Items You Should Never Store in Your Garage

Your garage might seem like the perfect catch-all storage space, but storing the wrong items can lead to serious problems. From fire hazards to pest infestations, improper garage storage puts your belongings—and your family—at risk. Many homeowners unknowingly damage valuable possessions or create dangerous conditions by keeping sensitive items in their garage.

At GarageExperts® of Boise, we've transformed countless garages throughout Boise and beyond, and we've seen firsthand how improper storage can ruin belongings and create safety hazards. So, before you stash another box or container on those shelves, learn which common household items should never be stored in your garage.

What Shouldn't Be Stored in a Garage?

While it might feel like an easy solution, storing certain items in your garage can lead to damage, safety hazards, or contamination. Here are some common items you should always avoid keeping in the garage:

Perishable Foods

Temperature fluctuations in garages can turn perishable food into a magnet for pests or bacteria. Surprisingly, even items like canned goods are at risk. Improper storage can shorten their shelf life and threaten their safety. Always store food in a cool, controlled indoor pantry.

Paint and Chemicals

If you thought your garage was the perfect spot for leftover paint cans and cleaning chemicals, think again. In reality, extreme temperatures can break down these materials, making them less effective and even hazardous. For safety and longevity, store these items in a climate-controlled environment.

Paper Products and Textiles

Storing paper goods, fabrics, or cardboard boxes in a garage is like putting out an open invitation for mold, mildew, and pests. These items absorb moisture from the air, leading to unpleasant odors and irreparable damage. Stick to indoor closets or sealed storage bins for protecting these valuables, especially when it comes to photos or important documents.

Electronics and Media

Electronics and media, such as DVDs and vintage records, are sensitive to heat and humidity. Extreme conditions can warp discs, damage circuits, or ruin magnetic storage. To extend their lifespan, keep them in a dry, temperature-controlled room instead. Plus, you’ll have easier access when you want to use them!

Propane Tanks

Stashing propane tanks in your garage is a major safety risk. A small leak in an enclosed environment can create a dangerous buildup of flammable gas. Always store propane outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

By avoiding these storage mistakes, you’re not only protecting your belongings, but also creating a safer and more efficient space for your home!

Garage Storage Safety Checklist: Should I Store or Not Store?

Before you store anything in your garage, take a moment to run through this essential safety checklist. Asking yourself these questions can mean the difference between preserving your belongings and finding them damaged, contaminated, or creating a safety hazard.

A few minutes of consideration now can save you from costly mistakes and dangerous situations later:

• Is the item temperature-stable between 0°F and 100°F? Extreme temperature swings can damage everything from electronics to liquids.
• Will it remain unaffected by moisture and humidity? Garages often experience condensation and dampness that can ruin sensitive materials.
• Does it contain flammable materials or chemicals? Items like propane, gasoline, or certain cleaners pose serious fire risks in enclosed spaces.
• Is it properly sealed against pests? Open containers or cardboard boxes invite rodents and insects to nest and feed.
• Can it be stored off the ground? Elevating items protects against flooding, spills, and concrete moisture.
• Will temperature changes cause it to leak or rupture? Liquids can expand when frozen or leak when overheated.
• Is it something you'd be comfortable storing near heat sources? Water heaters, furnaces, and cars generate heat that could affect nearby items.

By following this checklist, you'll create a safer environment for both your family and your belongings. When in doubt, remember: if an item is irreplaceable, valuable, or potentially hazardous, it's worth finding a more suitable storage location inside your home.

Create a Safer and More Functional Garage

Proper storage isn’t just about keeping things neat; it’s about protecting your possessions and ensuring the safety of your home. By avoiding common garage storage mistakes and following the safety checklist above, you can prevent damage, reduce hazards, and make better use of your garage space.

Start With the Right Foundation

The key to any well-functioning garage? Durable flooring and quality storage systems. At GarageExperts® of Boise, we install professional epoxy and polyaspartic floor coatings that resist stains and moisture, plus custom storage solutions built to handle temperature extremes and daily use. While we can't tell you what to store, we can provide the durable surfaces and storage systems that help protect whatever you choose to keep in your garage!

Ready to upgrade your garage with professional flooring or storage solutions? Schedule a free in-home estimate with our Boise garage storage professionals!