Is It Safe To Store Things In The Garage?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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So as a general rule,

don’t store anything in your garage

that you wouldn’t store in the trunk of your car. Extreme temperatures, as well as excess humidity, can cause many items to warp, crack, or otherwise become damaged.

What should not be stored in a garage?

  • Propane Tanks. …
  • Clothing and Bedding. …
  • Paper Products. …
  • Fresh Food. …
  • Temperature-Sensitive Items. …
  • Canned Food. …
  • Refrigerator. …
  • Vinyl Records & 8mm Film.

Can you store paper in a garage?


Don’t store papers and documents in your garage

because they will get ruined by moisture and they also might get covered with dirt and dust over time. If these papers are important, you’re going to want to keep them safe.

Can you store dry goods in a garage?

In general, most pantry items, from canned foods to dry goods like crackers or chips, should be stored in a

cool, dry space

. The garage doesn’t have the climate control of an insulated house, which means it’s damper during all seasons.

What is the best way to store books in a garage?


Seal up any holes

, use caulk around drafty windows, and check the weather stripping on your garage door and replace it if necessary. Keep the garage clean and organized and dust the bookshelves regularly, as clutter, dust, and dirt can attract pests and give them places to hide.

Will clothes go Mouldy in garage?

Fluctuating temperatures and humidity are not ideal conditions for storing fabric.

It can get moldy

, and rodents love to chew it. It’s tempting to stash sleeping bags with other non-fabric camping supplies in the garage, but don’t do it! Store sleeping bags, clothes and other fabric items inside your house.

How do I store things in my garage?

  1. Safely Store Items. …
  2. Draft a Floor Plan of Your Garage. …
  3. Keep Things Off the Garage Floor. …
  4. Must-Have Storage Products for Garages. …
  5. Why Open Shelves Are Better Than Closed Cabinets. …
  6. Install Vertical Organizing Systems. …
  7. Use Overhead Space Wisely. …
  8. Build a Workbench.

What food items can be stored in a garage?

Can you safely store food in the garage?

Canned food and other shelf-stable food

is best stored in cool, dry, dark conditions. If you keep the temperature above freezing and below 85°F (29.4°C), keep the humidity low (below 15% if possible), and minimize directly sunlight then your garage is safe for food storage.

Can you store small appliances in the garage?

Firstly,

we do not recommend that you store your appliances in your garage

(or the garage of a friend or family member). The appliances can easily be damaged in a garage (by moving / parking cars, kids, tools falling, etc.), and most garages are not climate controlled.

Can you store a fridge in an unheated garage?

Because garages aren’t insulated,

you should only store a refrigerator in one if you live in an area with moderate temperatures

. Cold weather may cause your fridge not to work at all, meaning your freezer section can thaw out.

What temperature is bad for books?

Books should be stored away from radiators and kept in a room

between 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 70 degrees Fahrenheit

(16 degrees Celsius and 21 degrees Celsius). Air conditioners and fans are fine to use to keep the temperature down.

Is it better to store books upright or flat?

Ideally,

stand the books upright in the storage box

. Always pack stacks of books with fore edges facing the sides of the box so that if the load shifts, the “spines against spines” configuration guards against damage. Do not lay books flat on top of the upright ones.

How do I protect my books in storage?

  1. Inspect Books for Food or Liquid Damage. It isn’t uncommon to eat or drink while reading. …
  2. Carefully Wrap Each Book. …
  3. Use a Storage Container. …
  4. Store Your Books Vertically. …
  5. Utilize a Climate Controlled Storage Unit for Long Term Storage. …
  6. Check on Your Books.

What’s the best way to store clothes in a garage?

  1. Whether you have cardboard or plastic boxes to store your footwear and clothing in, we strongly recommend that you do not leave the boxes on the ground.
  2. Before leaving the boxes with clothes there, make sure to sweep the floor and air out the garage.

How do I keep my clothes from getting moldy in my garage?

Be sure to store clothes

somewhere dark

to avoid fading. Make sure it’s cool, as hot environments lead to mildew. Don’t overpack storage containers; make sure your clothing can breathe.

Can I store Christmas decorations in garage?

Often, the only place to store holiday decorations is

in the garage or attic

, according to organizing expert Barry Izsak, author of “Organize Your Garage in No Time.” … Store holiday decorations in enclosed plastic containers to guard against water and moisture damage.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.