Here’s Everything You Shouldn’t Store in Your Garage

But, like us, you probably do anyway…

Wooden furniture

Be aware that wooden furniture won’t stay in top condition if it’s left in a cold, damp garage. It can be affected by changes in humidity, and the fibres in the wood will swell and contract as the moisture level in the air changes. This will lead to cracks that you might not be able to repair.

Books

In the same way that wood is affected by humidity, the way that paper fibres respond will also cause pages of books to curl and spines to warp. The same is true for magazines, photo albums and other papers.

Fridge

A fridge kept in the unregulated temperature of the garage is likely to use more energy (and cost you more) to keep food at the right temperature.

Propane gas for barbecues

Propane canisters for your gas barbecue should be kept outside, where it’s well ventilated. Putting them in the garage is a safety risk; the fumes could ignite when you start your car.

Fridge

A fridge kept in the unregulated temperature of the garage is likely to use more energy (and cost you more) to keep food at the right temperature.

Electronics

If you’re holding on to old electronics in order to sell them off, be aware that they could be damaged by extreme temperature fluctuations. Electronics are particularly susceptible to damage by condensation, as moisture can get into the circuits.

Paint

We all have a few half-finished cans of paint in the garage, right? But this isn’t the best place to keep them. Paint won’t last long in the high summer temperatures or when it gets really cold in winter if you store it on the garage floor. If you store the paint cans on cement floors, they’ll also rust more quickly than those left on shelves. Paint should be stored in a cool and dry environment.

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