Tips for Garage Storage: Things You Shouldn’t Keep in your Garage

Whether attached to your home or a standalone structure a garage is super convenient for storing cars, lawnmowers, home generators, tools and other such items. However, all too often homeowners are not sure of exactly what items should or should never find home in the garage. East Coast Containers provides garage storage advice highlighting 10 items you shouldn’t keep inside your garage.

10 Items not Recommended for Garage Storage

Propane Tanks: Propane should always be stored safely outside, away from your home and any sparks or flames. It is common for the valve not to be completely closed which can cause an extremely dangerous and deadly explosion.

Pet Food: Dog and cat food, whether in your home or garage, is a huge attraction for rodents and other such pests. This item should be removed from the paper packaging and poured into a tightly sealed plastic container and kept safely inside your house.

Photographs: Printed photographs are extremely delicate and should never be stored in a garage where they face hot, humid and cold weather conditions.

Important Paperwork: Social security card, birth certificate, marriage license and all other important paperwork and documents should be placed in a fire-proof safe and kept securely inside your home.

Books: Books and magazines are other items that are susceptible to damage from insects when stored in a dark, damp environment such as your garage.

Paint: Many detached garages are susceptible to wide ranges of temperature from extreme heat to frigid cold. These drastic changing temperatures can alter and ruin paint formulas. Always refer to the can label for proper storage.

Clothing & Bedding: Fabrics, such as clothing, bedding and sleeping pages should be kept in tightly sealed plastic bags and kept at the top of your closet or underneath your bed.

Refrigerator: During the hot and humid summer months refrigerators stored in a garage will have to work much harder to keep the food cold, resulting in a rise in your electric bill.

Rubber Tires: Tires can degrade, dry rot or deteriorate when exposed to weather elements, sun and extremely hot temperatures. Rubber tires should always be stored in a cool, dry place such as a basement or a climate-controlled storage unit.

Electronics: DVD players, computers, laptops and televisions will get damaged in extreme heat or cold temperatures. If you’re planning on donating, selling or saving these items it is best to store them inside your home.

Invest in a New or Used Storage Container

If you have a lot of items in your home that are not suitable for garage storage, consider investing in a new or used residential shipping container! Read the benefits of a shipping container shed vs. a metal shed. Comprised of heavy-duty steel and durable flooring, storage containers will protect your household items against weather, rodents and would-be thieves.