Garages are often our default storage space for things that don’t quite fit elsewhere. However, not everything belongs there. Garages provide shelter from direct outdoor elements, but they lack the climate control and protection of a house. This can lead to damage, deterioration, or even safety hazards for certain items.
We’ll list 19 items you should never store in a garage and explain why they’re better kept elsewhere. From hazardous materials to everyday household goods, you’ll be able to make smarter storage decisions to protect your belongings and your family.
Hazardous Materials
There are certain hazardous materials you should never store in a garage. Their flammable nature or harmful fumes can create dangerous situations.
Propane Tanks
Never store propane tanks in a garage. These highly flammable containers can pose a serious safety risk if exposed to sparks or high temperatures. A leak could allow gas to concentrate in the enclosed space. This gas is harmful to breathe and increases the risk of fire or explosion.
The Propane Education and Research Council recommends storing propane tanks outside in a well-ventilated area away from potential ignition sources. If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate the area immediately and contact emergency services.
Pesticides
Storing pesticides in the garage is risky. These chemicals can leak and create health hazards for humans and pets. Additionally, keeping pesticides in an easily accessible location increases the risk of accidental exposure, especially for children.
If you need to store pesticides safely, keep them in a locked cabinet on a high shelf, out of reach of children and pets. Ideally, this cabinet should be in a separate shed or structure away from your home.
Portable Gas Cans
Don’t store gasoline in your garage—like propane, it’s highly flammable. Gas fumes can accumulate in enclosed spaces, creating a fire hazard if exposed to sparks or high heat.
Keep spare gasoline in approved containers that are tightly sealed and free of damage. Store these containers in a secure outdoor location away from living spaces.
Oily Rags
Oily rags pose a significant fire risk in the garage. Not only can they ignite from sparks or heat sources, but they can also spontaneously combust under certain conditions. The heat generated by oxidation of piled-up rags can build up and lead to combustion.
Spread oily rags out to dry completely, then place them in a metal container filled with water and a detergent solution before disposal.
Items That Can Attract Pests
A garage is an attractive entry point for pests. Certain items can inadvertently provide food or shelter for these unwanted visitors, leading to infestations that can spread to the rest of the home.
Books
It might seem convenient to store boxes of books in the garage, but this can lead to damage and pest problems. Fluctuating humidity levels can cause paper to absorb moisture, leading to warping or mold and mildew damage.
The cellulose in paper attracts insects such as booklice and silverfish. Stored books are an appealing food source for these pests. We recommend storing books in sealed containers in a climate-controlled area of your home.
Firewood
Storing firewood in the garage might seem like a good idea, but we don’t recommend it. Damp wood can attract termites and other wood-boring insects, which could then infest other wooden structures in your home. Firewood can also harbor rodents and spiders.
Keep firewood outdoors, elevated off the ground, and covered with a tarp to protect it from rain. Store it at least a few feet away from the house to minimize pest infestations.
Pet Food
Don’t store pet food in the garage, even in unopened bags. The scent can attract rodents, who can easily chew through packaging. Open bags of food can attract insects such as cockroaches and flies.
We recommend storing pet food in airtight plastic or metal containers with secure lids. Keep these containers inside the house in a cool, dry place.
Clothing
Storing clothing in the garage is also a bad idea. Fabric—especially natural fibers such as wool, silk, or cotton—can attract moths. The humidity can also lead to mold and mildew growth on clothes.
Leather is particularly susceptible to damage when stored in the garage. Fluctuating temperatures and humidity can cause cracking, peeling, or mildew growth. To protect clothing, store it in sealed containers or garment bags inside the house.
Rugs and Carpet Samples
Never leave carpet samples or rolled-up rugs out in your garage. These items welcome vermin to create a cozy, disease-filled nest in your home. They also absorb moisture from the air, becoming smelly and moldy over time.
Instead of storing rugs and carpets outside, wrap them in a clean plastic trash bag and store them under a bed or in an indoor closet.
Items That Can Deteriorate
Garages, with their temperature fluctuations and potential for moisture, can be harsh on many household items. Some things are more likely to deteriorate when exposed to these conditions over time.
Wine
Never store wine in the garage. Temperature fluctuations can alter the wine’s composition and taste, leading to oxidation and over-fermentation that can render even the finest wines unpalatable. Use a temperature-controlled wine cooler or keep bottles in a cool, dark place inside the house where temperatures are relatively stable.
Canned Food
Your garage might seem like a convenient pantry extension, but storing canned foods there can lead to spoilage and health risks. High temperatures (above 75 degrees Fahrenheit) can cause canned foods to lose nutrients and spoil more quickly.
Humidity can also rust can lids, potentially contaminating the food inside. Keep canned goods in a cool, dry pantry or cabinet inside the house to maintain their quality and safety.
Dry Goods
Avoid storing dry food items in the garage, even those with long expiration dates. These products can attract pests looking for an easy meal. Humidity and fluctuating temperatures can cause dry goods to go stale or mold more quickly.
Store dry goods in airtight containers in a cool, dry pantry to maintain freshness and deter pests.
Leftover Paint
Paint is sensitive to temperature changes, and storing it in a garage can ruin it. Extreme cold can cause paint to separate, while heat can dry it out. Store paint cans in a cool, dry place indoors, such as a utility closet or basement. Keep cans tightly sealed and clearly labeled.
Electronics
Electronics are vulnerable to temperature extremes and humidity, so the garage is a poor storage choice. High heat can cause shorts, while cold temperatures can lead to condensation inside devices. Keep electronics in a climate-controlled area of the house. If you need to store them, use airtight plastic containers for extra moisture protection.
Vinyl Records
Never store vinyl record collections in the garage. The records’ grooves can trap moisture, leading to mildew growth. High temperatures can cause records to warp, rendering them unplayable. Store vinyl records vertically in a cool, dry place inside the house, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Wood Furniture
Wooden furniture is particularly susceptible to damage when stored in a garage. The porous wood expands and contracts with humidity changes and can warp, crack, or split. The damp garage environment can promote mold and mildew growth on wooden surfaces. Store wooden furniture in climate-controlled areas of the house to preserve its integrity and appearance.
Important Documents
Never store vital papers in the garage, including passports, birth certificates, and insurance documents. The humidity can deteriorate paper. Instead, keep these documents in a fireproof safe or a secure filing cabinet inside the house. This way, they’re protected from environmental damage and easily accessible when needed.
Old Photographs
Protect cherished memories from the harsh environment of a garage. Humidity can cause photos to stick together or develop mold, while temperature fluctuations can fade and deteriorate the image. Store photos in acid-free boxes or albums, and keep them in a cool, dry place inside the house. Digitize important photos to preserve them indefinitely.
Cardboard Boxes
Many people store empty cardboard boxes in the garage for future use, but this can lead to problems. Cardboard easily absorbs moisture, making it susceptible to mold growth and deterioration. Cardboard can also release methane gas as it breaks down.
Pests such as roaches and silverfish are attracted to cardboard as a food source and nesting material. Store cardboard boxes in a dry area inside the house, or use plastic storage containers instead.
An Extra Refrigerator Can Increase Energy Bills
Many homeowners keep an extra refrigerator in the garage for additional storage. However, this can significantly increase energy bills, especially during the summer.
Garages aren’t typically insulated, so temperatures fluctuate dramatically. In hot weather, a garage refrigerator works much harder to stay cool, consuming more energy.
Instead, invest in a garage-ready refrigerator. They have enhanced insulation and temperature sensors to operate efficiently in garages, helping keep energy costs under control.
Things You Can Safely Store in Your Garage
While many items should stay out of the garage, you can safely store plenty of things in this space. The garage is ideal for items that aren’t sensitive to temperature changes or humidity and those that are used primarily for outdoor activities.
Some items that can be safely stored in the garage include:
- Outdoor tools (rakes, shovels, hoses, brooms)
- Garden containers (flower pots, buckets, wheelbarrows)
- Sports equipment (bats, rackets, balls, gloves)
- Holiday decorations
- Outdoor patio furniture
- Lawn mowers
- Bicycles
Use shelving units or pegboards to keep items organized and off the floor. This helps prevent clutter and makes things easier to find.
