When organizing your garage as part of spring cleaning, it's crucial to consider what you're storing and the potential risks. Experts advise against keeping canned goods, family photos, and certain chemicals in the garage, as these items can be damaged or cause harm due to temperature fluctuations, pests, and fumes. For instance, canned goods can explode in cold weather, while family photos can be ruined by moisture or heat. Proper storage solutions should be utilized to ensure these essential items are safely kept inside the home.
You might think shelf-stable canned goods like soups, veggies, or even dog kibble will be safe in your garage, considering the seals - but experts insist this is a big no-no. Andy Wu, founder of Backyard Oasis, says he learned the hard way that canned goods shouldn't be kept in the garage. "I kept canned soup in my garage for space reasons, but it quite literally exploded when it was cold," he says. "Food is easy for pests to get to, so it must be inside to keep pests and extreme temperatures out."
Reinders has seen dozens of cases where family photos were ruined due to floods, unexpected temperature changes, or even fires. "Your family history shouldn't coexist in the same environment as your garden tools," he says. McCubbin adds that family photos should always be stored in an acid-free box in a dark, cool area (like a closet) within the home.
The concern? Chlorine is an oxidizer, meaning it can cause rust and other issues in surrounding items. Plus, storing chemicals in an enclosed, hot area can cause toxic fumes to build up and linger in your garage.
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