Garages are multifunctional spaces that can accommodate a wide range of items, from cars to bikes and beach chairs. However, not everything is suitable for garage storage. Here are key items you should avoid keeping in your garage:
Artwork: Valuable and delicate pieces like paintings and artwork should not be stored in garages due to the lack of a controlled environment. Mold, mildew, and other damaging conditions can affect these items. According to Alix Greenberg, founder of ArtSugar, artwork should be stored in a temperature-controlled, clean, dry place without humidity.
Important Papers: Storing important documents like social security cards, passports, and car titles in a garage is risky due to potential moisture and humidity. These documents can also be damaged by pests. It’s advisable to keep such papers in a home office or bedroom, or in a file box, locked in a safe, or in a waterproof container if stored in the garage.
Books: Books should not be stored in garages as moisture can cause pages to crinkle, stick together, or even develop mold or mildew. Books are best kept on a bookshelf or inside the home. If you have books you no longer need, consider donating them to a local library or thrift shop.
Pet Food: Storing pet food in the garage can attract rodents and vermin. These animals can eat through paper bags and contaminate the food. It’s best to keep pet food indoors to prevent such issues.
Paint: While it’s acceptable to temporarily store paint in the garage during a home renovation, long-term storage is not recommended. Paint should be stored between 60 and 80°F to maintain its consistency. Extreme temperatures can ruin the paint, and there’s a risk that frozen paint may not be usable even when it thaws.
Did you buy extra wine for holidays or summer celebrations? Consider a wine rack or fridge instead of storing it in garage as wine needs temperature control to avoid taste impact.
For clothing, linens or other textiles, avoid storing them in garage. Moths can ruin clothing, moisture can cause mold and rodents can nest. Use vacuum-sealed bags and airtight containers if must store in garage. Never store firewood in garage as it attracts pests. Use tarps or racks to store it away from garage. Electronics can be damaged by humidity and temperature fluctuations in garage if not temperature-controlled. Hazardous substances like pesticides, gas cans and propane tanks can leak and create hazards. Store them in separate outdoor shed or in well-ventilated spot away from kids, pets, electrical outlets and flame sources if in attached garage.
