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For most people, a garage houses much more than vehicles. Instead, it becomes an extension of a home’s storage. However, if you don’t have a garage that’s temperature-regulated, you can’t just store anything. Otherwise, you might risk damaging some of your best possessions due to elements like extreme temperatures, moisture, and pests. So: What is safe to store in your garage? Read on to learn the dos and don’ts of safe garage storage.

Extra car gear

Since your car is already in the garage, it makes sense to store extra gear. Items like antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, inflators, and extra wipers are made to withstand extreme elements, so they’re perfectly safe inside your garage. If you have additional car gear like a roof or bike rack, you can safely store that in your garage, too. Our advice? Hang them on the wall!

Outdoor gear

More than extra space, a garage also adds storage convenience — especially for outdoor toys. That way, you’re not constantly carrying things inside and out; they’re already in the garage, ready to be put to use. Think outdoor gear like:

• Bikes
• Patio furniture
• Lawn chairs
• Pool accessories
• Plastic toys (think motorized vehicles, skates, a cozy coupe)
• Coolers (just make sure they’re dry first!)
• Sports equipment (balls, bats, rackets, nets, etc.)

Most of the above items can also be hung on the wall to make the most of your garage storage space. Otherwise, store things in large, plastic bins with airtight lids to prevent moisture, dust, and pests from getting in. 

Tools and equipment

Most home tools and equipment are also for outdoor purposes and projects. They can mostly all be stored safely inside your garage year-round. When it comes to garden equipment, you can stash items like:

• Pots
• Soil
• Fertilizer
• Gloves
• Shears
• Shovels
• Watering cans
• Weedeater
• Lawnmower

For shop tools like hammers, wrenches, sockets, and drills, consider investing in a tool chest to store it all. You can also invest in pegboards and shelves to make use of wall storage too. Pro tip: If you don’t have an insulated garage, store any tools with lithium batteries inside during extreme temperatures.

Seasonal decorations

If you love decorating for the holidays, that usually means lots of extra decorations (and nowhere to put them in the off-season). Chances are, you may already have them packed away in large, plastic bins with airtight lids. If that’s the case, store them in the garage! However, make sure they’re not stored on the ground to prevent any moisture damage. Either store them on wall shelves or use a pallet to keep them off the ground. Don’t forget to add extra protection to breakables and delicate items with bubble wrap!

Gym gear

With gyms across the country shut down because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of us have resorted to creative at-home workouts in the garage. As it turns out, gym equipment is safe to store there, too. But if you have cable machines, keep a closer eye on them during the winter, as they may need some additional lubrication to function correctly.

What is not safe to store in a garage?

If you don’t have an insulated garage, there are a lot of items you should avoid storing in it. That’s because they may be more sensitive and susceptible to damage. Those items include things like: 

• Wood furniture
• Hazardous materials (propane)
• Canned or pet food
• Clothes, bedding, and rugs
• Paint
• CDs, DVDs, and records
• Pictures, papers, important documents, and books
• Electronics
• Firewood

You can add anything else that can easily attract pests or be ruined by hot or cold temperatures.

Store everything safely in an insulated garage door

If you’re tired of guessing what you can and can’t store in your garage, we have your solution: an insulated garage door. With it, you can keep your garage temperature regulated year-round and keep all items safely stored inside. Not to mention, you’ll reap additional benefits like increased energy efficiency, noise reduction, and lower maintenance. 

Ready to upgrade your Denver-area garage door? American Garage Door is ready to help. First, check out our top picks for the best insulated garage door, then reach out to us to request your estimate today!