Items you shouldn’t store in your garage

A garage often becomes a catch-all storage space for household items. You may assume it’s a safe place for anything that doesn’t fit inside the house. However, some belongings can suffer damage or create hazards when left in this area. Keeping the items you shouldn’t store in your garage can lead to safety risks, spoiled goods, and expensive replacements. Understanding what stays, what goes, and what belongs in your self storage Seattle unit can help you maximize your space without sacrificing safety!

Why certain items don’t belong in a garage

Not all household items can handle garage conditions. Extreme heat, cold, and moisture create an environment where belongings deteriorate quickly. Flammable materials increase fire risks, while pests damage delicate or edible items. Though a garage keeps things out of sight, it doesn’t always provide the right protection for the following items:

• Electronics and appliances
• Wooden furniture and musical instruments
• Paint and household chemicals
• Clothing and bedding
• Food and pet supplies
• Paper products and books
• Propane tanks and firewood
• Tires and vehicle batteries
• Seasonal decorations
• Important documents and photographs
• Wine and other beverages

Apart from safer areas of your home, off-site storage offers a solution for items that don’t belong in a garage. A temperature-controlled unit prevents temperature-related damage, while added security reduces the theft risk. Seasonal belongings, valuables, and sensitive materials are better when stored in a stable environment.

Electronics and appliances

High humidity and fluctuating temperatures make garages a bad place for electronics. Laptops, gaming consoles, and televisions can develop condensation inside their circuits, leading to malfunctions. Dust buildup also shortens their lifespan. Appliances such as refrigerators and freezers may struggle to maintain proper cooling due to excessive heat in summer and extreme cold in winter. Keeping them inside helps them function more efficiently and last longer.

Wooden furniture and musical instruments

Temperature swings and moisture in garages cause wood to warp and crack. Antique furniture, pianos, and wooden guitars lose their shape and finish in these conditions. Upholstered furniture absorbs odors and humidity, leading to mold growth. Instruments with strings and delicate components require stable environments, making indoor storage the better choice.

Paint and household chemicals

Many homeowners leave leftover paint and cleaning supplies in the garage without realizing the risks. Extreme temperatures ruin paint, causing it to separate or dry out. Flammable chemicals, such as gasoline and propane, increase the risk of fire. Storing them in a climate-controlled room or a designated shed keeps them safe from temperature damage and reduces fire hazards.

Clothing and bedding

Fabric items such as winter coats, blankets, and sleeping bags attract pests when stored in the garage. Mice and insects chew through fibers and leave droppings that ruin the material. Moisture leads to mold, making them unsafe to use. A sealed container inside a closet or basement prevents damage and keeps them fresh. If space indoors is limited, a portable on-demand storage Seattle unit offers a secure and climate-controlled alternative for seasonal clothing and bedding.

Food and pet supplies

Non-perishable food such as canned goods and dry pet food might seem safe in a garage, but temperature fluctuations cause spoilage. Heat leads to faster expiration, and humidity encourages mold. Hence these items you shouldn’t store in your garage must find a place elsewhere in your home. Mice and rats also chew through packaging, contaminating food. Storing these items in a pantry or kitchen cabinet ensures they remain safe to eat.

Paper products and books

Cardboard boxes, newspapers, and books degrade quickly when exposed to moisture. Paper absorbs humidity, leading to mildew and mold growth. Pests such as silverfish and rodents chew through books and important documents. Sealed plastic bins in an indoor closet or office protect these items from damage.

Propane tanks and firewood

Flammable items create safety hazards when stored in a garage. Propane tanks should always be kept outside in a well-ventilated area. A small leak inside an enclosed space increases the risk of an explosion. Firewood attracts insects and mold when left in a garage. Stacking it outside, a few inches off the ground helps prevent pest infestations while keeping it dry.

Tires and batteries

Heat and cold shorten the lifespan of tires and vehicle batteries. Tires stored in a garage for long periods develop flat spots and lose elasticity. Extreme cold drains batteries faster, making them unreliable when needed. Keeping spare tires in a basement or a climate-controlled storage unit extends their usability. Vehicle batteries should be maintained inside during long-term storage.

Seasonal decorations

Holiday decorations often end up in the garage, but they don’t always stay in good shape. Heat warps plastic ornaments, and moisture causes string lights to corrode. Rodents chew through stored artificial trees and wreaths. A portable self storage Shoreline unit provides a safe alternative, keeping decorations intact and ready for the next holiday season. Keeping decorations in sealed bins inside a dry space helps preserve them for future use.

Important documents and photographs

Birth certificates, tax records, and family photos should never be stored in a garage. Temperature swings cause paper to yellow and curl. Photographs become brittle, and ink fades over time. A fireproof safe inside the house offers the best protection for these irreplaceable items.

Wine and other beverages

Bottled beverages such as wine and beer require consistent temperatures to maintain quality. Heat causes wine to expand, pushing the cork out and ruining the flavor. Carbonated drinks lose their fizz when exposed to temperature shifts. Keeping them in a cool, dark place inside the house preserves their taste and shelf life.

A better storage plan

Organizing a garage means knowing what belongs inside and what items you shouldn’t store in your garage. Use the space for items designed to withstand temperature changes and avoid storing anything that degrades in extreme conditions. When extra room is needed, a mobile Kenmore self storage unit offers a flexible option for keeping sensitive belongings safe. Keeping valuables and delicate items inside prevents unnecessary damage, ensuring they stay in good condition for years to come.