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6 Items You Should Never Store in the Garage, According to Pros

It can be tempting to use the garage to store all the items that don't fit well inside the home. However, just because there is space doesn’t mean that it is the best space for your items.

We asked experts on items that should never be stored in the garage, read on to find out what five items you should always keep away.

Meet the Expert

garages with storage

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Lawn Equipment

It seems logical to put any lawn gear in the garage, but it may actually not be the best place according to experts.

“Your recreational items could be damaged by prolonged direct sunlight,” says Jon Russell of Precision Garage Door Service.

After you're done using a lawn mower, it can remain hot for a while afterward, Gene Cabellero of GreenPal explains.

“If you store it in your garage immediately after mowing, you're introducing a heat source to a potentially flammable environment," he says. "This could ignite gasoline fumes or even cause stored items like rags or paper to catch fire. Plus, if your mower tips over, it could leak oil or gas, creating additional hazards.”

After you've finished mowing, allow the machine to completely cool down before placing it back into storage.

“Ideally, you should store it in a well-ventilated, cool, and dry place, such as an outdoor storage shed, and make sure the gas tank is empty," Cabellero says.

Pet Food

It is common sense that the food we feed our families shouldn’t be out in the hot garage, the same protocol applies to our furry family members.

“Having pet food stored in your garage can attract rodents or insects,” says Russell. Once pests have infiltrated your garage, it will be challenging to get rid of them, so it's important to take preventative measures. Keep your pet food inside and avoid the long process of having to get rid of rodents and their friends.

Electronics

Sometimes, it seems like our old computers and phones are indestructible—this is not true.

“Extreme temperatures can cause serious damage to delicate electronics like laptops, TVs, and gaming consoles,” says Caballero. “If you need to store electronics in the garage, it's best to invest in a climate-controlled storage unit to keep them safe.”

Make some time to go through old electronics and donate or throw away the ones that no longer serve you or your family.

Clothing

It makes sense that you would want to store seasonal clothing outside, or clothing to pass down from one child to another. However, this is not the safest place for clothing items. Due to inconsistent temperatures and potential pests, your clothes may deteriorate in quality, which will make it difficult to continue wearing them in the future.

Check all clothing labels to understand what kind of care is needed for them to last throughout the years.

Pictures

It may be an easy solution to store old pictures in the garage because of the available storage space, but it's best to avoid this.

“While garages may seem like a convenient storage space, especially for items that you don't frequently use, they can pose significant risks to the long-term preservation and condition of your cherished memories,” explains Mitch Goldstone, CEO of ScanMyPhotos.com

These storage behemoths usually are not temperature—or humidity-controlled and are not sealed from the elements. Photos and film could easily crack in the colder months or become damaged by the heat in warmer months. There is also a high chance of pesky critters scavenging through paper items just as they tend to do with fabrics.

These items are best kept indoors where temperature and humidity levels are more consistent.