23 Things People Should Never Store in Their Garage (But Still Do)

Most homeowners see their garage as a perfect storage solution. It seems like an ideal space to keep everything that won’t fit inside the house, a dedicated area for old furniture, seasonal items, and those things we might need someday. 

But this common practice can lead to damaged belongings, safety hazards, and unnecessary waste. The garage environment presents unique challenges that many people overlook. Temperature changes drastically throughout the year, humidity levels fluctuate, and the space attracts unwanted pests looking for shelter. 

These conditions create risks not just for your stored items, but also for your family’s safety. Understanding what belongs in your garage, and more importantly, what doesn’t,  will help protect your valuable belongings and maintain a safer home environment. 

This guide reveals 23 common items that need better homes than your garage. We’ll look at safer storage spots for everything, chemicals that could become hazardous, food items that might spoil, and precious belongings that deserve better protection. 

Making smart storage choices now saves money, preserves your valuables, and creates a safer home environment for everyone.

Paint and Paint Supplies

Paint requires stable conditions to maintain its quality and usefulness. Extreme cold causes paint to separate and become lumpy, while heat speeds up deterioration and increases fire risks. A basement or utility room offers better storage conditions with consistent temperatures. 

Store paint cans upright on sturdy shelves, and label them with the room and date of use for easy identification. Consider transferring leftover paint to smaller containers to save space and reduce waste.

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Gasoline and Flammable Liquids

Gasoline fumes accumulate in enclosed spaces and create serious fire hazards. Temperature changes cause these liquids to expand and contract, increasing the risk of container failure. Store minimal amounts in approved safety containers in a separate outdoor shed. 

Keep containers sealed tightly and marked clearly with contents and date. Check local regulations for specific storage requirements in your area.

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Important Documents and Photos

Documents and photographs need protection against moisture and temperature changes. Garage conditions cause paper to warp, pictures to fade, and important records to deteriorate. A filing cabinet or document-safe box inside your home provides better protection. 

Organize papers in acid-free folders and store photos in archival-quality containers. Keep these items in a room with stable temperature and low humidity levels.

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Electronics and Old Devices

Electronic components suffer permanent damage in uncontrolled environments. Moisture leads to circuit board corrosion, while temperature swings can crack internal parts. Store electronics in closets or cabinets inside your home, away from heat sources. 

Use anti-static bags for extra protection and keep original packaging when possible. Consider recycling old devices instead of storing them indefinitely.

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Canned and Non-Perishable Food

Food storage demands consistent temperatures to remain safe and edible. Heat makes canned foods expand and spoil, while temperature changes affect food quality. Keep all food items in a dedicated pantry or kitchen cabinet. 

Organize items rotation dates and check regularly for signs of damage. Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent pest problems.

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Wine and Alcohol

Wine and spirits require specific storage conditions to preserve their quality. Temperature fluctuations ruin flavor profiles and can cause bottles to leak or break. Create a dedicated storage space in a cool, dark area of your home. 

Keep bottles lying flat if they have corks, and maintain consistent temperatures. Consider a wine refrigerator for valuable collections.

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Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard attracts moisture and provides perfect shelter for pests. Boxes deteriorate quickly in garage conditions and can spread dampness to their contents. Replace cardboard with sturdy plastic containers that seal tightly. 

Label containers clearly and stack them efficiently on shelves. Choose clear bins to easily identify contents without opening.

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Wooden Furniture

Wood reacts poorly to moisture and temperature changes found in most garages. These conditions cause warping, cracking, and can invite wood-destroying insects. Place wooden furniture in climate-controlled rooms inside your home. 

Clean and polish items before storage to maintain their finish. Use furniture covers to protect against dust while allowing air circulation.

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Firewood

Storing firewood in your garage creates an open invitation to termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-boring insects. These pests establish colonies in the wood stack and eventually move into your home’s structure. 

Stack firewood outdoors at least 20 feet away from your house on a raised platform. Use a waterproof cover that extends over the top while leaving the sides open for airflow. Maintain a regular rotation schedule to use older wood first and limit bug infestations.

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Pet Food and Birdseed

Pet food and birdseed contain nutrients that attract rodents, insects, and other unwanted guests. The scent travels through tiny gaps, drawing pests into your garage and eventually your home. 

Store these items inside your house in sealed plastic or metal containers. Take time to clean storage containers between refills to prevent mold growth. Consider purchasing smaller quantities to maintain freshness and reduce storage needs.

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Fabric Items

Fabric absorbs moisture and odors quickly in garage environments. Materials become breeding grounds for mildew, attract moths, and provide nesting materials for mice. Store clothing, blankets, and other textiles in vacuum-sealed bags or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. 

Add moisture absorbers to storage containers and inspect items regularly. Keep seasonal clothes in bedroom closets or under-bed storage containers.

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Leather Items

Leather needs consistent humidity and temperature to maintain its quality. Garage conditions cause leather to crack, develop mold, or become brittle and unusable. Store leather goods in cloth bags or breathable containers inside climate-controlled closets. 

Use leather conditioner before storage to maintain flexibility. Keep items away from direct heat sources and air vents.

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Paper Products

Books, magazines, and paper items deteriorate rapidly in garage environments. Pages yellow, bindings break down, and moisture leads to permanent damage. Store reading materials on interior shelves or in sealed containers inside your home. 

Use bookends to keep items upright and prevent warping. Organize materials categorically for easy access and regular rotation.

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Pesticides and Lawn Chemicals

Chemical products require careful storage to prevent accidents and maintain effectiveness. Garage heat accelerates chemical breakdown and creates toxic fumes in enclosed spaces. Store these products in a locked, well-ventilated outdoor shed with proper shelving. 

Keep original labels intact and materials in their original containers. Dispose expired products through local hazardous waste programs.

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Musical Instruments

Musical instruments react poorly to humidity and temperature changes. Wood warps, metal corrodes, and strings stretch or break under garage conditions. Store instruments in appropriate cases within climate-controlled rooms. 

Maintain proper humidity levels using instrument-specific humidifiers. Clean and service instruments regularly before extended storage periods.

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Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning products contain chemicals that become unstable in extreme temperatures. Products may lose effectiveness, create dangerous fumes, or leak in garage conditions. Store cleaning supplies in a dedicated cabinet or closet inside your home. 

Keep products upright in their original containers with clear labels. Ensure proper ventilation in storage areas and separate incompatible products.

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Artwork and Framed Pictures

Art materials react negatively to moisture and temperature variations. Canvas stretches or shrinks, paint cracks, and frames warp under garage conditions. Store artwork in climate-controlled rooms, standing vertically to prevent pressure points. 

Use acid-free material between pieces when stacking frames together. Maintain stable room temperatures and humidity levels to preserve artistic integrity.

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Batteries

Temperature extremes significantly impact battery performance and safety. Cold reduces power output while heat speeds up chemical breakdown inside batteries. Store batteries in a cool, dry drawer or cabinet inside your home at room temperature. 

Keep batteries in their original packaging or a plastic container. Check stored batteries every six months for signs of leakage or damage.

Unused Tires

Tire rubber compounds break down under temperature swings and exposure to concrete floors. Direct sunlight and ozone speed up deterioration, shortening tire life significantly. Store tires in tire bags or covers, elevated off the ground on proper racks. 

Maintain proper air pressure even during storage. Clean tires thoroughly before storing to prevent rubber damage.

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Fertilizers

Fertilizer chemicals become unstable in high temperatures and humidity. These products often react with other stored chemicals, creating dangerous situations. Store fertilizers in sealed containers inside a separate storage shed with good airflow. 

Keep products in their original packaging with readable instructions. Organize products last-in-first-out to ensure proper rotation.

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Upholstered Items

Fabric furniture collects moisture, leading to mold growth and material breakdown. Cushions and padding become perfect homes for insects and small animals. Store upholstered items in climate-controlled spaces with good air circulation. 

Cover furniture with breathable materials to protect against dust. Raise items off the floor using proper furniture blocks or risers.

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Seasonal Clothing

Clothing requires stable environments to maintain quality and prevent pest damage. Garage storage exposes fabrics to moisture, mildew, and insects. Store seasonal clothes in vacuum-sealed bags inside bedroom closets or under beds. 

Clean all items thoroughly before storage. Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets as natural pest deterrents.

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Medications and Personal Care Products

Medical items require strict temperature control to maintain effectiveness. Heat and cold alter chemical compositions, making products potentially unsafe. Store medications in a dedicated cabinet away from kitchen and bathroom humidity. 

Monitor expiration dates regularly. Keep products in original containers with clear labels.

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Making Your Garage Work Better

Your garage serves best as a dedicated space for your vehicles, tools, and outdoor equipment. Smart storage choices protect both your belongings and your family’s safety. Take time this week to check your garage storage, you’ll likely spot several items that need a new home inside your house or in proper outdoor storage.

A well-organized garage improves your home’s functionality and preserves your valuable items. Start small: move one category at a time to its proper location. Consider adding shelving units, cabinets, or a storage shed to create more suitable spaces for different items. 

Regular garage cleaning and organization will keep your space useful and safe throughout the year.

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.