It is amazing how many things a garage can hold. But you don’t want to store too many things in your garage, as it could become a fire hazard or attract animals that want to make a home with all that surplus space. With these tips, you will have a clear idea what should not be stored in your garage.
1. Gasoline:
Do not store gasoline or any fuel source in your garage, particularly if there are large quantities of it. If you absolutely must keep fuel on hand, keep it outside and away from the building and always use extreme caution when working with such volatile substances.
2. Lawnmowers and Power Tools:
If you store these items in your garage, make sure they are not in an area where they could accidentally fall on you or others. Also, be certain that the lawnmower and power tools have been properly grounded for protection against electric shock and always turn them off before attempting to unplug them.
3. Paint and Paint Thinner:
When storing paint, keep it away from areas where children are playing. Don’t use the garage as a makeshift paint shop; even with care, fumes can still build up, becoming a potential fire hazard. Also, be aware that paint thinner is flammable and should be stored outside of the home.
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4. Flammable Liquids:
Although many people use their garages for work, garage fires are common and can happen to anyone. Be sure to store flammables like paints, gasoline, solvents and cleaning solutions in a manner that is safe for both you and your home’s structure. Above all else, keep them out of your garage if they are not necessary!
5. Drywall:
When storing any type of drywall, you must keep it away from any flammable items or storage areas where children may have access to it. Be sure to completely cover the item with plastic wrap to avoid accidents.
6. Canned Goods
Many people choose to store canned food in their garage, but the humidity and temperature fluctuations can cause these items to crack. To avoid this, do not store any consumable goods for longer than six months. High humidity in garages can also cause rust which can spoil the canned food inside.
7. Indoor Plants and Houseplants:
It is a great idea to have plants indoors and outside, as they are lovely decorations that add life to any home. However, if you are going to bring plants into your garage for storage (especially houseplants), be sure they have adequate ventilation and sunlight. If you will be storing them in the garage for a long period of time, thoroughly water them first so they will not wither due to lack of moisture.
8. Batteries
Although using batteries may seem like a great way to save money on electricity, there are some safety and storage risks associated with batteries. Batteries contain sulfuric acid, so you should never mix them with other items that contain liquids. Also, if you are storing your car in the garage, be sure to remove the batteries because they can leak acid and corrode your vehicle.
9. Medication
It is important to store any medication in an area that is not easily accessible by children or pets. Many medications can be highly toxic if ingested, so it’s best to keep them in a locked cabinet or safe, especially if you are planning on storing them in the garage for an extended amount of time.
10. Soft Goods
Since soft goods are made of cotton, wool or silk, they are a fire hazard and should not be stored in the garage. When storing soft goods like pillows, blankets and sheets, it is important that they are kept away from flammable materials. Also, moisture can damage fabrics and materials which can attract rodents and other animals to eat through the materials.
11. Clothes Dryers
You might use your dryer to help you out with laundry after a long drive or to dry out wet clothes when you know you won’t be using them for some time. However, if you have one in your garage, there can be a risk for a fire because the doors don’t close properly due to their size and can catch on fire if not closed properly after every use.
12. Books
When it comes to storing books, it is important to keep them away from heat sources and places where small children or pets may reach. If your garage has a lot of space, be sure to store books on a high shelf away from any flammable items or other areas that may cause a fire hazard. Pages can also curl and fade due to the moisture.
13. Bicycles
Although many people can use their bicycles on the ground floor, some people store their bikes in the garage because of the extra space available there. However, when using your bicycle in the garage you must remember that due to its size, there is more chance that it will be in contact with flammable materials such as paint thinner or gasoline.
14. Photographs
When storing photographs, make sure you keep them as far away from the wall or ceiling as possible to avoid damage from extreme heat or sunlight. Make sure they are stored in a high area of the garage and keep them away from stairs. If you store photographs that are valuable, make sure to put them in a strong box that is completely sealed with duct tape.
15. Pet Food
Some pet owners choose to store their pet food in their garage because it’s an extra room and space is at a premium with smaller apartments and homes. However, some foods can be highly toxic for pets if they come into contact with the food before cooking has occurred. Because of this, it is recommended that pet owners store their pet’s food in the refrigerator or another part of the home.
16. Rugs
Many people choose to store rugs in their garage so that they don’t have to move them every time they change rooms or go through a remodel. Some rugs can be moisture-trapping and can cause mildew if they are stored improperly. Additionally, some rugs can be flammable and set fire to other pieces of furniture, clothing, or even the carpet. Additionally, insects and other critters love eating, living, and making them their homes.
17. Bicycles
When storing bicycles in the garage, it is important to remember that they are at a high risk for damage due to the high impact the garage floor has on them. Also, bicycles are highly flammable and put out more heat than most materials stored in a garage.
18. Corkscrews
Many wine lovers like to store their corkscrews in their garage since it is an easy way to preserve a good bottle of wine for later. However, when storing items such as corkscrews in a garage, remember that high heat can cause corrosion which can ruin the items.
19. Paper Products
It’s never a good idea to store anything with paper in your garage because of the constant temperature changes that occur there (especially if you’re storing gasoline). Additionally, many insects and animals love eating through paper products which can help cause an infestation if they are stored in the garage for too long.
20. Baby Car Seats
Baby car seats are items that you will probably use for a long time, so it makes sense to store them in your garage where you have extra space. However, it is important to make sure that your baby car seats are not left out all the time because they can be a fire hazard if left in the sun too long. Additionally, insects and rodents will seek out this warm area and cause damage and infestation.
21. Garden Hoses
Due to the high temperature changes in most garages, garden hoses can become brittle and develop cracks which can cause water to leak out into your garage floor. It is best to store your hose during the winter where it won’t be exposed to extreme summer heat, or you can possibly invest in a hose reel so you can keep it off of the floor.
22. Yarn and Thread
Storing yarn and thread in your garage is not a good idea because it will become tangled and ruined by exposure to moisture from the humidity created when warm air contacts cooler wall air. Yarn is very susceptible to mildew growth, especially if stored in moist places for long periods of time which can also attract rodents and pests.
Conclusion:
As you can see there are many items that are not suitable for storage in a garage due to the risks associated with storing them. If you are in doubt about an item, check with your local fire department and home insurance company to make sure that you will not be at risk for losing your belongings or even having your home destroyed.
And, if you need extra space but don’t have a garage available, consider using a self-storage unit. They are very affordable and convenient.
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