When space is at a premium elsewhere in your home, having a garage—whether connected, detached, single-story, or double-story—can be a godsend. If you don’t want to keep things like lawnmowers, automotive parts, and other outdoor equipment in your living rooms, a garage is a great place to put them. But be careful with the things you keep in the garage.
First, no matter how well-insulated your garage is or how fortunate you are to live in a consistently mild climate, the temperature and humidity levels will fluctuate wildly. Furthermore, pests can easily enter because the garage door constantly opens and closes.
Consequently, rather than storing these things in the garage (and finding a better place for them), you should take them out.
Why You Shouldn’t Store These Items In Your Garage
The risk of weather or water damage is the primary argument against storing things in these areas. The weather is a major factor, but so is the fact that unfinished spaces like basements, attics, and garages are prime locations for water damage from natural disasters like storm-related tree falls.
Humidity is nothing new to Southerners. Most of the year is spent in humid conditions in most parts of the South, which can lead to water damage. Unfortunately, water damage isn’t the only kind that can happen. Additionally, heat can spoil some things and do a lot of damage.
It should also be noted that animals can enter your basement, garage, or attic. No matter where you live, animals don’t care about protecting your possessions, whether in the attic, garage, or basement.
Opt for a Smarter Storage
Generally speaking, you shouldn’t leave anything visible in your basement, attic, or garage. Seal everything in these rooms in a plastic container with a cover to keep out the elements. When cardboard boxes are exposed to water and heat, they will decay. Bugs and animals will eat them or use them as nesting materials.
Additional guidelines for everlasting storage: Don’t hide anything significant from you. If your basement or garage floods, place any items you store on shelves at least a few feet off the floor. You shouldn’t keep precious possessions in the garage due to the high crime rate; similarly, you shouldn’t put them in the basement or attic because of the environmental variables that can damage unique objects. Never put these things in the basement, attic, or garage.
Avoid Putting These Things In The Garage At All Costs
Paper, Old Photos, And Cardboard
Second, our garage storage advice says to put everything with a paper component somewhere else. These things are especially vulnerable to the garage’s constant temperature and humidity swings.
Curling, sticking together, drying out, and discolouration are all effects of prolonged exposure to dampness and temperature changes. The best way to preserve them is to scan or put them in a dry, cool place like a closet.
Papers (such as old tax returns and bills), books, magazines, record album covers, and newspapers will also exhibit the detrimental consequences of being kept in the garage sooner than you would anticipate. You should also keep valuable papers and artwork in your warm living area.
Not only would the garage not be an ideal place to keep these paper goods, but there are three other major reasons why you shouldn’t:
- They pose a risk of fire.
- Insects and rodents like to build their homes out of paper products, which can get infested with mould under the right circumstances.
Propane Tanks
Among the many things that shouldn’t be kept in garages, propane tanks are among the most prevalent. Propane tanks used with welding equipment and barbeques are extremely dangerous and must be stored appropriately.
The tank remains a potential ignition and fire threat, even with the valve turned off, which could result in devastating consequences. Think about the possibility that there’s an unseen leak in the tank.
Also, a parked car could spark a propane tank fire if it isn’t correctly stored in the garage. It is also possible for a propane tank to catch fire in your garage workshop if you use a grinding tool.
Since none of us likes to be left in the dark when grilling outside, a propane tank is likely stashed in the garage. Never again will you have to worry about going hungry because your propane tank ran out of fuel, thanks to the full backup tank that many homeowners have on hand for their barbeques.
Please take this advice about storing propane tanks in the garage seriously and find a secure location. Here are five important rules that you need to follow:
- Ensure the valve on a tank is closed every time it isn’t being used.
- Propane tanks should be kept in a dry, well-ventilated place like a shed.
- Propane tanks should be stored on a level surface, away from any building or other potential spark sources, and at all times, kept at least a safe distance from any heat sources.
Food
You should store dry packaged foods and canned goods somewhere outside the garage. If exposed to humid conditions and extreme heat or cold, these things will have a much shorter shelf life.
Canned foods have a higher risk of spoilage or rancidity when exposed to high temperatures. Another food item that goes bad with time is canned goods that go through the freeze-thaw cycle (which happens multiple times in the winter).
Never leave perishable foods in the open air; instead, put them in a cool, dry place, like a kitchen pantry. It may be time to reevaluate your shopping plan if you find yourself with an excess of food to the point that you must put part of it in the garage. If you toss out too much of what you buy in bulk, that money you saved won’t be worth it.
Wine
Some people don’t get that storing wine in the garage is a poor idea. Most of the time, people only do it once before seeing the light.
Wine, like food, needs a controlled atmosphere to keep its quality and age well. Wine placed in an unstable environment oxidises due to temperature variations.
It will ruin the wine’s flavour and aroma to the point that it’s unfit for human consumption. Also, the colour of the wine will be affected by how it is stored.
Also, when storing wine, ensure the humidity is proper and consistent. Also, because vibrations and noise can hasten the aging process of wine, it’s best to keep bottles in a cool, dark place.
Proper storage conditions for wine include a dark place with regular humidity and temperature. Proper wine storage solutions, such as bespoke wine cabinets or a refrigerator, are worthwhile investments even for the most casual wine collector.
Clothing And Fabrics
Clothes and other fabric items should not be kept in the garage, as any sane person would tell you. Garages often contain the following fabric-based goods, in addition to outgrown or poorly fitted garments:
- bedspreads, blankets, and sleeping bags
- nostalgic items such as a first baby suit, prom dress, or wedding gown
- clothes for the season
- cushions for chairs and sofas
Again, your clothes will fare poorly in a garage due to the heat, humidity, and cold. Potential hazards to these objects include fumes from power equipment and engines and things that have been incorrectly stored. Pests also like using textiles and apparel as a foundation for their houses.
Sort through your garage’s clothing storage and discard what you can. Put the remaining items in a dry, cool spot in your house. Also, make sure it could be more brightly.
You can also use vacuum-sealed bags to keep your clothing in the best possible home storage conditions. Cedarwood blocks and acid-free storage containers are two other ways to keep your clothes fresh for a long time.
Wooden Furniture
So, you’ve been putting that broken wooden furniture in your garage, hoping to fix it and use it again. Storing fragile wood products in the garage for an extended period could be a mistake, as you might discover the hard way.
Because wood fibres expand and compress in response to changes in humidity and temperature, stored furniture is vulnerable to damage. Over time, this will lead to wood splitting or breaking, which can be irreparable in some cases.
Hardwood furniture, like many other items of garage storage advice, should be kept in a climate-controlled space. This will maintain consistent humidity levels and reduce the rate at which wood dries out.
For added protection, give your furniture a good washing and apply a wood furniture polish or preservative before putting it away for the season. Protect your furnishings in storage with a drop cloth or old blanket.
Refrigerator
Yes, refrigerators regulate the temperature at which your food is stored. When the temperature rises, your refrigerator will work harder to keep food cold, which will boost your energy bill. In addition, when outside temperatures fall below 60 degrees, food won’t stay cold enough in a refrigerator since the motor runs less efficiently when the temperature drops.
Toys
Especially fluffy toys or baby things made of cloth shouldn’t venture outside the house. Because they are made to withstand harsher terrain, outdoor toys can be stored in the garage with no problem. To prevent mildew and insects from hiding, it is recommended to either keep them packed in plastic bins or shake them out and clean them often.
Keep the kids’ belongings from piling up and ensure their favourite indoor playthings are neat by reviewing them often.
Paint And Hazardous Materials
I should mention paint and hazardous materials storage in any safety-conscious garage organisation guide. For instance, garages often contain old, partially used paint cans.
If you keep paint in your garage for an extended period, it will lose its usefulness. Paints can split and curdle when exposed to extreme heat or cold.
Leftover paint will retain some consistency and colour if stored properly. Another thing that can rust is old paint cans left on the garage floor. The cans could rust through and make a huge mess if left too long. Instead, put the empty paint cans in your basement.
Putting your old pesticides, cleaning products, solvents, and partially used automotive fluid containers in high-quality garage cabinets won’t make them safe. Properly dispose of these hazardous items (or old paint) at your neighbourhood hazmat disposal site if you no longer need them.
Open Stacks Of Linens Or Paper Goods
Mice and other pests often build their homes in clumps of paper or cloth, such as the cardboard boxes you accumulated during your last move. Keep paper goods in the pantry rather than the kitchen for better organisation. If you must store linens in the garage, put them in plastic containers. Regularly dispose of recyclables.
Old Electronic Equipment
Our final advice for storing electronics in the garage is to look at your old devices. Everybody loves their electronics, but eventually, your garage will look like a graveyard for old and broken gadgets.
Used electronics such as televisions, radios, computers, game consoles, and home appliances. The list is endless when it comes to the kinds of devices that get thrown out.
But most of it won’t be useful anymore because it will be outdated. Furthermore, most garages have a finite amount of space for goods that are young enough. Electronic devices are vulnerable to moisture, temperature, and humidity-related damage to their circuit boards and solder joints.
Anything Flammable Or Hazardous
Store combustible materials near heat sources in the basement, attic, or garage since we don’t often think about all the potential consequences when putting things out of sight and out of mind. Stay away from the water heater and furnace, and don’t leave paint, cleaning supplies, gas, propane, or garden chemicals out in the open in these areas.
Temperature variations can modify the hue of the paint, and exposure to water can rust the can, even if you’re keeping the extra paint in an area free of gas. Keep paint in a cool, dry place away from gas-related sources (such as the kitchen or laundry room) to match the wall when you need to do touch-ups after nicking it.
Candles
This one pertains to the loft. Do not put unused candles and other holiday decorations in the attic. During the summer, the intense heat in the attic could cause them to melt or be damaged. These should be kept in a pantry or cabinet.
Conclusion
A garage can be a useful space for storing outdoor items, but it should be avoided due to the risk of weather and water damage. Store items in basements, attics, or garages in plastic containers with covers to prevent decay and pests. Keep valuable items away from the floor and store them on shelves if the garage floods.
Avoid keeping paper, old photos, and cardboard in the garage due to the constant temperature and humidity swings. Propane tanks should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated place, away from spark sources, and away from heat sources.
Store dry packaged foods and canned goods outside the garage to prevent spoilage or rancidity. Reevaluate your shopping plan if you find yourself with excess food in the garage and consider repurchasing in bulk.
Store wine in the garage to maintain its quality and age well. Proper storage conditions include a dark, cool, and dark place with regular humidity and temperature. Avoid storing fabric items like bedding, blankets, and seasonal clothes in the garage due to potential hazards. Store furniture in a climate-controlled space to maintain consistent humidity levels and reduce drying time.
Keep outdoor toys in plastic bins or shake them out to prevent mildew and insects. Store paint and hazardous materials in a basement or garage, and dispose of them at a local hazmat disposal site. Keep paper goods in the pantry or use plastic containers for better organization.
Store old electronics in the pantry or garage, and store combustible materials near heat sources. Store unused candles in a pantry or cabinet to prevent damage during summer heat. Proper storage solutions, such as bespoke wine cabinets or refrigerators, are essential for a safe and organized garage.
Content Summary:
- Garages can be a useful storage space for outdoor equipment, but they can also be prone to weather and water damage.
- The constant opening and closing of the garage door can attract pests and animals.
- It’s advisable to store items in a plastic container to prevent decay and infestation.
- If the basement or garage floods, store items on shelves at least a few feet off the floor.
- Precious possessions should not be kept in the garage due to high crime rates and environmental variables.
- Paper, old photos, and cardboard should be stored elsewhere due to their vulnerability to constant temperature and humidity swings.
- Papers, books, magazines, record album covers, and newspapers should be stored in a dry, cool place.
- Propane tanks should be stored in a secure location, away from potential spark sources and heat sources.
- Dry packaged foods and canned goods should be stored outside the garage.
- Canned foods have a higher risk of spoilage or rancidity when exposed to high temperatures.
- Perishable foods should be stored in a cool, dry place like a kitchen pantry.
- Overstocking in the garage may not be worth the savings.
- Proper storage of wine in the garage is crucial for maintaining its quality and aging.
- Temperature variations can oxidize wine, affecting its flavor, aroma, and color.
- Proper humidity and temperature control are essential.
- Using bespoke wine cabinets or refrigerators can be beneficial for casual wine collectors.
- Garages often contain fabric-based items like bedspreads, blankets, sleeping bags, and seasonal clothes.
- These items are vulnerable to heat, humidity, and cold, and can be harmed by fumes from power equipment and improper storage.
- Discarding clothing and storing remaining items in a dry, cool spot can be beneficial.
- Vacuum-sealed bags, cedarwood blocks, and acid-free storage containers can keep clothes fresh.
- Storing fragile wooden furniture in the garage can lead to damage due to expansion and compression.
- Hardwood furniture should be kept in a climate-controlled space to maintain consistent humidity levels and reduce drying out.
- Furniture should be cleaned and protected with a drop cloth or old blanket.
- Refrigerators regulate the temperature at which food is stored.
- When temperatures rise, the refrigerator will work harder to keep food cold, boosting energy bills.
- Outdoor toys can be stored in the garage to prevent mildew and insects.
- To keep kids’ belongings neat, keep them packed in plastic bins or clean them often.
- Old, partially used paint cans should be stored in the basement.
- Old pesticides, cleaning products, solvents, and partially used automotive fluid containers should be disposed of at a local hazmat disposal site.
- Paper goods should be kept in the pantry rather than the kitchen.
- If linens must be stored in the garage, put them in plastic containers.
- Old devices like televisions, radios, computers, game consoles, and home appliances should be stored in the pantry.
- Store combustible materials near heat sources in the basement, attic, or garage.
- Keep paint in a cool, dry place away from gas-related sources.
- Unused candles and holiday decorations should be kept in a pantry or cabinet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Store Wine Or Other Beverages In The Garage?
No, fluctuating temperatures can ruin the flavour and quality of wine and other beverages. It’s best to store them in a climate-controlled environment.
Is It Safe To Store Propane Tanks In The Garage?
No, propane tanks should be stored in a well-ventilated outdoor area. Storing them in the garage poses a risk of leakage, which can lead to a hazardous situation.
Can I Store Pet Food In The Garage?
It’s not recommended. The garage can attract pests, putting pet food at risk of contamination. Store pet food indoors in sealed containers.
Are Photographs Safe To Store In The Garage?
No, photographs can be damaged by humidity, pests, and extreme temperatures. Preserve them by storing them in a cool, dry, and dark indoor space.
Can I Store Valuable Or Sentimental Items In The Garage?
It’s not advisable. The garage is susceptible to theft, pests, and environmental damage. Keep valuable or sentimental items indoors or in a secure storage area.