5 Things You Should Never Store in Your Garage

Your garage might seem like the perfect place to store everything from tools to Halloween Skeletons and Christmas lights, but some items are better kept somewhere else. There are 5 things that you should never store in the garage, since they can lead to safety hazards, or serious health risks:

1. Paint and Other Chemicals: Storing paint and chemicals in your garage can lead to issues you might not expect. Extreme temperatures, whether it’s the sweltering heat of summer or the freezing cold of winter, can cause paint to separate, thicken, or spoil, rendering it useless. Additionally, chemicals can become volatile under temperature fluctuations, potentially leading to dangerous fumes or even explosions. To keep your paints and chemicals safe and effective, store them in a climate-controlled area.
2. Food: It might be tempting to use your garage as extra pantry space, but this is a bad idea for a few reasons. First, food stored in garages is at the mercy of fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels, which can cause spoilage faster than you might think. Second, food can attract unwanted guests like rodents and insects, leading to infestations that can be hard to control. Keep your food in the kitchen or pantry where it belongs.
3. Oil Rags: Oily rags can pose a significant fire hazard if not stored properly. The combination of oil and heat can cause spontaneous combustion, turning your garage into a potential firetrap. Instead of tossing used oil rags into a pile or leaving them exposed, store them in a sealed, fire-resistant container or dispose of them safely according to local regulations.
4. Propane Tanks: Storing propane tanks in the garage might seem convenient, but it’s far from safe. Propane leaks are highly dangerous, and if a tank were to leak in an enclosed space like a garage, it could result in a fire or explosion. Always store propane tanks in a well-ventilated outdoor area, away from direct sunlight and sources of ignition.
5. Wooden Furniture or burning wood: Wood is highly susceptible to damage when exposed to humidity and temperature changes, both of which are common in garages. Storing wooden furniture or other wood items in the garage can lead to warping, cracking, or even rot. To preserve your wooden items, keep them in a climate-controlled environment.

Your garage might look like an all-purpose space, but it’s not suitable for storing everything. By keeping these five items out of your garage, you’ll protect your belongings, reduce the risk of accidents, and make your garage safer. Remember, a little forethought in storage can go a long way in preventing costly and potentially dangerous mistakes.

 Author: Susanna Leung

Susanna Leung’s goal as a real estate professional with Haylen Group is to help her first-time home buying clients find that perfect home where their families can grow, thrive, and live their dreams in the United States. She applies her experience in remodeling, resource networking, negotiations, and advanced marketing to provide her clients with dedicated, full coverage service.