Top 10+ Things You Should Never Store in Your Garage (Though Most Homeowners Do)

Paint and Household Chemicals

Paint cans and household chemicals like pesticides or cleaning agents are often tucked away in garages, but this is a risky move. The Environmental Protection Agency has warned that fluctuating garage temperatures, which can swing from freezing cold to blazing hot, can ruin paint and make chemicals unstable or even hazardous.

According to a 2024 report by the National Fire Protection Association, improper storage of flammable liquids in garages contributes to hundreds of household fires each year. Paint can separate or spoil in extreme cold, and chemical fumes may build up in poorly ventilated spaces, posing health risks.

It's safer to keep these items in a temperature-controlled, well-ventilated area. Not only does this extend their shelf life, but it also protects your family from accidental exposure or combustion.

Propane Tanks

Many people stash propane tanks in the garage for convenience, but fire safety experts strongly advise against it. Data from the National Fire Protection Association highlights an increased risk of fire or explosion when propane is stored indoors, especially in garages where vehicles and power tools can create sparks.

Propane tanks are designed to be stored outdoors, upright, and away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Even a small leak in an enclosed space can lead to a dangerous buildup of gas.

In 2023, over 600 residential incidents involving improper propane storage were reported nationwide. Keeping propane outside greatly reduces the chances of a serious accident.

Paper Goods and Cardboard

Storing paper towels, toilet paper, or cardboard boxes in the garage seems harmless, but it’s a magnet for pests. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rodents and insects are drawn to paper products for nesting material and food.

The 2024 American Pest Management study found a 40% increase in garage infestations in homes where paper goods were stored in accessible locations. Garages are also prone to moisture, which can lead to moldy, ruined supplies.

For the sake of cleanliness and safety, it’s best to keep paper goods inside the house, in dry, sealed containers.

Electronics

It’s tempting to use the garage as a dumping ground for old TVs, computers, or audio equipment, but electronics don’t fare well in such environments. Consumer Reports’ 2023 analysis showed that electronics stored in garages are three times more likely to fail due to humidity, dust, and temperature changes.

Moisture and extreme temperatures can corrode parts and damage batteries, making devices unsafe or unusable. Even short periods of exposure can destroy sensitive components.

If you want your electronics to last (or be safely recycled later), avoid the garage at all costs.

Clothing and Bedding

Extra clothes, blankets, or sleeping bags often end up in bins in the garage, but this storage method can backfire. The National Association of Professional Organizers reports that temperature swings and humidity in garages accelerate the growth of mold and mildew on fabrics.

A 2023 survey found that 60% of homeowners who stored textiles in garages reported some form of damage within a year. In addition, pests like moths and mice love to burrow into soft materials.

For preservation and hygiene, keep these items inside your home or in sealed, climate-controlled storage.

Food and Pet Food

Stashing large bags of dog food, birdseed, or even pantry overflow in the garage is a widespread habit, but it’s not safe. The Food and Drug Administration warns that fluctuating temperatures and humidity can cause food to spoil or develop harmful bacteria.

In 2024, several states reported salmonella outbreaks traced back to improperly stored pet food in garages. Rodents and bugs can easily chew through packaging, contaminating food supplies.

To prevent illness and waste, food and pet food should always be stored in airtight containers inside the house.

Wooden Furniture

Garages might seem like the perfect spot for old dressers or chairs, but wood is sensitive to environmental changes. A study by the Woodworking Network in early 2025 highlighted that wooden furniture stored in garages loses structural integrity much faster due to repeated cycles of moisture absorption and drying.

This leads to warping, cracking, and even mold growth. Homeowners are often shocked to find their cherished pieces ruined after just a season or two in the garage.

For long-term preservation, furniture should be kept in a dry, stable climate.

Important Documents and Photos

People frequently use garages as overflow storage for paperwork, family albums, or legal documents, but this is a mistake. The Library of Congress has stated that heat, humidity, and pests are the top threats to paper and photographic materials.

A 2023 insurance industry report found that claims for ruined documents and photos due to garage damage were up by 30% over the past five years. Once these items are damaged, they can be impossible to replace.

Keep your memories and vital records safe by storing them indoors, ideally in waterproof, fireproof containers.

Paintings and Artwork

Art lovers might temporarily stash paintings or sculptures in the garage, but this can lead to heartbreak. According to the American Institute for Conservation, environmental instability is the number one cause of art deterioration outside of direct physical damage.

Their 2024 review found that even short-term exposure to humidity and temperature swings can cause canvas to stretch, paint to crack, and materials to degrade. Insects and rodents may also chew on frames or materials.

If you want your artwork to survive for future generations, the garage is absolutely the wrong place.

Wine and Other Alcohol

Garages are often used as makeshift wine cellars or beer storage, but experts say this can destroy your collection. The Wine Spectator’s 2023 storage guide emphasized that wine must be stored at a stable temperature, ideally between 45°F and 65°F, with controlled humidity to prevent spoilage.

Garages typically experience wide temperature swings, which accelerate aging and can even cause corks to dry out, spoiling the wine. Beer and spirits are similarly affected, with taste and quality declining rapidly in poor conditions.

For the best drinking experience, keep your bottles in a cool, dark place inside the house.