Although the garage is an excellent storage place, some items don’t belong out there. You’ll want to avoid keeping the following things in this space to keep your home safe and free of pests that could damage your belongings.
1. Pet Food
Having pet food in your garage is like offering an open invitation to every rodent near your property to come for a snack. If you have no other option, it must be kept in a metal or plastic container with a tight seal.
2. Oily Rags
Some oils can spontaneously combust when stored in rags. [[1]] If the internal heat isn’t allowed to escape, you could be filing an unemployment claim! Anything that could be combustible should be kept away from your garage while following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
3. Firewood
Although you need dry and seasoned firewood for warmth, backyard fun, or a cozy night by the fireplace, you shouldn’t store it in the garage. The organic materials are a pest magnet! You’ll want to keep your wood stacked at least 20 feet away from your home for the best results. [[2]]
4. Sleeping Bags
Fabrics don’t respond well to humidity and temperature changes. If the materials get moldy, you’ll need to throw the items away. Soft textiles are also a favorite addition to a rodent nest. It’s better to store this product with your clothing in a closet inside the home.
5. Paint
Extreme temperature changes can alter a paint formula. If your garage isn’t well-sealed, it won’t be an ideal spot for storing leftover paint. The manufacturer will offer a recommended range that you’ll want to follow. [[3]]
6. Old Toys
Although some plastic toys can get stored safely in the garage, you’ll want to avoid anything made with plush materials. Stuffed animals can attract dust mites, insects, and mice when they’re left unprotected. [[4]] If you must keep these items in storage, make sure that they’re in an airtight container.
7. Propane Tank
Most propane tanks are safe to store on your property, but you will not want to keep them in the garage. If a leak should happen in that enclosed space, it would only take a spark to cause a fire. Even starting your vehicle could trigger this reaction! When you store them outside, you’ll want to avoid keeping the product in areas where high temperatures or low ventilation could occur. [[5]]
8. Printed Photographs and Documents
If you don’t have digital copies of your old family photos or picture albums, the garage is not the place where you’ll want to store these memories. Humidity, temperature changes, and other environmental factors could quickly ruin the items. [[6]] This rule also applies to your essential documents, such as birth certificates or passports.
9. Wine Bottles
Temperature and humidity changes can ruin a bottle of wine quickly. [[7]] If you need to store it in the garage, consider investing in a cooler or refrigerator built for this purpose to protect your investment.
Garages provide homes with lots of extra storage. When you know what to avoid putting in this space, it’s much easier to stop unwanted pests, insects, and other invaders from causing damage to your belongings.