30 Items You Should Never Store In The Garage

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Storing items in the garage can sometimes seem convenient, but certain things are commonly stored in garages that really shouldn’t be.

Below is a curated list of 30 items that are best stored outside the garage due to the potential for damage or safety risks. That said, your garage’s suitability for storage largely depends on its specific conditions. Assess factors like temperature control, humidity levels, and the overall climate of your area. Does your garage maintain a stable temperature, or is it subject to the extremes of the seasons?

Use this list to re-evaluate your garage storage and identify items that shouldn’t be kept in the garage.

1. Paint

Extreme temperatures can cause paint to separate and spoil. It’s best to store paint in a cool, dry place with a consistent temperature.

2. Propane Tanks

Storing propane tanks in a garage can be dangerous. If they leak, they can cause an explosion or fire if there’s an ignition source. They should be kept outside.

3. Paper Goods

Paper goods like plates, cups, and napkins can attract rodents and pests and be damaged by humidity and temperature fluctuations.

4. Refrigerators

While many people do keep an extra refrigerator in the garage, extreme temperatures can cause it to work harder, which could shorten its lifespan and increase your energy bill.

5. Wine

Wine requires a stable temperature and humidity level to age correctly. Garages usually can’t provide the right environment, which can spoil the wine.

6. Pet Food

Pet food can attract pests and rodents if not stored in airtight containers, and the food can spoil in high temperatures.

7. Electronics

Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can damage circuitry and other components.

8. Clothing and Bedding

These items can become musty, moldy, or even be ruined by pests if stored in a garage.

9. Photographs

Humidity and temperature changes can cause photographs to stick together or become discolored.

10. Important Documents

Like photographs, important documents can become illegible or be destroyed by moisture, temperature changes, and pests.

11. Wooden Furniture

Wood can warp, swell, or crack in varying temperatures and humidity levels.

12. Canned Food

Excessive heat can cause canned goods to spoil or the cans to swell or burst.

13. Firewood

Storing firewood in a garage can invite pests like termites into the space.

14. Carpet and Rugs

These are susceptible to moisture, mold, and pests if stored in a damp environment.

15. Musical Instruments

Like wood furniture, instruments can be sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. They can warp, crack, or go out of tune due to temperature and humidity fluctuations.

16. Artwork

It can be damaged by the environment in a garage, such as fluctuating temperatures and humidity, leading to faded colors and deteriorated materials.

17. Christmas Trees (Artificial)

Heat can warp or melt plastic components, and pests can nest in them during the off-season.

18. Chemicals and Pesticides

Storing these can be hazardous due to potential leaks and fumes. If not stored securely, they can also be a danger to children and pets.

19. Medications

Like food products, temperature fluctuations can affect medications, which can reduce their effectiveness.

20. Cosmetics and Toiletries

These items can degrade in fluctuating temperatures, leading to reduced shelf life and effectiveness.

21. Bicycles

If not hung or stored properly, bicycles can rust or get damaged in a cluttered garage.

22. Leather Goods

Leather can crack and deteriorate in the fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels found in many garages.

23. Mattresses

Storing a mattress in a garage can lead to mold, mildew, and pest infestations.

24. Seedlings or Houseplants

Garages typically don’t have the right light or temperature for plants, which can hinder their growth or kill them.

25. Cleaning Supplies

Some cleaning products can become less effective or even hazardous if they freeze or overheat.

26. Books and Magazines

Paper can yellow, pages can stick together, and bindings can warp in the garage environment.

27. Sports Equipment

Leather, rubber, and other materials used in sports equipment can degrade in the garage, and some items may also be a target for theft.

28. Outdoor Gear

Tents, sleeping bags, and other camping equipment can develop mold or mildew if stored in a damp garage.

29. Luggage

Fabric can become moldy and internal structures can be damaged by humidity and temperature changes.

30. Seasonal Decor

The temperature swings and the potential for pests can damage delicate decorations, and electronic components in decorations can fail.

Garage Storage Ideas

When storing items in the garage, it’s important to consider the environment they require to remain in good condition. For many items, the garage is not an ideal storage space due to its exposure to temperature changes, humidity, pests, and potential security issues. It’s best to find a controlled environment within your home or consider a climate-controlled storage unit for sensitive items.