! Easy to assemble, waterproof, and strong. Does the job perfectly.”

“These shelves fit my needs very well. From a cluttered garage to now one of order. Fantastic. Easy to assemble, robust and good value for money.”

Frequently asked questions

Can you store your garden tools outside?

While storing some tools outside is possible, we recommend keeping them secure and sheltered for optimal protection and longevity. If outdoor storage is the only option available, consider using weatherproof covers or tool storage solutions designed for outdoor use.

How do you protect garden tools from rusting?

Applying a light coating of vegetable-based oil can help insulate metal, protecting tools from oxidation and rusting. If your tools have already rusted, you can sand away the rusted area with sandpaper or a wire brush first.

Should you store garden tools in sand?

A bucket of sand can help keep your tools clean, sharp, and rust-free! Get a plastic storage box and fill it with construction sand, adding just enough oil to moisten the sand. When you need to clean or sharpen a tool, give it a quick brushover with wire wool and move it around in the sand. If you need to store your tools long-term, just leave them in the sand, and the oil will help protect them throughout the winter.

How often should you clean garden tools?

You should always give your hand tools a quick rinse after every use, ensuring you wash off any dirt. You can leave sharpening tools to once a season, and oiling timber handles to a few times per year.

How do you store shovels and rakes?

You can easily store shovels and rakes with a wall hanger installed inside or outside. Check out our garden tool wall racks.