Garages are a useful aspect of homes, whether fully detached, semi-detached, or fully attached to your home. This extra space gives you storage options for your cars and belongings. However, not everything can be stored in your garage. Here are a few things to never store in your garage:

1. Propane Tanks

One of the benefits of a garage addition is extra storage. However, some things like propane tanks should never be stored in a garage. Propane tanks can leak, which may cause fires, especially if sparked by a car starting. While it’s a good idea to keep propane out of the elements, it’s safer to keep the tanks in a shaded and well-ventilated area outdoors.

2. Paint and Other Chemicals

Paint and other chemicals are other things that should not be stored in your garage and are also things you should never store in your attic. If paint is exposed to heat and cold over time, the paint can become damaged. Paint should be stored somewhere cool and dark, like a basement. Make sure children and pets cannot access it since paint can be toxic.

Make sure you’re not storing any flammable chemicals in your garage. Much like propane tanks, they can cause fires if sparked by a starting car or extreme heat during the summer. It’s best to store these types of chemicals in a well-ventilated shed, away from your home.

3. Art

While it might be tempting to store art in your garage, it might not be the best place for it. The environment in garages is often not controlled, which can put your art at risk for mold or mildew. A clean and dry place like a closet or temperature-controlled room is a much better spot.

4. Pet Food

Storing pet food in your garage is also unadvisable. The fluctuation in temperatures can cause the food to become moldy during warmer weather, which can make your pet sick. Plus, pet food is basically an invitation for mice and other critters to come in for a nice little snack.

They are often enticed by the smell and can chew through even the toughest of bags. If you must store pet food in the garage, store it in well-secured plastic containers and keep an eye on it during warm weather.

5. Important Documents

Having access to important documents might not be something you need frequently so it might feel like a good idea to store important documents in the garage. However, it can be risky to store paper in an uncontrolled environment like a garage. Factors like humidity and unwanted pests can damage paper. Try to consolidate exactly what you need into a file box to keep stored inside your home.

6. Pantry Items

The garage is a great place to keep an extra refrigerator or freezer if you have the space for it. However, this is where food storage should stop. Pantry items should be kept inside in a cool environment. If you don’t have enough storage, it may be time for a kitchen or basement remodel.

Extra storage is one of the most popular kitchen remodeling trends. A built-in pantry, extra cabinets and drawers, as well as other storage solutions is a great way to maximize food storage within your home.

7. Firewood

Having a fireplace is a fun interior design trend to have in a home. While it might feel convenient to store firewood in your garage, it’s not the most ideal place. Firewood needs to be kept in an area with good airflow to stay dry.

Plus, bugs like beetles or ants can come in with that firewood and they are much closer to your home’s walls if your firewood is stored in your garage. This can lead to a very unwanted insect infestation.

It’s best to store firewood outside a little bit away from your home. If you want it to be in a covered area, consider storing it in a well-ventilated shed. Otherwise, stack it in a pile and cover it during heavy rain or snow.

These are just a few things to never store in your garage. If a lack of storage is an issue in your home, it might be a sign it’s time to consider a home addition or remodel. If you want to talk over your options and get started on a plan, contact us at 717-399-4708 to schedule a free estimate!