Your garage might feel like the perfect spot to store anything and everything you don’t have space for in the house. But in reality, it’s one of the trickiest spots in the home to store certain items due to fluctuating temperatures, humidity, and exposure to pests. Here are three common items that don’t belong in the garage—and where they’re better off.
- Paint Cans
Most of us think of the garage as a logical place for paint storage, but the truth is that extreme temperatures can quickly ruin that leftover paint. In the summer, heat can cause paint to separate, dry out, or develop lumps. Cold winters, on the other hand, can lead to freezing, which makes it unusable once it thaws. Even if the paint looks fine, exposure to extreme temperatures can degrade its quality, resulting in poor adhesion and an uneven finish.
Where to store it instead: Keep paint cans in a temperature-controlled space like a basement or a closet. If you have just a bit of paint left, transfer it to an airtight container and store it indoors. This also prevents fumes from leaking into the garage, which can be harmful when concentrated.
- Important Documents and Photographs
Garages are generally not sealed well enough to keep out humidity, which is bad news for sensitive materials like documents and photos. Paper and photos can warp, develop mold, or even be destroyed by pests. Documents such as tax forms, medical records, or even personal keepsakes might not withstand long-term storage in such an environment.
Where to store them instead: A dry, temperature-controlled environment is best for paper items. Consider investing in a filing cabinet with a sealable top, and for extra protection, place your valuable papers in waterproof plastic bins. Digital backups can be a lifesaver here, too; consider scanning important documents and keeping them in cloud storage or on a secure drive.
- Propane Tanks
Propane tanks are essential for many outdoor activities, like grilling, but the garage is one of the worst places to store them. A small leak in a propane tank can fill an enclosed space like a garage with highly flammable gas. If a spark or flame enters, it can cause an explosion. Furthermore, propane should not be stored at high temperatures, which can create pressure inside the tank and increase the risk of leaks.
Where to store them instead: Store propane tanks outside in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. An outdoor shed or a covered area that allows for proper ventilation is a good choice, but keep the tank upright and make sure it’s on a stable surface.
Final Thoughts
While your garage might be spacious and convenient, it’s not the best place for everything. Keeping items in climate-controlled, secure, and well-ventilated areas is the best way to ensure they remain safe and in good condition. Taking just a few minutes to relocate these items can save you from unexpected problems in the future.
