Garages are a useful aspect of homes, whether fully detached, semi-detached, or fully attached to your home. This extra space gives you storage options for your cars and belongings. However, not everything can or should be stored in your garage. Here are a few things to never store in your garage:

1. Propane tanks
2. Paint and other chemicals
3. Art
4. Pet food
5. Important documents
6. Pantry items
7. Firewood
8. Wooden furniture
9. Electronics
10. Clothing or fabrics
11. Wine
12. Books
13. Photos

1. Propane Tanks

One of the benefits of a garage addition is extra storage. However, some things like propane tanks should never be stored in a garage. Propane tanks can leak, which may cause fires, especially if sparked by a car starting. While it’s a good idea to keep propane out of the elements, it’s safer to keep the tanks in a shaded and well-ventilated area outdoors.

2. Paint and Other Chemicals

Paint and other chemicals are other things that should not be stored in your garage, and are also things you should never store in your attic. If paint is exposed to heat and cold over time, the paint can become damaged. Paint should be stored somewhere cool and dark, like a basement. Make sure children and pets cannot access it since paint can be toxic.

Make sure you’re not storing any flammable chemicals in your garage. Much like propane tanks, they can cause fires if sparked by a starting car or extreme heat during the summer. It’s best to store these types of chemicals in a well-ventilated shed, away from your home.

3. Art

While it might be tempting to store art in your garage, it might not be the best place for it. The environment in garages is often not controlled, which can put your art at risk for mold or mildew. A clean and dry place, like a closet or temperature-controlled room, is a much better spot.

4. Pet Food

Storing pet food in your garage is also inadvisable. The fluctuation in temperatures can cause the food to become moldy during warmer weather, which can make your pet sick. Plus, pet food is basically an invitation for mice and other critters to come in for a nice little snack.

They are often enticed by the smell and can chew through even the toughest of bags. If you must store pet food in the garage, store it in well-secured plastic containers and keep an eye on it during warm weather.

5. Important Documents

Having access to important documents might not be something you need frequently, so it might feel like a good idea to store important documents in the garage. However, it can be risky to store paper in an uncontrolled environment like a garage. Factors like humidity and unwanted pests can damage paper. Try to consolidate exactly what you need into a file box to keep stored inside your home.

6. Pantry Items

The garage is a great place to keep an extra refrigerator or freezer if you have the space for it. However, this is where food storage should stop. Pantry items should be kept inside in a cool environment. If you don’t have enough storage, it may be time for a kitchen or basement remodel.

Extra storage is one of the most popular kitchen remodeling trends. A built-in pantry, extra cabinets and drawers, as well as other storage solutions are great ways to maximize food storage within your home.

7. Firewood

Having a fireplace is a fun interior design trend to have in a home. While it might feel convenient to store firewood in your garage, it’s not the most ideal place. Firewood needs to be kept in an area with good airflow to stay dry.

Plus, bugs like beetles or ants can come in with that firewood, and they are much closer to your home’s walls if your firewood is stored in your garage. This can lead to a very unwanted insect infestation.

It’s best to store firewood outside, a little bit away from your home. If you want it to be in a covered area, consider storing it in a well-ventilated shed. Otherwise, stack it in a pile and cover it during heavy rain or snow.

8. Wooden Furniture

Similar to firewood, you also need to be careful about storing wooden furniture in the garage, especially indoor furniture made of wood that is designed to be outside or weather the elements. Fluctuating temperatures, moisture, and pests can wreak havoc on wooden furniture. Although you can store these items in the garage temporarily, they really should not be stored in a garage year-round, unless your garage is well-insulated and climate-controlled.

9. Electronics

Because the temperature in garages often fluctuates pretty drastically, electronics and similar items, like records or DVDs, are another thing that should never be kept in a garage. These temperature fluctuations can ruin discs, circuits, or even magnetic components. Even if these items are in tight bins, humidity and temperature changes can still affect electronics.

It’s a much better idea to store electronics and other similar items in a temperature-controlled environment, like an office closet or finished basement. If your home has no closets, there are a few things you can do to keep things organized. You can implement some storage solutions, like shelving units and storage bins, as well as a pegboard to organize items like cords. You can also consider a home remodel that includes plenty of closets. Rethinking interior rooms and maximizing space are home renovation trends.

10. Clothing or Fabrics

Unfortunately, your garage should not be a second closet. Storing fabrics in the garage can make them more susceptible to insect infestations. Garage temperatures also fluctuate way too much and can cause mold and mildew to grow on fabrics. Another reason not to store fabrics in the garage is that garages sometimes have strong odors because of vehicle exhaust or trash, which can ruin fabric.

Extra clothing, linens, and bedding are much better off stored indoors in either a finished basement or a hallway closet. If your attic is temperature-controlled and well-insulated, storing these items there can be a good idea within reason. Make sure they are enclosed in bins or in vacuum-sealed bags. These bags are great because they keep items airtight and often can shrink down these items, saving you lots of space.

11. Wine

Another item that shouldn’t be stored in your garage is wine. Wine needs a specific temperature to age well, and garages are far too temperamental. Wine should be stored in a cool, dark place or a temperature-controlled wine fridge. Basements are a much more ideal option to store wine, as long as the temperature doesn’t get too cold or fluctuate too much.

Adding a wine cellar design to a basement remodel is a popular basement remodeling trend. This is especially useful if you enjoy collecting vintage or newer bottles of wine. Consider adding plenty of wine storage as well as a wine fridge.

12. Books

If your home library is slowly taking over your home, don’t look to the garage to store your extra books. Books should be protected from excess moisture that can occur during temperature fluctuations in a garage. Besides, garages often invite unwanted guests, such as rodents or other pests. These creatures can destroy books, so it’s best to keep books stored away inside in a closet or a climate-controlled basement.

13. Photos

Much like books, photos or film also should not be kept in a garage. These items are susceptible to warping from the heat or damage from insects or mildew. These types of items are often priceless, so don’t risk storing them in the garage where they could get destroyed.

It’s much better to store these items in a dry, airtight space where the temperature stays consistent. If your basement and attic are temperature-controlled, these may be good places to store extra photos and mementos. However, make sure they are in airtight and sealed containers and check on them every once in a while to make sure they’re still in good condition. As an extra precaution, consider digitizing these mementos. Not only will you have a backup in case of an emergency, but you will be able to share them much more easily with friends and family!

Work With Zephyr Thomas to Improve Your Home

These are just a few things to never store in your garage. If a lack of storage is an issue in your home, it might be a sign it’s time to consider a home addition or remodel. If you want to talk over your options and get started on a plan, contact us at 717-399-4708 to schedule a free estimate!

Take a look at the infographic from SolvChem Custom Packaging below for a guide to safely storing household chemicals. Click to view it at full size.