When storage gets tight, it can be tempting to just toss everything in the garage. It’s convenient, easy to access, and seems like the perfect out-of-sight, out-of-mind solution. But in reality, garages can actually be one of the worst places in the house for storing certain items.
“Most people tend to treat their garage like a bonus storage room,” says Elyse Sarnecky, director of marketing at Marketplace Homes. “But garages are actually one of the harshest environments in your entire home. Humidity can build up easily, there are dramatic seasonal temperature swings, and pests can let themselves in much easier than you’d think.”
Because of these conditions, everyday items that might seem perfectly safe to store in the garage can suffer damage over time. From sentimental keepsakes to common household supplies and pantry items, here are five things you should never store in your garage.
Photos and Important Documents
Old photographs, family albums, and important paperwork should always be stored safely inside your home.
According to Sarnecky, humidity and fluctuating temperatures can quickly damage paper items. “Photos and important paperwork can warp and mold due to the humidity,” she explains. Once that damage happens, sentimental keepsakes and irreplaceable documents may be lost for good.
Paint
It might seem logical to keep leftover paint in the garage, but it’s not the best place for it.
“Paint will separate over time and become unusable,” Sarnecky says. Extreme heat or cold can ruin its consistency, which means you may open the can months later only to find it’s no longer usable for touch-ups.
Propane Tanks
Propane tanks should never be stored in enclosed spaces like garages, especially near heat sources. Doing so can increase the risk of fire hazards, especially if they’re close to appliances like water heaters.
Wine and Shelf-Stable Food
Those bulk bottles and pantry staples don’t belong in the garage. Even items that don’t require refrigeration can be damaged over time.
“Food will attract pests and animals of all kinds, and it happens much faster than you’d probably expect,” Sarnecky says. Temperature swings can also affect the quality of items like wine or pantry staples.
Electronics and Battery-Powered Devices
Electronics may seem safe tucked away in storage bins, but garages can quickly damage them.
“Electronics just don’t tend to hold up with consistent temperature changes,” Sarnecky explains. Batteries and delicate internal components can degrade when exposed to extreme heat and cold.
So, What Can You Store in the Garage?
Not everything needs to stay out of the garage. “There are still plenty of things that you can store safely,” says Sarnecky. When deciding what belongs in the garage, she recommends asking yourself two simple questions: "Can the item you're wanting to store actually handle the cold, heat, and humidity? And could it be considered a safety risk near car fumes or a water heater?"
"If it can't handle being exposed to the elements or if it's a safety risk, find it a better spot inside," she adds.
Here are a few things Sarnecky says you can safely store in the garage:
- Tools
- Lawn equipment
- Kids’ toys and sports gear
- Seasonal decor stored in sealed totes
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
