Aside from a car, many people don’t know what they can (or can’t) store in their garage. And although empty garages are a perfect way of expanding the storage space you have in your house, you must know what you should and shouldn’t be kept there, as it may, for example, create a safety hazard.

garage space

Things That You Can Keep in Your Garage Space

So, if you want to use the extra storage space the garage space offers in the best way possible. Here are some of the items that can easily be kept in there and some that can’t.

Having a garage at your disposal is a luxury that many people don’t have – or actually do have, but it is simply not in the best state. Instead of looking up ‘door repair near me’ or ‘garage door repair’ on Google, they leave it be. This is a mistake as even if you don’t have many cars. You can still benefit a lot if you know what to do with an empty garage.

Here are some of the things that can be easily kept there:

Old furniture and appliances: You won’t have to find space in your house for the old furniture or appliances. They will be kept in the garage space, ready to be used again.

Various equipment: Tools and other equipment that you use for various purposes, such as sports, can easily be stored in any garage.

Many different items: If you have many things that you want to store in your house but can’t find space for, the garage is the best place for it. That way, they won’t clutter up your house but will still be available whenever you need them.

Gardening equipment: If you have any gardening equipment that you’re not using right now, then it’s a good idea to keep it in your garage. Not only will it make it easier for you to keep it clean, but it will also protect it from rain and snow.

Wood: Although you might not have a lot of wood in your house, many people do. One way to keep wood dry is to keep it in your garage – all you need to do is cover it with, for example, a tarp.

Things That You Shouldn’t Keep in Your Garage

As much as a garage is a great place to store many things, there are also some things that you shouldn’t store in it.

Here are some of the things that you shouldn’t store in your garage:

Gasoline: Although it may seem like a good idea to store gasoline in the garage, you should know that this is highly dangerous. If it catches fire or is exposed to high temperatures, it may explode or release toxic fumes. If you need gas for your garden tools, or anything else, you should keep it as far away from the garage as possible.

Paint: Although paint may sometimes seem like a simple material. It is hazardous and should not be stored near the garage. Paint can easily catch fire or release toxic fumes when exposed to heat. On top of that, when the paint dries up, it becomes tough and brittle.

Old chemicals: Old chemicals are also something that should not be stored in the garage. Different chemicals have different dedicated storage spaces, so keeping them in the garage simply won’t be safe.

Unused medications: Over time, medications become less potent or even completely useless. Therefore, it is best if they are disposed of when they aren’t needed anymore. Otherwise they may catch fire or release toxic fumes when exposed to heat.

Perishables: You should never store food in the garage. If the temperature is too high, it may spoil, and if it is too low, it may freeze and become unusable.

Clutter: Aside from all of the things that you CAN’T keep in your garage. You should also make sure that you don’t keep clutter or things that aren’t usable. The garage should only be used for items that you want to use again soon and that are not likely to get broken or damaged in any way.

Fluorescent lights: Fluorescent lights can sometimes be difficult to clean, and can fire off toxic fumes when exposed to high temperatures.

Items You Need to Be Careful About

Chemical cleaners are often stored in garages and basements, but you should be careful about what products you use. Not only can these be damaging to your clothes, but they can also be harmful to you. You should always read the label of the product you’re thinking of buying. Make sure that when you use it you do it according to the instructions.

There are a lot of people who store their bicycles in the garage. However, bicycles, as well as bicycle parts can be dangerous, which is why storing them in a garage is not recommended. Since most garages are slightly damp, there is also an increased chance that rust can develop on the frame and parts.

The Bottom Line

Many people don’t have a luxury called a garage, and those who have, often disregard their luck. Especially since it’s such a versatile space. Storing the car is only one of its purposes with a little bit of work, the garage can be transformed into whatever you need. Home gym? Of course. Entertainment room? Sure, no problem. Stable? More complicated but possible.

Another thing the garage is great for, is storage. If you don’t have a lot of space in your home, then this is a perfect solution. However, you need to be careful, because as you could see above, not everything can be stored there.

We hope that after reading this article, you’ll be more conscious about what goes into your garage. Maybe you’ll even realize that some of the things you have there, shouldn’t be kept in your garage. As they say – better late than never. Good luck.