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Clothing and Bedding
Garages may seem like an easy place to store off-season clothing and extra bedding, but fabric does not fare well in these conditions. Temperature swings and excess moisture can lead to mildew growth, leaving clothes and linens with an unpleasant odor that is difficult to remove. Additionally, fabric absorbs surrounding smells, meaning anything stored in the garage could pick up fumes from gasoline, chemicals, or musty air. Over time, prolonged exposure to these elements can cause fabrics to degrade, becoming brittle or discolored.
Pests pose another major threat to clothing and bedding stored in the garage. Moths, silverfish, and rodents are drawn to fabric materials, often chewing through them and leaving irreparable damage. Even if stored in plastic bins, humidity can still seep in, encouraging mold growth and weakening fibers. To ensure longevity, it’s best to keep clothing and bedding in airtight containers in a dry, indoor space away from potential pests and moisture.
Canned and Perishable Foods
Using the garage as an extra pantry might seem like a smart way to store canned and packaged foods, but fluctuating temperatures can quickly make them unsafe to eat. Heat can cause canned goods to expand, weakening their seals and increasing the risk of bacterial contamination. In colder months, freezing temperatures can alter the texture of canned foods, leading to spoilage once they thaw. Over time, the constant changes in temperature and humidity can degrade packaging, making food unsafe even if it appears intact.
Dry goods such as rice, flour, and pet food are also at risk when stored in the garage. These items attract pests like rodents and insects, which can easily chew through packaging and contaminate the contents. Even sealed containers may not provide enough protection against extreme heat and moisture, which can cause mold growth or reduce shelf life. To keep food fresh and safe, store it in a cool, dry area indoors where temperature and humidity levels remain stable.
Important Documents and Photographs
Garages are one of the worst places to store important documents due to humidity, heat, and potential pest damage. Birth certificates, tax records, and legal paperwork can easily warp, fade, or grow mold when exposed to moisture. Even if kept in boxes or plastic containers, temperature swings can weaken paper fibers and make ink illegible over time. Rodents and insects are also drawn to paper, often shredding it for nesting material, leaving critical documents destroyed.
Photographs and digital storage devices like CDs or external hard drives also suffer in garage environments. Heat can cause photos to stick together or fade, while humidity promotes mildew growth that ruins images permanently. CDs and DVDs can warp, making them unreadable, and hard drives are especially vulnerable to data corruption from extreme temperature shifts. To protect these valuable items, store them in a climate-controlled area, preferably in a fireproof safe or organized filing system indoors.
Propane Tanks and Flammable Materials
Storing propane tanks in a garage poses serious safety risks due to the potential for leaks and explosions. Propane is highly flammable, and even a tiny amount of gas buildup in an enclosed space can ignite with a single spark. Since garages often house electrical tools, vehicles, and other ignition sources, the risk of fire increases significantly. To prevent accidents, propane tanks should always be stored outdoors in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Other flammable materials, such as charcoal, lighter fluid, and fireworks, also create hazards when stored in a garage. Extreme heat can cause combustible materials to ignite unexpectedly, while humidity may degrade packaging and make these items unstable. Fireworks, in particular, become unpredictable when exposed to moisture, potentially leading to dangerous malfunctions. For safety, all highly flammable items should be kept in a secure, outdoor storage area specifically designed for hazardous materials.
Protect Your Belongings Before It’s Too Late
A garage might seem like a convenient storage space, but using it incorrectly can lead to costly damage and serious safety hazards. Extreme temperatures, moisture, and pests can destroy valuable items or even create dangerous situations for your home and family. Keeping certain belongings in a more suitable environment will help protect their longevity and maintain a safer living space. Instead of risking damage or unexpected hazards, take the time to store items properly. A little effort in organization now can prevent major problems down the road.