The garage is one of the most versatile — and most misused — spaces in the home. It’s where you park your car, stash seasonal items, store tools, and often hide the things you don’t know what to do with. But you can’t store everything in the garage. In fact, storing the wrong items in an uninsulated, humid, or fluctuating environment can lead to damage, safety hazards, or even pest problems.
If you’re planning a garage cleanout or organizing project, this guide breaks down what can live in the garage and what should never be stored there.
What You Can Store in the Garage
Yard and Lawn Equipment
Lawn mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers, shovels, and rakes are made to handle outdoor conditions, so they hold up well in sitting in your garage. Use wall hooks or vertical racks to keep them within easy reach.
Tools and Hardware
Power tools, hand tools, nails, screws, and DIY supplies all store well in the garage. For best results, add a pegboard, shelving, or a tool chest to keep everything organized.
Sports Equipment
Bikes, balls, helmets, camping gear, and exercise equipment are perfect for garage storage. Vertical bike racks and cubbies help keep gear accessible without cluttering the floor.
Outdoor Toys and Recreation Gear
Pool toys, outdoor games, snow sleds, and similar items are designed to withstand the elements, so they can handle garage conditions.
Car Supplies
Motor oil, windshield washer fluid, car jacks, wrenches, and roof racks fit naturally here. Just remember to keep chemicals on a high shelf or in a cabinet to avoid spills and keep them out of reach of young children.
Seasonal Decorations
Holiday lights, artificial trees, and decor can be stored in labeled bins. Just be sure to seal items tightly to avoid dust and pests.
Household Overflow (In Sealed Containers)
Things like extra tiles, paint trays, or small appliances can be stored here if they’re kept in tight, weather-safe bins.
What You Can’t Store in the Garage
Anything Temperature-Sensitive
The garage experiences wide temperature swings. Avoid storing:
- Musical instruments
- Vinyl records
- Important documents
These items can warp, melt, freeze, or degrade quickly, especially in the harsh conditions of the garage.
Extra Food or Pantry Items
Canned goods can spoil faster in the garage. Heat causes food to break down, and pests see this as an open invitation. Store food in a location that won’t get hotter than 70°F and is away from the reach of pests.
Clothing, Bedding, and Fabric Items
These absorb moisture and attract insects and rodents. Store them indoors or in tightly sealed totes in a closet or attic to keep them from becoming damaged or discolored.
Paints, Stains, and Adhesives
Extreme temperatures can ruin paint and chemicals. Additionally, storing paint on a concrete garage floor can cause the cans to rust. Store these in a temperate indoor utility closet instead.
Old Photos and Books
Keep cherished printed photos and books out of the garage, as the space’s humidity and fluctuating temperatures can damage the pages and binding of books and cause photos to stick together and lose their color. Store them in a temperature-controlled, dry place.
Propane Tanks
Never store propane tanks in an enclosed garage. If they leak, gas can accumulate and put them at risk of explosion. Store them outdoors in a shaded, ventilated area.
Firewood
It may seem convenient to store wood in the garage. But it can bring in pests and excess moisture. Keep wood piles outdoors in a shaded, ventilated area.
Electronics
Garages can go from sweltering hot in the summer to freezing cold in the winter. These extreme temperatures can cause internal components of electronics to overheat and swell, and become damaged from moisture and condensation. Rodents can also chew on wires and cables. Store electronics in your home to keep them in good condition.
Tips to Keep Your Garage Organized and Safe
- Utilize vertical space by installing wall-mounted racks, shelves, and hooks.
- Label everything, especially seasonal bins.
- Create zones, such as one for tools, one for sports gear, and one for car supplies.
- Use airtight plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes.
- Keep the floor clear, so the garage remains functional and easy to clean.
- Install proper ventilation if you’re storing chemicals or using power tools often.
Utilize Your Garage Properly to Avoid Future Issues
A well-organized garage doesn’t just look better; it also functions better. Knowing what you can store (and shouldn’t store) helps protect your belongings, improve safety, and create a space you’ll enjoy using. With the right organization system, your garage can become one of the most valuable and efficient storage areas in your home.