Your snow blower is one of the most important tools in your garage during the winter, as it can save your arms and back from a great deal of pain lifting and moving snow. However, during the summer months, it will just sit idly in the corner, where it will take up valuable storage space. If you want to reclaim your garage, you may want to consider putting your snow blower into a self-storage unit for the summer months. However, there are a few things that you need to do and consider before you do so to ensure that your snow blower remains in good working condition for next year:

Maintenance

Before you move your snow blower into storage, you should perform some basic maintenance tasks. A general wipe down to remove any stuck-on dirt and debris can help prevent rust from developing. You should also fill up the gas tank: this is because an empty gas tank can allow moisture to condense, which can then rust your snow blower from the inside out and leave it useless for next winter. However, since you can't just let fuel sit for a long period without it breaking down, you should add a fuel stabilizer, available at most automotive supply and hardware stores, to the gas tank of your snow blower. You may also want to change the oil in the snow blower, and complete any minor repairs (tire replacement, inflation, or blade sharpening) before you move the blower into the storage unit.

Proper Storage

Once the snow blower has been prepared for storage and moved into the unit, you should cover it up to keep dust, debris, and moisture away from it. However, avoid plastic tarps and other similar covers, as these types of materials can trap moisture against the body of your snow blower and contribute to the development of rust. Instead, look for a thick fabric cover that is breathable enough to allow for ventilation of your snow blower while in storage.

Climate Controlled Units

You may also want to invest in a climate controlled storage unit. While these units will cost a little bit more each month, they will also allow you to control the temperature and humidity levels in the unit. This means that you can lower the humidity level of your unit and significantly reduce the risk of rust and corrosion setting into your snow blower, which can cause all sorts of structural damage and can even force you to have to have your entire snow blower replaced if allowed to spread far enough.