12 Items You Should Avoid Storing in an Outdoor Shed

1. Pantry Items

"Many people store excess pantry items in their garage, but temperature fluctuations can cause food to spoil more quickly," says Hord. This is particularly true for items in paper packaging, like crackers or dry pasta, which can attract pests such as moths, mice, and others.

2. Clothing and Other Fabric Materials

Storing off-season clothes, sleeping bags, and other fabric-based items might seem like a good idea for a shed, but you might want to reconsider. "These items can easily develop mold or attract pests," explains Hord. "If you do store fabrics in the shed, it's a good idea to cover them to keep out dust, but be aware that this could also trap unwanted moisture. We frequently use weathertight bins," she adds.

3. Propane

Propane tanks definitely don't seem like something you should store close to your home (and you're correct on that!). So why not a shed? A propane tank that leaks or gets damaged could easily set off a fire or explosion if the gas is allowed to build up in a closed area.

Your best bet? Keep that tank outdoors. (It was built for it!)

4. Important Papers

Paper is a material that doesn't stand up well to less-than-ideal conditions. And storing important papers in a shed or garage could subject them to pests, dirt, moisture, and other factors that could damage or destroy them.

5. Wine and Other Beverages

According to Hord, wine and carbonated drinks are particularly vulnerable to temperature fluctuations in sheds or other areas lacking climate control. In the best case, you might notice a change in flavor or quality; in the worst case, it could lead to the drinks spoiling more quickly.

6. Electronic Devices

The temperature fluctuations in an outdoor shed can damage the delicate wiring in electronic devices or harm the batteries inside. It's best to store your electronics indoors to ensure their safety.

7. Refrigerator or Freezer

Many people use a fridge or freezer in their garage or shed to store extra drinks and food, but Hord suggests this may not be the ideal location. "In hot weather, the fridge has to work much harder, leading to increased energy consumption."

8. Books

Books, much like important documents, are vulnerable to damage from moisture, pests, and the dirt commonly found in sheds. Additionally, fluctuating temperatures can degrade the adhesives used in book bindings.

9. Valuables

Certain valuables, such as paintings or fabric-based items, are particularly susceptible to damage from temperature changes, pests, or the dust that can accumulate in a shed. Moreover, sheds tend to offer less security compared to other areas in your home, making it easier for valuables to be stolen.

The safer alternative? Consider storing them in a more secure location, such as a safe, inside your home.

10. Batteries

Fun Fact: Storing batteries in extreme temperatures can reduce their lifespan. If stored outdoors in an unregulated shed, they might even lose their charge faster. In extreme cases, two batteries could spark and cause a fire.

11. Wood Furniture

Exposure to extreme temperatures can cause your wooden furniture to warp, crack, or even weaken the adhesive in its joints. The only furniture that can safely be stored in an outdoor shed is furniture designed for outdoor use, as it is built to withstand temperature changes.

12. Paint

Yep, temperature fluctuations are to blame once again. Paint is a delicate chemical blend, and freezing temperatures can cause it to break down, possibly making it unusable later. Store any leftover paint you plan to reuse in a climate-controlled area inside your home.