11 Things You Should Never Store in the Garage—But Probably Are

The garage can quickly become a catchall for all of the things you don’t have room for in your home, including seasonal decorations, landscaping tools, and other essentials. But despite being a convenient and out-of-sight storage area, many garages are not climate-controlled and are usually susceptible to pests, inclement weather, dirt, and mold. Because of this, there are certain items experts say you should never store in your garage.

1. Electronics

Electronics should always be stored in an area that is climate-controlled to prevent these items from being damaged by water or extreme temperatures. If not in use, it's best to store your electronics on the top shelf of an office closet or on a charging station, says Mindy Godding, certified professional organizer based in Richmond, Virginia.

2. Firewood

Avoid storing firewood in your garage—especially if yours is attached to your home. "Firewood can bring woodland bugs right into your home via the garage," says Darla DeMorrow, certified professional organizer. "A large quantity of wood stored inside a warm garage can not only hatch insects but also can provide safety for small rodents to hide behind." Instead, keep your firewood in a covered area outdoors where it's safe from getting wet but still away from your home.

3. Food

Food should never be stored in the garage—even canned goods, which can rust if your garage isn't climate-controlled, says Nikki Bell, professional organizer and founder of Just Us Organizing. Plus, food kept in the garage can attract pests and rodents and seasonal heat can lead to accelerated spoilage, Godding adds.

4. Paint

Unfinished paint cans are commonly stored in the garage, but these conditions can make the paint less viable over time. "Paint will dry out if stored in the heat of a garage," says Godding. Instead, she recommends storing it on shelves in a cool, dry space, like a basement or utility room.

5. Propane

Propane is flammable and needs to be stored in a well-ventilated outdoor space away from your vehicle and other potential fire hazards. "Ideally, you want propane tanks to be protected from extreme heat or cold and stored in an upright position, without risk of being hit or knocked over," says Godding.

6. Books

If your personal library is overflowing, resist the temptation to store excess books in your garage. "Books need to be protected from moisture that could cause paper to mold or mildew," says Godding. "Interior spaces are best for book storage to protect them from pests, like silverfish and rodents." Even storing your tomes in the garage in storage bins is cautioned against, as pests can sneak in through small cracks.

7. Paper Products

Excess paper products, like paper towels, napkins, and toilet paper, should be kept in a dry, climate-controlled area indoors. "Paper products are similar to books and should not be stored in your garage," says Bell. "Pest like rodents will damage them along with the possibility of moisture in the air causing mold and mildew."

8. Photos

Never store photos, films, or personal momentos in a garage, basement, or attic, where they are susceptible to damage from pests and mildew. "Once they are destroyed, it is hard or impossible to get back those one-in-a-kind family treasures," says DeMorrow. "Bring them inside and store them in a conditioned space, safe from water and pests. Better yet, digitize them for easy sharing with friends and family."

9. Art

If you have artwork you haven't found a home for, avoid storing it in your garage. "Art can easily become damaged when stored in a garage for several reasons: temperature fluctuations and humidity can pose a threat to any paper or fabric-based art, pests or rodents can damage art, and fragile art could be broken in a garage setting," says Godding. She recommends wrapping art in acid-free paper and storing it inside archival boxes inside a closet or under the bed.

10. Linens and Bedding

Store extra linens and bedding indoors in a hall or bedroom closet rather than in the garage. "The odors most often found in a garage, like vehicle exhaust, chemicals or fertilizer, and trash, can transfer to linens," says DeMorrow. When kept in the garage, these items are also susceptible to mold and mildew exposure.

11. Wine

Store wine in an area where temperature and humidity can be controlled and kept consistent. "Garages typically have too much temperature and humidity fluctuations to properly preserve wine," says Godding. "Wine does best in a cool, dark place, like a basement or basement closet."