Often the garage can be a place that is easy to fill up. It's often the hiding place that we use as a last resort dumping ground when we're not sure what to do with an item. But perhaps you'd like to know what not to store in the garage?
As garage storage experts with our gearhooks.com options, we are well-placed to advise on all matters of storage and storage-related topics.
So read on to see our entire list of what not to store in the garage!
What not to store in the garage – Top 14 items
Let's get straight into the list beginning with an important one.
1. What not to store in the garage - Flammable liquids and fuels
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This section also includes fuels like petrol or diesel.
Although we often do, products like flammable liquids should be carefully placed when kept in a garage as they can be quite dangerous given their flammability and volatility.
Above all make sure they’re in suitable containers, and sealed. And away from ignition sources, such as heaters and flames, to prevent any accidents.
It’s even more important not to store these types of materials in the garage if you have an attached house. The risk of fire could just be too great.
Many fuels, like petrol will degrade over time so you shouldn't store it for long anyway. It's even best to take the latest petrol like E10 out of things like mowers when storing over winter so the fuel doesn't damage the carburetor.
2. What not to store in the garage - Paint cans
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I'm sure many of us are guilty of this. But oild based paint cans are also not recommended to keep in the garage.
Strictly speaking, they are chemicals and can be affected during warmer months with general fumes that could spread into your house.
There is no problem with emulsion or water based paints.
3. What not to store in the garage - Fresh Food
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This point is pretty obvious for most people, but fresh food should never be stored in a garage. Mainly as temperature and humidity levels can lead to spoilage or contamination.
In addition, keeping food in the garage can attract pests such as rodents which can cause damage to other items stored there.
4. What not to store in the garage - Canned Food
Following on from fresh food, you could also add canned food to the items that should not be stored in a garage.
The fluctuating temperatures can cause the lids to swell, leading to premature spoilage. Some can even rust and spoil the contents if left near a damp area.
Some food products may be suitable. For example, products specifically meant for cold storage such as wine.
Otherwise, any food item is better kept in safer conditions inside your home rather than exposed to extreme temperatures outside which can affect their quality over time.
5. What not to store in the garage - Furniture and upholstered items
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Furniture, especially furniture that has fabric, or softwood material should not be stored in the garage.
For one thing, it can take up a lot of space and make it difficult to use the garage for its intended purpose.
But aside from that, it can become damp and mouldy and you'll eventually need to throw it out anyway.
Items like this attract black mould. Black mould is not healthy, and is also difficult to eradicate once it’s taken hold!
Storing for short periods you can perhaps get away with. But certainly not long term!
GearHooks garage wall storage system
If you're looking to hang bulky items in your garage, then most people tend to use specific products like our Gearhooks products to hang and attach larger items onto the walls of your garage.
This makes them easily accessible when needed but out of sight otherwise.
Using specific products like this not only preserves space in the garage but also helps keep stuff off the floor, organised, and tidy at all times!
6. What not to store in the garage - Electronics, computer parts and games consoles
Photo by Yogesh Phuyal on Unsplash
Any electrical item not designed to be robust is also best kept away from the garage.
Mainly due to its vulnerability to dust and temperature changes that could affect how well they run over time when stored within an unregulated environment.
Items like drills and other tools are designed to withstand temperature changes and outdoor use for a reasonable period so they’re not quite the same.
7. What not to store in the garage - Batteries
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Old car batteries, leisure batteries and other types of batteries should also not be stored in the garage.
They can present a fire hazard and create an unsafe environment for anyone that visits or enters the space.
8. Jewellery, money and other valuables
This largely goes without saying, but we had to include it.
Valuable items should also not be kept inside a garage due to their tendency to get stolen more easily than if they were securely stored elsewhere ...such as within a safe or lockable cabinet.
9. What not to store in the garage - Books, magazines, paper and cardboard
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These type of products are prone to discolouration, fading and damage from dampness and humidity.
Therefore, these items should be kept in a cool and dry location away from the garage. You don't want your historic Marvel comic collection to be ruined!
10. What not to store in the garage - Documents and artwork
This section follows on from our last point. And while it might be tempting to store your old Tax forms in the garage, these should be kept out of the garage space.
Generally speaking, they're not well protected against theft or water damage. Plus, as with other items on this list, they can attract black mould.
Artwork is definitely best kept away from the garage as the humidity can cause mould, and any temperature spikes due to cold or heat can damage it.
If you must store artwork temporarily, then place them in a safe box with protective packaging.
We wouldn’t recommend hanging your art on the garage walls either! That’s not going to help.
Sports equipment wall storage system
Wall storage should be reserved for shelving and items like bikes and sports equipment. The latter can be safely mounted onto walls using Gearhooks. This saves floor space while still providing easy access when necessary.
Keeping more items off the ground means essential tools and equipment remain accessible and organized at all times! It's all part of creating a well-organised garage space.
11. What not to store in the garage - Propane tanks and canisters
We’ve covered fuel, but similar to this are highly explosive items like propane or butane gas tanks and aerosol canisters.
Much of this is going to be your BBQ gas tank or your caravan gas supply. While these containers are highly protected, we ideally should not be storing these in the garage either as it is a potential fire hazard or worse - an explosion waiting to happen!
Instead, these items should be safely and securely stored in a separate location away from the garage.
Supermarkets keep gas bottles in cages outside the main building. Partly due to fire risk, and also due to fumes that leak from the tanks.
12. What not to store in the garage - Clothing and bedding
Photo by Parker Burchfield on Unsplash
Much the same as upholstered products, items of clothing and bedding should also be kept out of the garage as they are prone to mildew and mould growth if left in damp conditions for extended periods.
You’d be surprised how many people will stick a mattress in the garage (just temporarily of course!) only to find it damp and mouldy a month or two later.
Plus who wuld really want to use bedding or wear clothes that have been stored in a garage?
13. What not to store in the garage - Temperature-sensitive items
There are several products and items that should not be stored in the garage as temperature fluctuations can cause damage.
This includes items such as electronics and foods which we mentioned earlier. But also medications that need to be kept at a certain temperature to remain safe for use.
14. What not to store in the garage - Vinyl Records, photographs and albums
Your valued 70s record collection is probably not something you want to store in the garage. Records can warp, so fluctuating temperatures and humidity can cause irreparable damage.
Old film, if exposed to moisture, can also be ruined. This includes not only film negatives but also your old photos or wedding album. Not to mention those childhood scrapbooks you made.
What not to store in the garage – Wrapping up
We hope this has helped to answer the question "What not to store in the garage". Now that you know what not what to keep in your garage, you can begin to properly organize your workspace.
So in summary, items that should not be stored in the garage include hazardous materials, flammable liquids, perishables, and anything of high value such as jewellery and things affected by damp like upholstery and paperwork.
Gearhooks wall mounted bike storage hooks and racks
Larger items like bikes should be mounted onto walls using Gearhooks in order to preserve floor space while still providing easy access when necessary.
Lastly, always keep all essential tools and equipment accessible and organized at all times! Now start organizing your garage in a more mindful way – good luck!