What Not to Store in the Garage

A garage should be a place to store your gear, protect your equipment, or tackle a weekend DIY project — not a hazard waiting to happen. Many homeowners don’t realise that keeping the wrong items in a garage can create safety risks, damage belongings, and take up valuable space.

Understanding what not to store in the garage is the first step towards a safer, more organised setup — and a garage that actually works for your lifestyle.

And as we head into autumn in South Africa, now is the perfect time for a seasonal reset — before winter arrives and indoor projects, sports gear, and home storage needs start to shift..

1. Flammable Liquids and Hazardous Chemicals

One of the most important categories when considering what not to store in the garage is anything flammable or chemically unstable.

Items such as:

• Petrol or diesel containers

• Paint thinners and solvents

• Pool chemicals

• Aerosol sprays

• Certain cleaning products

…can all become dangerous if exposed to heat, poor ventilation, or accidental spills.

Even in cooler months, garages can experience temperature changes throughout the day, and storing these items improperly increases the risk of fire or harmful fumes. If you do need to keep certain products in the garage, always use sealed, clearly labelled containers and store them safely away from ignition sources — ideally in lockable cabinets.

This is a key part of garage storage safety.

2. Food and Anything That Attracts Pests

It may seem convenient to keep extra food supplies, pet food, or bird seed in the garage, but it’s rarely a good idea.

Garages are not temperature controlled, and food stored there can:

• Spoil more quickly

• Attract rodents and insects

• Create unpleasant odours

• Lead to damaged packaging and mess

Even sealed items can be surprisingly tempting to pests, especially as the weather cools and animals look for warmth and shelter. If it belongs in the kitchen or pantry, it probably doesn’t belong in the garage.

3. Cardboard Boxes and Paper Piles

Cardboard is one of the most common garage storage habits — and one of the least helpful. Stacks of old boxes, paperwork, or magazines can:

• Absorb moisture

• Encourage pests

• Create fire hazards

• Take up huge amounts of space

If you’re trying to improve your garage organisation, replacing cardboard with durable storage bins or proper wall-mounted systems can instantly make the space feel cleaner and more functional.

4. Electronics and Temperature-Sensitive Items

Many people store spare electronics in the garage without realising how easily they can be damaged.

Items like:

• TVs and computer monitors

• Speakers

• Power tool batteries

• Cameras

• Old printers

…don’t cope well with fluctuating temperatures or damp air.

Over time, moisture and cold can affect internal components, shorten battery life, or cause corrosion. If it’s something you’d hesitate to leave outside overnight, it likely isn’t ideal for garage storage either.

5. Irreplaceable or Sentimental Belongings

Garages often become the home for things that feel “too special to throw away” — childhood keepsakes, photo albums, family furniture. But garages are not designed for long-term preservation.

Humidity, dust, pests, and temperature changes can all cause damage, and these items are often the hardest to replace. If something truly matters to you, it’s worth finding a safer place indoors.

How the Wrong Storage Creates the Wrong Garage

When your garage is filled with unsuitable items, it stops being useful. Instead of a clean, practical space, it becomes:

• Hard to move around in

• Difficult to find things

• Stressful and cluttered

• Unsafe for children or pets

• Impossible to park in

Knowing what not to store in the garage is about more than safety — it’s about creating space for the things you actually want your garage to do.

Smarter Garage Storage Safety Starts With Better Organisation

Even if your garage is mainly for storage, how you store things makes all the difference. Some simple garage storage safety improvements include:

• Keeping chemicals in sealed, lockable cupboards

• Storing heavy items low down

• Using wall-mounted hooks for bikes and ladders

• Creating zones (DIY, gardening, sports, seasonal)

• Ensuring walkways stay clear

A well-organised garage doesn’t just look better — it functions better.

At MyGarage, we help homeowners create garage spaces that feel organised, intentional, and easy to live with.

Whether you’re looking for:

• Better wall-mounted storage

• Space-saving solutions for bikes and tools

• A more functional layout

• Help reclaiming your garage from clutter

…we can guide you through options that suit your home, your lifestyle, and your storage needs.

A few smart upgrades can completely change how your garage feels — turning it into a space you actually enjoy using, not avoiding.

Store Smarter, Live Easier

Knowing what not to store in a garage is a simple but powerful step towards a safer and more functional home.

By removing unsuitable items, improving garage storage safety, and setting your space up properly for the cooler months ahead, your garage can become one of the most valuable and usable areas of your home.

Autumn is the perfect time to reset — and MyGarage is here to help you make the most of your space.