In addition to warmer weather and longer days, spring marks the beginning of garage organizing season.  While the garage is a great place to store many items, there are some things that absolutely should not be kept there. Read on to learn what they are and why keeping them out of the garage will help prevent damage, safety risks, and costly replacements.

Why Some Items Should Not Be Stored in the Garage:

Garages (at least most) are not temperature-controlled, which means heat, cold, moisture, and pests can infiltrate and damage the items stored there. That’s why deciding what NOT to store in the garage is a key component of any garage organizing project.

So, let’s get to the list of 12 items to never store in your garage!

#1 Perishable Food

Temperature fluctuations can cause food to spoil quickly and attract pests.  Moreover, rodents and insects can still find their way into sealed items like flour and cereal.

#2: Canned Food

While canned goods are more durable and pest-resistant, weather fluctuations still pose a risk: extreme heat can cause canned foods to spoil, and cans can burst in freezing temperatures.

#3: Pet Food

#4: Wine

Wine needs a constant temperature.  Heat can spoil it, and cold can dry out corks, allowing air into the bottle, ruining the flavour.

#5: Photos

Printed photos are highly sensitive to heat and moisture, which can cause fading, sticking, and irreversible damage.

#6: Papers & Documents 

Moisture and humidity can cause warping, mold, and deterioration. Important documents and books are especially at risk.

#7: Textiles

Clothing, bedding, towels, curtains, and linens can absorb moisture, develop mildew, and attract pests.

#8: Rugs & Carpet

These trap moisture, leading to mold and mildew, and often become a nesting ground for pests when left undisturbed.

#9: Wood Furniture

Changes in temperature and humidity can cause wood to expand, crack, or warp.

#10: Paint & Chemicals

Extreme temperatures can make paint unstable and cause chemicals to become unstable or hazardous.  Many labels specifically recommend indoor storage, so be sure to double check your products.

#11: Propane Tanks

Storing propane in the garage can be dangerous.  Tanks should be kept outside in a well-ventilated area, away from any heat sources.

#12: Electronics:

Lastly, heat, cold, and humidity can damage internal components, shortening the lifespan or causing complete failure.

What About Using Plastic Lidded Storage Totes?

While plastic storage containers can help, not all storage totes are created equal.  Many don’t have the secure seals needed to keep belongings safe from moisture, humidity, pests, and temperature fluctuations.

And even the best totes are not a guarantee against damage, as there is always the risk of user error: how many times have you (or someone in your family grabbed something from a lidded bin and not properly sealed it back up right away? That’s why the best way to keep these 12 items safe is to keep them out of the garage.

Conclusion:

The garage is a hardworking space, but it’s not meant to store everything.  So, when you’re organizing your garage, keep the 12 items above out of it to protect your belongings and keep your home running smoothly. I’d love to hear from you, did any of these surprise you?

And if you’re looking for more garage organizing inspiration, check out this post where I cover my favourite vertical storage ideas that maximize garage space, and this post where I share more garage organizing pitfalls to avoid to ensure you set up systems that will last.

Happy Organizing!