Are you actually clearing your home of unnecessary stuff, or are you only moving the storage locations of your things? Let's be real here. Transferring the items we don't use frequently to the garage is what we typically mean when we say we are decluttering the house.
Regardless of whether we are aware that we do it on a regular basis, the truth is that we view the garage as a storage space for our items. But is it necessary to keep everything in the garage? Probably. Who would doubt you if you were to follow through? There is, however, a set of do’s and don'ts as with everything else.
A checklist of objects exists for a particular purpose. First, they may pose a fire risk. And because of the (lack of) insulation, the garage is vulnerable to it. Second, the building work of the living area differs from that of the garages. As a result, compared to the amount of protection you apply to the main home, the majority of garage owners do not truly consider protecting the safety of the garage. Even if we are aware of how careless it is, sometimes ignorance or a lack of resources prevent us from acting responsibly. However, a word of caution: always seek expert advice. Although it may cost you money today, it has been shown to be cost-effective in the long term.
And even while we would love to use our garage to its full potential as a storage area, you should avoid keeping the following items in the garage.
Collectibles
Don't store your valuables in the garage is the first principle of storage. The garage is a security gap and the easiest way into any property, so that's where we'll start when talking about security. The second factor that will definitely harm your valuables is heat and moisture buildup. Collectible coins, vinyl albums, posters, picture cards, collections of toy cars, and other items will all become tarnished, warped, or otherwise damaged by dirt, rust, or molds. Better keep your valuable items secure inside the house if you don't want to lament over damaged items.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages including beer, wine, and other should not be kept in the garage. Humidity, heat, and light change how they taste. Go forth, unless you want your wine to transform into vinegar. Keep these drinks in a cold, dark place within your house. And it is considerably simpler to get to them if you need a drink right away.
Propane Tanks
In principle, storing propane tanks is safe. We understand that having a backup tank might be useful in the event that you run out of gas while cooking and it would be inconvenient to call or drive to the store. That being said, store the tanks out of the garage and out of the path of hot temperatures. There is a danger that the tank may start a fire if it were to leak in an enclosed area. It can even be triggered by your automobile when you start the engine in the garage.
Paint
Paints and paint cans work similarly. These substances are also flammable. In addition, the quality of the paint mix might be altered by extremely high or low temperatures. As a result, changing seasons and storing leftover paint in the garage may cause your paint to experience a wide range of temperatures. Do not forget to go through the labels as they specify the ideal storage temperature.
Old Electronics
Humidity changes and temperature variations can damage electronic devices including computers, smartphones, and appliances. They could create a short in the circuits. Additionally, it would be preferable to dispose of these gadgets securely (verify your local community's regulations) or give them to groups that may put them to good use if they are no longer in use or just require minor repairs. Further, you may look into whether organizations might be interested in a particular technology.
Canned Food
Keeping a supply of canned food on hand is a good idea. They serve as our emergency food supply in the event of a disaster or in other circumstances where we are unable to purchase food. But keeping them in the garage is a mistake. Well, unlike what we may think, canned goods are not highly resistant to spoilage. Additionally, the ideal storage temperature for them is between 50 and 70 degrees. When exposed to humidity, the metal lids of tin cans and glass jars can rust, which can interact chemically with the food.
Pet Food
The fact that the pet food won't be harmed by the garage's severe temps isn't the main justification for not keeping them there. But a snack is still a snack. Soon enough, rats and other unwelcome guests would be given plenty to chew. However, if you have no other option, put them in a metal or plastic container that has been properly sealed. Since pests may easily nibble on the cardboard container, remove the pet food from it.
Rugs and Carpets
These things appear to be suitable for garage storage, don't they? Evidently, no. How so? Mice, insects, and other pests enjoy living in carpets and rugs. The fibers also absorb odor and moisture. Hence with time, the moisture can lead to the development of molds and mildews in the carpets and rugs.
Printed Photographs
Our most treasured memories are preserved in this collection of keepsakes. And we would like them to be preserved as long as possible so that we can always look back on them when the difficult times arise or when we just want to relive these moments with our dear ones. The images might, however, be damaged by the garage's dampness and humidity. The edges may begin to curl, mold may start to grow, or worse problems that are irreparable may happen.
It would be preferable to store them inside neatly or, even better, to scan these prints so you have a library you can rely on when you want to create a picture album or print in large sizes.
Important Files
Similar to how you should keep printed photos out of the garage, you should also store vital paperwork and files like passports, certifications of any type, medical information, and the like elsewhere. These papers may suffer irreparable harm from excessive humidity. To avoid moisture from damaging your documents, store them somewhere else and be sure to put them in an airtight plastic container.
