Warning: Storing these items in your garage could lead to disaster

Let’s be honest—most of us use the garage as a catch-all storage space. But while it’s easy to stack up boxes and stash things out of sight, not everything is safe to keep there. Some items are more sensitive to their environment than you might think, and improper storage could lead to unexpected consequences. 

If you want to keep your belongings in good shape and avoid potential risks, you’ll want to rethink what stays in your garage.

Garages are typically not climate-controlled, which means they can become incredibly hot in summer and quite cold in winter. This fluctuation in temperature, along with the potential for pests, can wreak havoc on certain items. 

To help you maintain a functional and safe space, here’s a comprehensive guide on the items you should never store in your garage: 

Gasoline and propane tanks

A small leak in a tank can lead to a big explosion if it’s stored in an enclosed space like a garage. Keep gasoline and propane tanks in an outdoor shed to avoid fire hazards.

‘Because garages often have equipment with pilot lights, like a water heater, vapours from stored fuel could react with the open flame and cause an explosion,’ says an expert.

Firewood

Storing firewood in the garage may seem like a great way to keep it dry, but it can introduce pests into your home if not carefully inspected beforehand.

Additionally, inadequate ventilation can lead to the growth of mould and mildew on the wood.

Paper goods

Paper can attract rodents and insects, and it’s also susceptible to water damage, which could become mouldy over time.

The same applies to photographs and other pieces of artwork. Keep these items indoors in a dry or non-humid environment.

Clothing and bedding

Fabric can attract pests and moisture in the garage, which can lead to mould and mildew. To avoid this problem, keep textiles stored in sealed containers inside your home.

Mould exposure could lead to mould poisoning, which can manifest in symptoms such as body aches, headaches, skin rashes, and dry coughs, among others.

Electronics

Humidity and cold can damage the internal components of electronic devices. Store your electronics in a safe space indoors where the environment is stable.

During sudden changes in temperature, electronics become vulnerable to condensation, allowing moisture to seep into the circuits. If moisture infiltrates electrical devices, it poses a serious risk of electrocution.

Food items

Heat can cause canned goods to swell and potentially spoil the food inside, which could lead to food safety hazards. Meanwhile, open bags of pet food can attract pests and become stale in the garage.

Whether the food is for you or your pet, store it in airtight containers in your pantry or another cool, dry place, respectively.

By avoiding the storage of these items in your garage, you’ll not only protect your belongings but also potentially save yourself from costly damages or hazardous situations. Remember, the garage may seem like an all-encompassing storage solution, but it’s not always the safest or most practical place for all your possessions.

We’d love to hear from you, our YourLifeChoices readers. Have you ever stored something in the garage only to regret it later? Share your experiences with fellow readers in the comments below. And if you’ve found clever ways to safely store tricky items, we’re all ears for your tips and tricks!

Also read: Spend less time cleaning: Home features you need to avoid