Top 10+ Items You Should Never Keep in the Garage—Yet Most People Do
Paint and Household Chemicals
Storing paint and household chemicals in the garage seems harmless, but it's actually a big mistake. Temperature swings can spoil paint, separating its components or turning it lumpy—especially in climates that see freezing winters or blazing summers.
According to the American Coatings Association, paint should be stored at temperatures between 60°F and 80°F for best results. Solvents, pesticides, and cleaning agents are also at risk; heat can cause dangerous fumes or even lead to explosions in rare cases.
Many people don’t realize that chemical fumes can seep into your house, especially if your garage is attached. The EPA has warned that storing volatile chemicals improperly can increase indoor air pollution.
Keeping these items in a climate-controlled area like a basement shelf is safer for both your health and your home.
Propane Tanks
Most folks store their propane tanks right in the garage, but that’s actually a risky move. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) strongly advises against it, as propane is highly flammable.
If the tank valve leaks, even a small spark from your car or a power tool can trigger a dangerous explosion. Propane tanks are best kept outdoors, upright, and away from direct sunlight or enclosed spaces.
According to recent fire department reports, garage fires caused by flammable gases have increased by 12% over the past five years. Keeping propane tanks outside, away from the house, is critical to preventing accidents and keeping your family safe.
Paper Goods and Cardboard
It’s easy to stash extra toilet paper or cardboard boxes in the garage, but this is practically an open invitation for pests. Mice, cockroaches, and silverfish love nesting in these materials.
The National Pest Management Association notes that paper and cardboard are among the top attractants for household pests. Humidity in garages can also cause these items to mold or break down, rendering them unusable.
If you rely on your garage for storage, try airtight plastic bins instead. This simple switch can help keep your supplies safe from both critters and the elements.
Electronics
Old TVs, computers, and stereo equipment often end up in the garage, but this practice can seriously shorten their lifespan. Electronics are sensitive to humidity, dust, and temperature changes.
According to Consumer Reports, storing electronics in a garage can lead to corrosion, internal condensation, and cracked screens. Even if you’re just keeping them for a garage sale or donation, it’s better to store electronics inside where conditions are stable.
Otherwise, you might find your devices won’t work when you need them.
Pet Food
Pet food bags are bulky, so the garage might seem like the perfect spot. However, animal food attracts all sorts of unwanted guests, from ants to rats.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that improper storage can also cause mold or bacterial contamination, especially if the food is exposed to moisture. Rodents can chew through packaging, leaving droppings that contaminate the food.
For your pet’s safety, keep their food in a tightly sealed container inside the house, ideally in a cool, dry spot.
Clothing and Bedding
Many people use their garage for storing off-season clothes or extra bedding, but these items don’t fare well in unprotected spaces. According to the American Institute for Conservation, fabrics are vulnerable to humidity, mold, and insects.
Moths and silverfish, in particular, are notorious for ruining stored textiles. Even plastic bins aren’t always enough—temperature swings can cause condensation inside, leading to mildew.
For long-term storage, use vacuum-sealed bags or keep these items inside where the climate is controlled.
Wooden Furniture
Wood seems sturdy, but garages are harsh environments for furniture. Fluctuating temperatures and humidity cause wood to expand, contract, and eventually crack or warp.
The Woodworking Network reports that improperly stored wooden furniture can show visible damage within just a few months. If you want to preserve that heirloom rocking chair or old dining table, avoid the garage at all costs.
Instead, store wooden pieces in a dry, temperate area to maintain their condition.
Wine and Other Alcohol
Wine enthusiasts might think the garage is a convenient spot for their collection, but the reality is far from ideal. Wine is sensitive to temperature changes, which can spoil its flavor and aroma.
The Wine Institute recommends a consistent storage temperature of 55°F to 59°F, which garages rarely provide. Even beer and spirits can degrade if exposed to heat or freezing cold.
To protect your investment, keep alcohol somewhere dark, cool, and stable—like a dedicated wine fridge or cellar.
Refrigerators and Freezers
Many people use an old fridge or freezer in the garage for extra food storage. However, unless your garage is climate-controlled, this can put extra strain on the appliance.
According to Energy Star, extreme heat or cold makes refrigerators work harder, causing higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan. In very cold garages, some freezers may even stop working altogether, letting food thaw and spoil.
Modern appliances are designed to work within a set temperature range—so it’s best to keep them inside, where temperature swings are less severe.
Important Documents and Photographs
Storing paperwork or photo albums in the garage is a recipe for disaster. Humidity can cause paper to warp, stick, or grow mold, while temperature extremes can lead to fading or deterioration.
The Library of Congress recommends storing important documents in acid-free containers at room temperature. Fires and water leaks are also more common in garages, putting irreplaceable items at risk.
If you value your family’s history or need important records, keep them in a secure, dry place inside your home.
