It is inevitable that you will use at least some portion of your garage for storage. Finding good, usable storage space in your home while keeping the livable space livable can be challenging. So, having a decently sized garage can seem like an ideal place. But there are certain items you should never, ever store in your garage. Whether for safety reasons or simple to keep pests at bay, below are several items that you should not store in your garage.
To Keep Out Pests
In order to prevent any unwanted infestations, there are some items that should not be stored in your garage. These items act as magnets for pests as they provide a safe haven for them to live and give them easy access to a food source. Since your garage is a more susceptible point of entry for various pests, it is best if you find a separate storage space for these items:
- Pet food is an ideal food source for many insects and rodents, so keep this in a tightly sealed container inside your home.
- Rugs and old Carpeting make for an easy nest for a variety of insects.
- Firewood should be stored at least 20 feet from the side of your home and elevated at least six inches off the ground in order to prevent infestations.
- Books and Papers are a perfect food source for silverfish and even termites.
- Sleeping Bags and old Clothing or Fabrics can be both a food source and a nest for pests.
- Plush Toys invite dust mites and other insects to make a home in the fabric fibers.
- Pantry Staples that are stored in a garage act as a beacon for pests.
- Cardboard acts as a den for insects and rodents.
- Celluloid film can actually attract insects as a food source.
To Prevent Fire
There are many hazardous materials that seemingly belong in a garage. After all, many of them are fluids for your car or backyard grill. But if you store these items in your garage, any small spark, including the spark required to start your car engine in the morning, can cause a fire. That is why it is best to store these items elsewhere, preferably in a shed, or simply use and then dispose of them as soon as possible:
- Propane tanks are typically safe but should be stored outdoors in a covered space away from ignition sources.
- Old rags with oil on them, even if the oil is dry, are still highly combustible.
- Any marked as hazardous material or flammable should be purchased as needed and disposed of as soon as possible.
- Gasoline can be stored in the garage as long as it is stored in a container specifically made for gasoline. Additionally, keep it away from ignition sources and out of reach of children.
To Preserve Valuables and Consumables
There are many items that you want to keep but do not necessarily want taking up space in your home at all times. But be careful, because some of these items can get damaged if exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations that can occur inside your garage:
- Paint can separate and dry out in extreme temperatures.
- Wine’s flavor can be severely altered by high temperatures rendering it undrinkable.
- Canned Foods can still spoil and should be kept in a climate-controlled area.
- Important Documents are susceptible to both insects and heat when stored in a garage.
- Printed Photographs can become warped or faded quickly in a warm environment.
- Electronics can warp or be destroyed by extreme temperatures.
- Spare Refrigerators will have to work extra hard to maintain its internal temperature in a non-climate controlled garage
- Wooden Furniture cannot hold up to high temperatures or humidity in garages.
- Vinyl Records will warp and melt in high temperatures.
