11 things you should never store in the garage

The garage can quickly become a catch-all for all the things you don’t have room for at home, including seasonal decorations, gardening tools, and other essentials. While they’re a convenient and unobtrusive storage space, many garages aren’t climate controlled and are usually prone to pests, inclement weather, dirt, and mold. Because of this, there are certain items you should never store in your garage, according to experts.

1. Electronics

Electronics should always be stored in a climate-controlled area to prevent these items from being damaged by water or extreme temperatures. When you’re not using your electronics, it’s best to store them on the top shelf of an office cabinet or on a charging station, says Mindy Godding, a certified professional organizer based in Richmond, Virginia.

2. Firewood

Don’t store firewood in your garage – especially if it’s attached to your home. “Firewood can bring wood bugs into your home through the garage,” says Darla DeMorrow, certified professional organizer. “A large amount of wood stored in a warm garage can not only breed bugs, but also provide a hiding place for small rodents.” Instead, store your firewood in a covered area outside where it will be protected from moisture but still away from your home.

3. Food

Food should never be stored in the garage — even canned goods, which can rust if your garage isn’t climate controlled, says Nikki Bell, professional organizer and founder of Just Us Organizing. Plus, food stored in the garage can attract pests and rodents, and seasonal heat can cause accelerated spoilage, Godding adds.

4. Color

Unused paint cans are usually stored in the garage, but these conditions can affect the durability of the paint over time. “Paint will dry out if stored in the heat of a garage,” says Godding. Instead, she recommends storing it on shelves in a cool, dry place like a basement or utility room.

5. Propane

Propane is flammable and needs to be stored outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from your vehicle and other potential fire hazards. “Ideally, propane cylinders should be protected from extreme heat or cold and stored upright without the risk of being struck or knocked over,” says Godding.

6. Books

If your home library is overflowing, resist the temptation to store excess books in your garage. “Books need to be protected from moisture, which can cause the paper to mold or mildew,” says Godding. “Indoor spaces are best for storing books to protect them from pests like silverfish and rodents.” Even storing your books in storage bins in the garage is not recommended, as pests can get in through small cracks.

7. Paper products

Excess paper products such as paper towels, napkins and toilet paper should be stored in a dry, climate-controlled area in the home. “Paper products are similar to books and should not be stored in the garage,” says Bell. “Pests such as rodents can damage them, and moisture in the air can cause mold and mildew.”

8. Photos

Never store photos, films or personal memorabilia in a garage, basement or attic, where they are vulnerable to damage from pests and mold. “Once destroyed, it’s difficult or impossible to get these unique family treasures back,” says DeMorrow. “Bring them indoors and store them in a climate-controlled location, safe from water and pests. Better yet, digitize them to easily share them with friends and family.”

9. Art

If you have artwork that you haven’t found a place for yet, don’t store it in your garage. “Art can easily be damaged when stored in a garage for several reasons: temperature fluctuations and humidity can pose a threat to paper or fabric artwork, pests or rodents can damage artwork, and fragile artwork can break in a garage,” says Godding. She recommends wrapping artwork in acid-free paper and storing it in archival boxes in a closet or under the bed.

10. Bed linen and bedding

Store extra linens and bedding indoors in a hallway or bedroom closet rather than in the garage. “The odors most common in a garage, like car exhaust, chemicals or fertilizers, and garbage, can transfer to the linens,” says DeMorrow. Additionally, storing these items in the garage leaves them vulnerable to mold and mildew.

11. Wine

Store wine in a place where temperature and humidity can be controlled and kept constant. “Garages usually have too much temperature and humidity fluctuation to properly store wine,” says Godding. “Wine keeps best in a cool, dark place, like a basement or cellar.”