That spacious garage seems like the perfect catch-all for household overflow, especially when closets and cabinets reach capacity. But before you haul another box out there, it’s worth knowing that garages typically lack climate control and proper ventilation, creating conditions that can damage certain items or even create safety hazards. The temperature fluctuations, humidity changes, and potential pest problems make garages unsuitable for storing many everyday items. Understanding what not to store in your garage will protect your belongings and keep your family safe.
Paint and painting supplies
Those leftover paint cans from your living room makeover don’t belong in the garage. Temperature fluctuations can dramatically alter paint consistency and quality, rendering it unusable when you need to do touch-ups. When temperatures drop below freezing, water-based paints can freeze, causing the ingredients to separate and creating a lumpy, grainy mess that won’t mix back together properly. In extreme heat, paint components can break down, changing color or becoming too thick to apply smoothly.
The ideal storage temperature for paint is between 60-80°F in a dry environment, conditions most garages simply can’t maintain. Instead, store paint in a cool, dry indoor closet or utility room away from direct heat sources. If you must dispose of old paint, let it completely dry out in a well-ventilated area, then check with your local waste management facility about proper disposal methods. For small amounts of leftover paint, consider transferring it to airtight glass jars with labels indicating the room and color code.
Propane tanks and other flammable materials
Storing propane tanks in an attached garage creates a serious safety hazard that many homeowners overlook. Even when the valve is tightly closed, propane tanks can leak small amounts of gas that accumulate in enclosed spaces. This invisible danger becomes particularly problematic in garages, which often contain potential ignition sources like water heater pilot lights, furnaces, or electric tools that create sparks. A small spark near concentrated propane gas could lead to an explosion or fire that threatens your entire home.
Safety experts recommend storing propane tanks outdoors in a well-ventilated area, at least 10 feet away from your home. Keep them upright on a flat, stable surface, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. For other flammable materials like gasoline, oily rags, or certain cleaning chemicals, consider a dedicated outdoor storage shed with proper ventilation and no electrical equipment. If you must keep these items in your garage temporarily, invest in a fireproof storage cabinet designed specifically for flammable materials.
Food items and pet food
The bulk food purchases that seemed like such a bargain don’t belong in your garage. Temperature fluctuations can cause canned foods to spoil faster, compromising both safety and taste. The USDA recommends storing canned goods between 50-70°F for optimal shelf life, a range most garages exceed during summer months. Even non-perishable items like flour, rice, and pasta attract pests when stored in garages, where mice and insects can easily find entry points from the outdoors.
Pet food presents an even bigger attraction for pests. That 40-pound bag of dog food might be convenient to store in the garage, but the strong aroma practically sends an invitation to rodents and insects. Once pests discover this food source, they often migrate into your home seeking more. For food storage, use the pantry or kitchen cabinets whenever possible. If space is limited, consider using airtight food storage containers that seal completely. For pet food, transfer it to a metal container with a tight-fitting lid and keep it indoors.
Important documents and photographs
Family photo albums, birth certificates, passports, and important financial records need protection from environmental damage. Garage storage exposes these irreplaceable items to humidity fluctuations that can cause paper to warp, photos to stick together, and documents to develop mold or mildew. The paper fibers in documents and photographs are particularly susceptible to moisture damage, which can occur even when stored in cardboard boxes that absorb humidity from the air.
Important documents should be stored in a climate-controlled environment, ideally in a fireproof, waterproof box or safe inside your home. For photographs, consider using archival-quality storage boxes with acid-free materials to prevent deterioration. Digital backups provide additional protection for both documents and photos. If you must store paper items in a garage temporarily, use airtight plastic containers with desiccant packets to absorb moisture, and keep them elevated off the floor on shelving to prevent water damage.
Electronics and media
Old computers, televisions, DVD players, and other electronic devices quickly deteriorate when stored in garage conditions. The circuit boards and internal components are vulnerable to temperature fluctuations, which can cause condensation to form inside the devices. This moisture leads to corrosion of connections and eventually permanent damage. Even if electronics survive temperature changes, the humidity in most garages accelerates deterioration of sensitive components.
Media items like DVDs, vinyl records, and books face similar risks from garage storage. Extreme temperatures can warp discs and records, while humidity damages paper and book bindings. Instead of the garage, store electronics and media in climate-controlled areas of your home. If you no longer use certain electronics, consider donating working items to charity or recycling them through proper electronic waste programs. For media collections, invest in specialized storage furniture designed to protect these items while keeping them accessible.
Refrigerators and freezers
Placing a refrigerator or freezer in the garage might seem convenient for extra food storage, but it’s actually one of the most inefficient and potentially costly storage decisions. Standard refrigerators and freezers are designed to operate in climate-controlled indoor environments, typically between 60-85°F. When the ambient temperature in your garage drops below 50°F in winter or rises above 90°F in summer, the appliance works constantly to maintain its internal temperature, dramatically increasing energy consumption.
This overworking not only spikes your electricity bill but also shortens the appliance’s lifespan. Many refrigerators can’t function properly when ambient temperatures fall below freezing, as the thermostat may stop triggering the compressor. If you need additional cold storage, consider a garage-ready refrigerator specifically designed to handle temperature extremes, or install a mini-fridge inside your home. For existing garage appliances, monitor the temperature and consider relocating them if you notice inconsistent cooling or significantly higher energy bills.
Wooden furniture and musical instruments
That antique wooden table or unused piano stored in your garage is likely deteriorating faster than you realize. Wood naturally expands and contracts with humidity changes, which are extreme in most garage environments. This constant movement causes joints to loosen, veneer to crack, and solid wood to warp or split. Fine wooden furniture often contains glues that break down in high humidity, while the finish can develop a cloudy appearance or crack in fluctuating conditions.
Musical instruments with wooden components face even more severe consequences from improper storage. The precision mechanisms in pianos, guitars, and string instruments require stable humidity levels to maintain proper tuning and structural integrity. Instead of garage storage, keep wooden furniture and instruments in climate-controlled areas of your home. If space is limited, consider climate-controlled storage facilities for valuable pieces, or invest in protective furniture covers if items must remain in the garage temporarily.
Clothing and bedding
Off-season clothing, extra bedding, and heirloom textiles need better protection than your garage can provide. Fabric items absorb moisture from humid garage air, creating ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth. The musty smell that develops isn’t just unpleasant—it indicates damage that may be difficult or impossible to reverse. Additionally, garages provide minimal protection against pests like moths, silverfish, and rodents that can damage textiles beyond repair.
For proper textile storage, use ventilated closets or storage containers within your home’s living space. If space is limited, vacuum-sealed storage bags can compress seasonal items to a fraction of their normal size while providing protection from moisture and insects. For valuable or sentimental textiles, consider acid-free tissue paper and archival storage boxes. Always ensure items are clean and completely dry before storing them, as dirt and moisture accelerate deterioration and attract pests, regardless of where they’re stored.
While garages provide valuable storage space for tools, outdoor equipment, and cars, they’re simply not suitable for many household items. The inconsistent temperature, humidity fluctuations, and exposure to pests create conditions that damage belongings and sometimes create safety hazards. By being selective about what you store in your garage, you’ll protect your valuables, maintain a safer home environment, and potentially save money by avoiding damage to important possessions.
