Experts advise against storing certain items in your garage due to potential harm they can cause. Here are the top 13 things you should avoid storing in your garage:**
1. Books and important paperwork**: Storing paperwork or books in the garage can lead to damage from dampness and temperature fluctuations. It is recommended to store them in a temperature-stable environment indoors.
2. Furniture: Unless your garage is climate-controlled, storing wooden furniture there can cause swelling, warping, and cracking due to temperature and humidity changes.
3. Clothing and bedding: Fabric for clothing and bedding can be damaged by humidity and temperature changes in the garage. It is best to store them in a cedar closet or humidity-controlled space indoors.
4. Propane tanks: Storing propane tanks in the garage can lead to significant fire damage due to possible spontaneous combustions. It is advised to store them in a shed with proper venting.
5. Paint: Fluctuating temperatures in the garage can alter paint formulas and affect its quality. It is recommended to dispose of old paint at a recycling or disposal depot.
6. Rugs or carpets: Rugs stored in the garage can become a cozy home for insects and mice. Storing them in a cool, well-ventilated space indoors is preferred.
7. Food or compost: Food stored in the garage can attract rodents and spoil due to temperature changes. It is advised to have an outdoor compost bin in a garden area.
8. Tires: Storing old tires in the garage can create a breeding ground for pests. It is recommended to store them in a dedicated tire rack in a cool, dry place.
9. Electronic devices: Humidity and outdoor temperatures can cause electronic devices to deteriorate. Storing them in a climate-controlled location is preferred.
10. DVDs: Physical media should not be stored in the garage as high temperatures and moisture can damage them. It is best to store them in a cool, dry place indoors.
11. Pool tables: Storing a pool table in the garage can damage it due to climate-sensitive materials. It is advised to keep it in a climate-controlled room.
12. Lightbulbs: Heat can shorten the lifespan of lightbulbs, so it is recommended to store them in a cool spot indoors.
13. Power tools: Battery-operated power tools are affected by temperature changes. Storing them in a garage can impact their function and lifespan. It is advised to store them in a temperature-controlled environment.