What to Store & What Not to Store in Your Garage

Car Supplies Are Okay

With as much time as your car spends in the garage, it’s completely understandable that car supplies will find their way in there as well. Don’t worry if you’ve got spare parts and tire pressure gauges in your garage. The trick here is to optimize storage.

As Car and Driver notes, the best way to go about this is to "think in three dimensions." Your car will take up a sizable chunk of floor space, and your walls are where you’ll situate most of your storage, but don’t forget about ceiling space. The area above your car is especially perfect for mounting a spare roof rack or some light camping gear.

A Garage Is A Perfect Place for Tools

Everyone needs a place for their socket wrenches and power tools, and the garage is usually the safest bet. Along with the added accessibility that comes with keeping these items where they’ll be used the most, you’ll also help prevent grease and grime from entering the rest of the house.

A garage is a perfect place for storing outdoor tools as well. Shovels, rakes, and other assorted gardening tools can easily be stored on your walls with Slatwall racks. Designate an accessible corner for things like weed whackers and lawnmowers. Don’t forget a drip cloth underneath your mower, though, especially if it’s being stored during the cooler months.

Outdoor Furniture and Bikes Are Fine

If you’re looking for a place to store your patio furniture during inclement weather, the garage is your best bet. Lawn chairs can easily be hung on the wall when not in use, a patio umbrella can be closed and discreetly stored, and you can store boxes and bins in the space underneath your patio table. If you’re planning to store things on top of the table as well, be sure to stay under the maximum weight limit.

Do you have bikes that aren’t seeing much use? Keep them out of the elements by storing them neatly against a wall. Be sure to keep at least one functional bike pump, and fill your tires to the manufacturer-specified PSI before starting the next biking season.

Garages Are Great for Temporary Storage

There’s a reason why people use basements, attics, and garages for temporary storage: out of sight, out of mind. The important thing here is to designate a specific section of your garage for temporary or even long-term storage, and then stick to it. It can be all too easy for a garage to become a cluttered mess so by sectioning off the space and designating a function for each section, it’ll be that much easier to keep the area orderly.

Avoid Hazardous Materials

If it’s flammable, dangerous, or prone to leaking or igniting, keep it out of your garage. Gasoline and propane are not safe to keep in your garage. Aside from the fire hazard, there’s also the matter of fumes. Most garages are not ventilated sufficiently for this type of storage, and uneven heating and cooling can lead to expansion and volatility of flammable liquids. Paint is another item that does not benefit from being stored in a garage. Although it's not exactly flammable, the temperature changes can cause paint to harden and ruin the consistency.

Keep Pests Out

Garages are already a prime target for insects, rodents, and other pests you don’t want in your home. The last thing you want to do is attract them by storing things like clothing, papers, books, wood, or bedding. It goes without saying, but pet food should never be stored in the garage either. All of the above items should be safely placed inside your home, in temperature-controlled areas.

Nothing Valuable or Fragile

Shifting weather can wreak havoc on valuables, leading to warping, cracking, or even water damage. Along with that, garages tend to be a prime target for burglars and thieves. The best way to keep heirlooms and other valuables safe and temperature-controlled is by storing them inside your house and away from your garage. You may want to consider investing in a small safe or lockbox.

Conclusion

It can be tricky to figure out storage options in your garage, especially if or when you’re overhauling the space. But by following the above tips, you’ll be well on your way to a decluttered, organized, safe, and fun garage in no time!

Sources

• https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a15114912/the-well-equipped-garage-tips-and-tricks-for-a-versatile-space-feature/
• https://www.hartvillecustomclosets.com/garage-storage-ideas