Park these items somewhere else.
In fact, professional organizers say it can even be dangerous.
Get ready for a neat and tidy garage!
Photo:Caia Image/Getty Images
This is because the temperature inside garages is too volatile for food to stay fresh.
Temperature swings can cause spoilage, and youll attract pests quickly, she adds.
Empty Cardboard Boxes
Didnt have time to take those boxes to the recycling bin?
We all get busy, but you better make the time to do it.
Unless youre moving soon, break down those cardboard boxes and recycle them," Lang recommends.
“They take up valuable floor space andattract pests.”
For example, old motor oil containers may rust and leak, creating a hugefire hazard.
“If anything needs to be discarded, it should be done carefully,” Anderson adds.
Paint and Stains
Do you have leftover paint from yourkitchen renoor stain from your molding makeover?
Those cans belong in a different spot, according to Lang.
Extreme heat and cold can ruin these," she says.
“Paint separates or freezes, and certain chemicals become unstable in fluctuating temperatures.”
Store them indoors, safely out of reach of kids and pets.
Excess or Unused Exercise Equipment
How many yoga mats do you really need?
Is it truly necessary to have twelve pickleball rackets?
Burdett suggests sorting out that extra equipment.
If it’s damaged or outdated, it might be time to part with it," she says.
But those scratched-up nightstands you last kept indoors two houses ago?
Theres no good reason to let them collect dust in your garage.
It can actually be a prime area for pests and rodents," he warns.
Keepsakes
Old photos need to be in a temperature-controlled environment.
Even insealed bins, humidity can lead to mold, mildew, and damage, Lang says.
If its special or irreplaceable, it belongs inside your home where the conditions are more stable.
Garages and propane dont mix," she says.
“Store tanks upright, outdoors, and away from anything flammable.
“Another family will get joy from them.”
Random Hardware
Do you have loosescrews, nuts and boltsin a drawer or on a shelf?
Lang suggests tossing them.
Even though they are small, they take up space you could use to store other things.
“If you dont recognize it, you wont miss it,” Lang notes.
