A garage is typically a space used to store vehicles or extra belongings that won’t fit in the home. However, there are some items that should not be stored in a garage because they can pose a safety hazard, attract pests, or damage other items.
Some of the things that should not be stored in a garage include:
-Flammable liquids: Gasoline, kerosene, and other flammable liquids should never be stored in a garage due to the fire risk.
-Paint and paint thinners: These materials can release harmful fumes and should be stored in well-ventilated areas.
-Propane tanks: Propane tanks can leak and cause an explosion if not properly secured. They should always be kept outside of the home.
-Hair spray and aerosol cans: These aerosol cans can explode if exposed to extreme heat or cold. It’s best to keep them inside the home where temperature fluctuations are less likely.
Food. Shopping at bulk stores can be cost-effective, but the garage is not an ideal place to stash your staples
Shopping at bulk stores can be cost-effective, but the garage is not an ideal place to stash your staples. The warm temperature and lack of light in most garages can cause food to spoil quickly or attract pests.
The best way to keep your bulk foods fresh is to store them in a cool, dry, and dark place like a pantry or basement. If you don’t have either of those options available, consider investing in a chest freezer for your garage. Just be sure to keep it clean and organized so you can easily find what you need when you need it!
Daily Used Items
While garages are great for storing away seasonal decor, tools and other items you may not use on a daily basis, there are some things that you should never store in your garage. Here are four everyday items that are better off kept elsewhere:
1. Food: While it may be tempting to store non-perishable food items in your garage in case of an emergency, the temperature fluctuations can actually cause the food to go bad. Plus, if you have pests like mice or rats, they’ll likely try to get into any food you have stored in your garage, contaminating it in the process. It’s better to keep your food in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cupboard.
2. Medications: Like food, medications can be affected by extreme temperature changes and should therefore not be stored in a garage. If you need to keep medications on hand for medical reasons, make sure to store them inside your home where it’s cool and dark (like a medicine cabinet).
3. Electronics: Whether it’s an extra television set or just some old computer equipment taking up space in your office, storing electronics in your garage is generally not a good idea. The humidity and dust present in most garages can damage delicate electronic components over time. If possible, try to keep these items inside where they’ll be protected from the elements.
4. Clothing: Unless you’re using your garage as additional storage for seasonal clothing or other items you don’t need on a regular basis, chances are you shouldn’t be keeping clothes out there either. The same rules apply as with electronics – humidity and dust can ruin clothing very easily so it’s best to keep them stored indoors where they’ll stay clean and fresh longer.
Cardboard
When storing cardboard in a garage, be sure to keep it away from any sources of moisture or heat. If possible, store it in an airtight container or bag to protect it from the elements. And be sure to dispose of any cardboard that is no longer usable; don’t let it pile up and become a safety hazard.
Important Documents
There are a few different types of documents that should not be stored in a garage. Firstly, important financial documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements should not be stored in a garage. These types of documents contain sensitive information that could be used to commit identity theft or fraud if they were to fall into the wrong hands. Secondly, personal documents such as birth certificates, passports, and social security cards should not be stored in a garage. These types of documents are very important and should be kept in a safe place where they will not get lost or damaged. Lastly, legal documents such as wills and trusts should not be stored in a garage. These types of documents are very important and need to be kept in a safe place where they will not get lost or damaged.
Delicate Clothing
Delicate clothing items such as those made of silk, satin, or other sensitive materials should not be stored in a garage due to the risk of damage from moisture, insects, or other pests. Furthermore, extreme temperature changes can also damage these items. It is best to store delicate clothing in a cool, dry place such as inside a closet or dresser.
Propane Tanks
It is important to store propane tanks outside of the home in a well-ventilated area. The tank should be placed on its side so that the valve is facing up to prevent leaks. If you must store the tank inside, it should be in a cool, dry place away from any heat sources or open flames.
Paint
Paint cans should be stored in a cool, dry place. If possible, store them on shelves or in cabinets off the ground. It’s also important to make sure that the lids of the paint cans are sealed tight. Otherwise, the paint could evaporate and become unusable.
If you’re planning on storing paint for an extended period of time, it’s best to use airtight containers. This will help keep the paint from drying out and prevent any leakage.
Hazardous Materials
There are many materials that should not be stored in a garage due to the risk of fire, explosion, or toxic fumes. These include but are not limited to:
-Aerosol cans -Propane tanks -Paint thinners and other volatile solvents -Fertilizers and pesticides -Household cleaners -Charcoal and lighter fluid
Store these items in a cool, dry place outside of the home.