Think your garage is the perfect storage solution? Think again. While this extension of your home may seem like an ideal place to stash overflow items, certain belongings should never cross that threshold.
Here are 15 items that deserve better homes than your garage – and the compelling reasons why. Understanding proper storage isn’t just about organization; it’s about protecting your investments and ensuring household safety.
1. Paint & Paint Supplies
Temperature extremes in garages can permanently damage paint quality and consistency. When exposed to freezing temperatures or excessive heat, paint separates, becomes lumpy, or dries out completely, making it unusable for future projects.
Store paint in a temperature-controlled environment like a utility closet or laundry room. Even sealed cans can deteriorate when placed directly on garage floors, as concrete accelerates the rusting of the containers.
2. Propane Tanks
Storing propane tanks in garages creates a serious safety hazard. Even with closed valves, tanks can leak, and just one spark from starting your car could trigger a devastating fire.
These tanks require proper ventilation and should be kept outdoors, away from your home. The confined space of a garage amplifies the danger of propane leaks, making proper storage crucial for household safety.
3. Important Documents & Photographs
Paper items are extremely vulnerable to moisture damage and temperature fluctuations. Photos can stick together, curl, or become discolored, while important documents may become illegible or deteriorate beyond recovery.
Books, magazines, and paperwork should be stored in climate-controlled spaces within your home. The combination of humidity and paper-loving insects like silverfish makes garages particularly hostile to these materials.
4. Food & Canned Goods
Food storage in garages attracts unwanted pests and can lead to serious health risks. Temperature fluctuations cause bacteria growth in canned goods, while humidity can rust metal containers, contaminating the contents.
Even sealed packages aren’t safe, as rodents can easily chew through cardboard and plastic. Fresh food spoils quickly, and even non-perishables can become dangerous when exposed to extreme temperatures.
5. Electronics
Sensitive electronic components suffer greatly from garage storage. Humidity causes condensation inside devices, potentially leading to short circuits and permanent damage.
Temperature swings can crack circuit boards and destroy LCD screens. The risk of electrocution also increases when moisture seeps into electrical components.
6. Wooden Furniture
Wood is particularly susceptible to garage conditions. Fluctuating humidity causes wood to expand and contract, leading to warping, cracking, and structural damage.
Fine furniture pieces can become permanently damaged, with joints loosening and finishes deteriorating. Even covered furniture isn’t immune to the effects of temperature and moisture variations.
7. Pet Food
Pet food bags attract rodents and insects, creating a potential infestation problem. The nutrients in pet food break down more quickly when exposed to temperature extremes.
Moisture can cause mold growth in dry pet food, making it unsafe for consumption. The strong odors can also attract larger pests and wildlife to your garage.
8. Clothing & Fabrics
Textiles stored in garages often fall victim to moths, mildew, and musty odors. Humidity can cause irreversible damage to delicate fabrics, while temperature fluctuations may affect fiber integrity.
Even stored in containers, clothing can develop mold and attract insects. Special items like wedding dresses or winter coats require climate-controlled storage to maintain their condition.
9. Firewood
Stacked firewood in garages creates perfect habitats for termites, spiders, and other pests. These unwanted guests can easily migrate from the wood pile into your home.
Keep firewood at least 20 feet from any structure to prevent pest infestations. Proper outdoor storage also allows better airflow, preventing mold growth and wood rot.
10. Collectibles & Valuables
Valuable items deteriorate quickly in garage conditions. Coins tarnish, trading cards warp, and vinyl records become damaged due to temperature and humidity changes.
The garage’s accessibility also makes these items more vulnerable to theft. Precious collections deserve climate-controlled storage within your secure living space.
11. Rugs & Carpets
Rolled carpets and rugs become breeding grounds for mold and mildew in garage environments. Fibers absorb moisture and odors, leading to permanent damage.
Direct sunlight through garage windows can fade materials, while pests often nest in rolled-up carpeting. These items require proper indoor storage to maintain their appearance and value.
12. Refrigerators & Freezers
Appliances struggle to maintain proper temperatures in unregulated garage environments. This inefficiency leads to higher energy bills and potential mechanical failures.
Extreme temperatures force these appliances to work harder, shortening their lifespan. Condensation issues can also lead to rust and electrical problems.
13. Washing Machines
Laundry appliances face unique challenges in garage settings. Temperature extremes can damage internal components, while humidity promotes rust formation.
Poor ventilation compounds problems with condensation and moisture buildup. Proper drainage becomes more challenging, potentially leading to mold and water damage.
14. Oil-Based Products
Flammable liquids become hazardous when stored in garages. Temperature changes can affect their chemical composition and increase the risk of combustion.
Proper ventilation is crucial for these materials, making garage storage dangerous. The presence of potential ignition sources adds to the safety concerns.
15. Artwork & Wall Decorations
Fine art suffers in garage environments. Canvas can warp, paint can crack, and frames can deteriorate due to moisture exposure.
Temperature fluctuations cause materials to expand and contract, damaging artistic works. Valuable pieces require stable, climate-controlled conditions to preserve their integrity.
Your garage serves best as a shelter for vehicles and properly stored tools – not as an extension of your home’s storage space. By finding appropriate places for these 15 items, you’ll not only preserve their quality and value but also create a safer home environment.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.