We often joke that our garages and sheds are our other homes. They are great for storing everything that does not fit in our homes, but that is not Correct or wise.
Living in a community with HOA rules adds to the garbage issues. In most communities, there are rules to store garbage pails in garages. Garbage attracts pests and rodents. It smells!
Storing items safely is important. For Dave's Discovery Den, we have to confirm that every item on our site is kept in a climate-controlled, smoke-free environment. Here are some tips on items we recommend you do not place in a garage if it is not climate-controlled.
STORAGE TIPS
1- Electronics- can be damaged by heat
2- Firewood- attracts bugs, pests, and rodents. Eggs from pests are likely to hatch in a garage.
3- Paint cans- they can rust and have accelerated spoilage
4- Propane is flammable. Propane must be protected from heat and cold and stored upright
5- Books- must be protected from moisture and mold, mildew, pests, and rodents
6- Paper products—if you stock up on paper towels, plates, etc., a non-climate-controlled garage is not the place to store them. They must be kept dry and away from moisture.
7- Photographs will get ruined by excessive heat. They will mildew, and pests will ruin them.
8- Records, tapes, and movie film, like photographs, are prone to mildew, mold, and pests.
9- Art- Temperature fluctuations and humidity will damage art
10- Linens, blankets, and clothing are susceptible to mold, mildew, smell, and pests.
11- Wine and alcohol- Garages that are not climate-controlled have too many temperature fluctuations.
12- Food- canned food-preserves like to be stored in cool, dry, dark places. Temperature fluctuations are not good. Seals may break in excessive heat or freezing cold. Tin cans may rust. Plastic containers are susceptible to pests and rodents. Long-term, the plastic will leach into the food.