10 Items You Should Never Keep in Your Garage

Although many people use their garages for parking cars, they often become a catch-all for bikes, beach chairs, and even freezers. But not everything belongs in the garage. Some things could be ruined by the garage's conditions, while others may attract pests. Here are several items you should definitely avoid storing in your garage.

Art

Whether it's a piece of art your child created or a painting you bought but don’t have space to display—don’t leave it in the garage. The uncontrolled environment exposes your valuable artwork to risks like mold, mildew, and other conditions that can cause damage. 'Artwork should always be kept in a controlled, dry, and clean environment with stable temperature and no humidity,' advises Alix Greenberg, founder of the art and decor brand ArtSugar.

Crucial Documents

While most of us don’t frequently need documents like social security cards, passports, car titles, or other paperwork, storing them in the garage poses risks. Moisture and humidity can accumulate, and pests may damage these items, which can be a hassle to replace. Fortunately, paper doesn’t occupy much space, so finding room in your home office or bedroom shouldn’t be a problem. If you must store documents in the garage, it’s best to place them in a file box, secure them in a safe, or store them in a waterproof container.

Books

Even if you're far beyond your college years, there’s a good chance you still have a textbook or two lying around, an old dictionary (remember those?), or that copy of War and Peace you intend to read every year but never quite get around to. Whatever it may be, these books should be kept on your bookshelf or somewhere else inside the house. Exposure to moisture can cause pages to crinkle, stick together, or even develop mold or mildew. If you no longer want certain books, consider donating them to your local library or thrift store.

Pet Food

We all love our pets, so it's natural to keep extra food on hand. However, that 40-pound bag of kibble is better kept indoors. Storing pet food in your garage is a poor choice if you don't want to attract rodents and pests. These creatures are drawn to the smell and can chew through paper bags, contaminating the food.

Paint

It’s fine to temporarily store paint in the garage during a home renovation project, but leaving those extra cans there long-term is not advisable. Most paints should be stored at temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. Exposure to extreme heat or cold can alter the paint’s consistency. While frozen paint may be usable after thawing, it’s not worth taking the risk.

Wine

Did you buy extra cases of wine to gift friends and family during the holidays or to stock up for summer celebrations? It might be time to invest in a wine rack or fridge, rather than storing it in your garage. Wine must be kept in a temperature-controlled space, as improper storage can alter its flavor.

Clothing, Linens, or Other Textiles

Whether it’s sweaters you only wear during ski season, extra bedding, towels, or even sleeping bags, fabric items should never be stored in the garage. Moths can damage clothing, and moisture can lead to mold or mildew growth. Rodents may also chew through old clothing and use them for nesting. If you must store clothes in the garage, consider using vacuum-sealed bags and airtight containers.

Firewood

You need to keep your firewood dry to ensure it burns properly, but storing a pile of firewood indoors is a magnet for pests. Keeping it inside could invite mice, insects, and other critters closer to your home. Instead, use tarps or firewood racks to store it far from the garage.

Electronics

If your garage isn’t temperature-controlled, the humidity and temperature swings could damage sensitive electronic devices.

Hazardous Substances

Chemicals such as pesticides can leak in your garage, creating a hazardous environment. Additionally, gas cans and propane tanks may leak, creating a fire risk. It’s best to store such hazardous products in a separate outdoor shed, far from your home. If you must store them in an attached garage, ensure they are out of reach of children and pets, and keep them in a well-ventilated area away from electrical outlets or flame sources like pilot lights or heaters.