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The Ultimate Guide for Keeping Your Outdoor Items Safe This Winter 

Summer has ended, the beautiful New England autumn has begun, and the winter snow will be here before you know it! This is a perfect time to winterize your shed for the upcoming colder months. 

Today, we’re going to cover how to prep your shed to store your favorite outdoor items for the winter months. When spring arrives, you’ll be able to make new memories in your backyard once again and your furniture, toys, and lawn equipment will all be intact!

It All Starts with Cleaning 

The first step to winterizing your shed is cleaning and organizing it as thoroughly as possible. Don’t know where to start? Here are some ideas: 

Remove all outdoor equipment and gardening supplies from your shed –  You’ll be able to see if there are any items that you might want to get rid of like a broken flower pot or tools that need replacing. 

Check for pests – With all or most of your equipment removed, you’ll be able to see if any unwelcome guests like insects, spiders, or rodents have been hiding in the rafters or corners of your shed. If you cannot safely remove them yourself, consider contacting a local pest control company. 

Clean your garden tools Remove any caked-on dirt and debris and dry them thoroughly to prevent rust. Make sure any cables or garden hoses are also neatly wrapped for the winter. 

Store organic garden supplies Stash items like potting soil, seeds, and animal feeds in secure waterproof containers to keep them dry and off-limits to pests.

Keep it neat and tidy Place all of your equipment and supplies back into your clean shed!

 Everything inside this 16X24 Cohasset with 8′ transom window, 8′ sliding doors, and vinyl siding will stay dry and protected all winter long.
This customized 16X24 Choasset comes with a handy side door for quick access to sleds, skis, and all your other winter sporting goods.

Once you’ve cleaned the inside of your shed, pay some attention to the outside as well. Keep the area around the shed as clear as possible. Doing this will prevent pests from setting up their winter homes near your shed, which could lead to them moving inside. 

Inspect the Interior and Exterior

Once you’ve cleaned the shed, check both interior and exterior walls, windows, and doors to ensure that there are no unwanted openings or air leaks. Make sure window screens are installed properly and in good repair. Remove any broken or ripped screens that may need replacing next season. Make sure all windows are closed tightly and locked to prevent drafts and moisture accumulation.

Inspect for Mold and Mildew 

Look for any discolored blotches on your shed’s wooden floor, walls, or ceiling. This could indicate the presence of mold or mildew. If you find any, use a mold-cleaning solution. Be sure to cover your nose and mouth while removing it.

16X24 Cohasset with custom cupola, additional wall height and overhead loft, 8’ transom window with trim, windows with trim and shutters, and cedar Spectrum vinyl shakes and vinyl siding in Hampton Red

Don’t Forget the Roof! 

Take a moment to check on the health and growth patterns of any trees planted within the vicinity of your building. Overhanging branches from nearby trees can pose a threat to your shed’s roof during the winter. As they accumulate snow, this extra weight can cause them to snap and fall. Be sure to trim any that are too close by. If you cannot remove branches safely, enlist the help of a local tree service.

How to Winterize Your Shed Proactively 

When you’re designing your own dream shed, there are some custom features that you can include to protect it year-round. These can include, but aren’t limited to:

Custom Storage – Install built-in shelving, storage lofts, wall mounts, and workbenches to easily organize your equipment.

Insulated doors and windows Protect temperature-sensitive items and enjoy a more comfortable experience all year.

Room Partitions – Separate your storage space from the other parts of your shed.

High-quality woods – Treated and sealed to prevent cracking, warping, and mold growth.

The durable, vertical pine siding on this 12X16 Cohasset with 12′ shed dormer stands out all season while standing up to winter’s worst.

Build a Winterized Shed for the New England Winter

In New England, we know that winters can get chilly. Using these winterizing tips for your own shed, you can protect your favorite outdoor items until it’s time to use them again in the spring! 

At Post Woodworking, we design and build custom sheds for our neighbors in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Southern Maine; including features like beautiful woods, roofs designed to handle heavy snow, endless custom storage possibilities, and insulated  doors and windows. To get started on your own dream project, view our shed styles or design your own using our Shedview tool.

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