Articles · Cottage Equipment
Cottaging near the Pickerel River System means accumulating gear — docks, mowers, generators, chainsaws, pumps, and tools that only see action part of the year. Here's how to store it all properly.
Most cottage properties have limited storage space. The shed fills up fast, the boathouse is already packed, and leaving valuable equipment exposed at a seasonal property creates theft risk when you're not there. Meanwhile, the gear itself needs protection from the elements between seasons.
A storage facility near the cottage — like Toad Lake Storage on Pine Grove Road — solves this. Equipment stays close to where you use it, in a gated and monitored yard, without cluttering your property or attracting attention when you're back in town.
By equipment type
Remove from the lake before ice-up (typically early-mid November in the Parry Sound District). Pressure-wash to remove algae and inspect hardware for corrosion. Store sections on a trailer or lean vertically against supports. Keep off bare ground to prevent moisture wicking into wood or aluminum joints.
Run the engine with fuel stabilizer added. Clean the mower deck — caked grass traps moisture against steel. Sharpen or remove blades. Disconnect the battery and store it separately. A fitted cover prevents UV damage to seats and plastic components.
Drain fuel completely or add stabilizer and run dry. Change the oil while the engine is warm. Clean the air filter. Store in a dry location or with a cover. Generators with stale fuel are the #1 "won't start" repair call each spring.
Drain fuel and run the engine dry. Clean the chain, bar, and air filter. Apply bar oil to prevent rust on the chain. Store with the chain cover on, in a dry location away from ground moisture.
Critical: drain all water from the pump and hoses. Water left in a pressure washer pump freezes and cracks the housing — a common and expensive winter casualty. Run antifreeze through the pump if recommended by the manufacturer.
Bundle tools in a toolbox or sealed bin. Lightly oil metal surfaces to prevent rust. Remove batteries from cordless tools and store separately. Keep paint, stains, and chemicals from freezing if they're water-based.
Outdoor furniture & rec gear
Aluminum and resin furniture handles winter outdoors but looks better longer when stored dry. Stack and cover, or store in an enclosed trailer. Fabric cushions must come inside — mold is inevitable if left in moisture.
Store on their side or upside-down to prevent hull warping. Keep out of direct sun to protect the finish. Deflate inflatable SUPs and store loosely rolled — don't fold tightly or you'll crease the material.
Rod holders, downriggers, tackle boxes, and electronics should be stored clean and dry. Remove batteries from fish finders and trolling motors. Lubricate reel mechanisms before long-term storage.
Storage strategy
A utility trailer loaded with dock sections, mower, and tools makes one trip to storage instead of many. Load heavy items first and secure everything with straps. The whole trailer sits in storage until spring.
Create a checklist for each fall and spring. Same steps, same order, same timeline. Routine prevents forgotten steps and makes the process faster each year. See our seasonal storage planning guide.
Equipment stored far from where it's used creates friction — extra driving, extra time, less motivation to properly close up. A facility near the lake (like Toad Lake Storage on Pine Grove Road) keeps everything accessible.
Common questions
Remove from the water before ice, pressure-wash, inspect hardware, and store on a trailer or vertically off the ground. Keep dock sections elevated to prevent moisture damage over winter.
Yes. Stabilize fuel, disconnect the battery, clean the deck, and cover it. Lawn tractors are built for outdoor use and handle storage well with basic preparation.
Toad Lake Storage accepts dock sections, mowers, generators, and seasonal equipment. Located on Pine Grove Road off Highway 522, serving Toad Lake, Kawigamog Lake, and the wider Pickerel River System.
Trapped water. Pressure washer pumps, engine blocks, and hoses all crack when water freezes inside them. Draining and winterizing costs minutes — replacement costs hundreds or thousands.
Related reading
Cottage gear needs a home
Docks, mowers, generators, and more — gated, camera-secured, year-round access on Pine Grove Road.