What to Store in Your Garage (and What Not To)

Your garage can be an incredibly useful storage space if utilized properly. With some forethought and organization, you can transform your garage into a functional area that houses all your necessary belongings and equipment. However, clutter and improper storage can quickly turn your garage into an eyesore and make it difficult to find what you need. Follow these guidelines on what you should and should not store in your garage for maximum utility.

Tools and Equipment

Your garage is the ideal place to keep tools and equipment organized, accessible, and protected from the elements.

Lawn and Garden Tools

Rakes, shovels, hoes, pruners, loppers – Store neatly on a wall-mounted rack or shelf unit. Hang long-handled tools vertically.
Lawn mower, leaf blower, string trimmer – Clean after each use and store away from moisture. Place on a mat or shelf to catch drips.
Fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides – Store tightly sealed in a locked cabinet away from ignition sources.
Gas cans – Store approved gas containers with sealed lids in a well-ventilated area away from living spaces. Use fuel stabilizer and run equipment dry before winter storage.

Auto Care and Maintenance

Car lift and jack stands – Secure firmly to prevent tipping or slipping. Check weight limits before use.
Funnels, ramps, creepers, car vacuums – Store neatly on shelves and racks designed for garage use.
Oil, fluids, lubricants – Seal containers tightly and store up high and out of the way of children and pets. Use funnels and drip pans to prevent spills.
Car parts, tires – Stack neatly and elevate off the floor on shelves or pallets. Tires can be mounted on the wall if space allows.

Home Improvement and Construction

Hand and power tools – Use pegboards, toolboxes and cabinets to organize neatly by function. Store sharp edges safely and keep cords untangled.
Nails, screws, bolts, nuts in assorted sizes – Sort hardware and fasteners in labeled bins and jars. Check inventory before starting projects.
Paints and solvents – Separate by hazardousness and only store approved containers. Place on spill mats and store lids tightly closed.
Lumber and drywall – Elevate on pallets or shelving to prevent moisture damage and warping. Avoid overloading shelves.

Safety Gear and Equipment

Fire extinguishers – Mount to the wall in an accessible and visible location. Check pressure gauges and replace expired extinguishers.
Work gloves, eye and ear protection – Store neatly in a toolbox, cabinet or on a rack. Check condition and replace worn or damaged gear.
Dust masks, respirators, safety harnesses – Hang respirators and harnesses on hooks to preserve shape. Store masks sealed in bags.
First aid kits – Mount first aid kits to the wall in an easily seen spot. Check supplies and replace any expired items.

Seasonal and Recreational Items

Take advantage of your garage’s covered, secure space to store seasonal, recreational and outdoor items neatly off the floor.

Outdoor Furniture and Decor

Patio tables, chairs, umbrellas – Clean, cover with waterproof bags and store flat on shelves.
Grills and grilling tools – Disconnect propane tanks and clean grates thoroughly after use. Store grilling tools in a kit.
Outdoor toys, pools – Deflate, disassemble, rinse and dry. Store in containers labeled with contents.
Hoses, planters, hanging baskets – Coil hoses and hang out of the way. Store planters stacked or on shelves.

Winter Sporting Goods

Skis, snowboards, sleds – Store vertically in floor-mounted or wall-mounted racks. Keep bindings loose when not in use.
Hockey and skating gear – Allow gear to dry fully before storing for off-season. Use breathable containers.
Ice fishing equipment – Reels and electronics need cool, dry storage. Check bait and supplies for next season.
Snow blowers, snow shovels – Wipe down and service equipment after each use. Fully drain gas and oil before storage.

Bicycles and Riding Gear

Bikes – Use floor or wall-mounted racks. Protect tires by avoiding direct floor contact.
Helmets, shoes, jerseys, shorts – Store gear neatly on shelves and in containers. Wash sweaty gear before storing.
Pumps, chains, pedals, tools – Keep a toolkit fully stocked. Label bins clearly and group like items.
Racks, bottles, packs, lights – Clean thoroughly after rides. Check batteries in electronics before storage.

Camping Supplies and Equipment

Tents, shelters, sleeping bags, pads – Air out and clean before long-term storage. Roll up neatly.
Camp chairs, cots, tables – Wipe down metal and plastic. Let air mattresses fully deflate before storage.
Camp stoves, grills, coolers – Clean thoroughly inside and out after each use. Store properly sealed.
Lanterns, GPS devices, batteries – Remove batteries from electronics before storage.

Household Items and Hardware

Utilize vertical space in your garage to organize and store household items safely.

Shelf Stable Food

Canned goods, oils, baking items – Store like items together on sturdy shelves. Use older stuff first and check expiration dates.
Bottled water, drinks – Store in sealed original containers out of direct sunlight and high heat. Elevate off concrete floors.
Pet food, bird seed – Use airtight, pest-proof plastic bins or metal cans. Avoid moisture and pests.

Infrequently Used Appliances

Holiday appliances like roasters – Clean thoroughly before storage. Store with cords neatly coiled.
Kitchen extras like bread makers – Take up valuable counter space? Store neatly in garage and plug in when needed.
Old microwaves or mini fridges – Still usable? Store safely elevated on a shelf or table.

Home and Garage Hardware

Ladders, step stools – Firmly secure hanging ladders to the wall. Store step stools flat on shelves.
Pesticides, herbicides, cleaners – Use original containers only. Lock away from children and pets.
Paints and solvents – Separate oil-based and latex. Store lids tightly sealed and on spill mats.
Cords, hoses, connectors – Coil neatly and hang to avoid tangles. Use holders to neatly store extension cords.

Off-Limit Garage Storage

While your garage can safely house many items, some things simply don’t belong there. Avoid storing the following in your garage:

Anything That Could Leak, Spill or Freeze

Paints, oils, chemicals, cleaners – Can leak dangerous fumes and flammable liquid.
Beverages, foods, spices – Can spoil, expire, freeze or burst. Attract unwanted pests.
Oils, gasoline, solvents – Can leak, ignite or explode. Shelving increases risk.

Personal Belongings

Documents, files, photos – Temperature swings damage. Rodents and bugs can destroy.
Books, clothing, shoes – Will be damaged by moisture, dirt, bugs and rodents.
Medications – Medications can degrade in temperature extremes. Keep inside only.

Unsafe Stored Items

Weapons like guns – Are illegal and unsafe around kids and burglars. Store securely indoors only.
Valuables like jewelry – Easily stolen. Avoid keeping in garage.
Hazardous waste – Follow local laws on properly disposing of hazardous household waste. Don’t store.

Items That Can Be Damaged

Musical instruments – Vulnerable to temperature swings and humidity. Store only in climate control.
Electronics and media – Heat and cold damage. Rodents chew wires. Store indoors only.
Furniture – Will warp, crack, mold, or become infested. Garage is not climate controlled.

Tips for Garage Organization

Follow these guidelines to keep your garage storage neat, clean and organized.

Use clear bins and containers to easily identify contents. Label everything.
Install sturdy shelving and racks for efficient storage off the floor.
Keep storage away from garage doors, windows and appliances.
Sweep and tidy regularly to maintain your organization systems.
Discard or donate unnecessary items you no longer use.
Prevent pest infestations by keeping edibles in airtight containers.
Check for expired goods and dangerously rusted containers/tools periodically.
Consider installing ceiling racks and wall hooks for vertical storage space.
Keep high shelves limited to lightweight items or well-secured heavy items.
Keep flammables locked up properly and away from ignition sources like water heaters.
Maintain a list or map of where items are stored to maximize efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of an organized garage?

An organized garage provides safe, tidy storage for all your necessary equipment and belongings. You’ll save time by easily finding what you need while protecting your gear from damage and pests.

How often should I clean my garage?

Do a deep garage cleaning at least twice a year, but also sweep frequently and tidy as needed. Seasonal rotations of gear offer a chance to purge unneeded items.

What kind of shelving should I use?

Sturdy, industrial-grade metal shelving is best for holding heavy items like tools securely. For lighter items, storage solutions like clear plastic bins on wire racks work efficiently.

Where should I mount fire extinguishers and first aid kits?

Mount first aid kits and fire extinguishers to a wall in a visible, accessible spot free of obstructions, ideally near garage door exits.

How can I deter pests in my garage?

Seal any gaps or holes in exterior walls, keep edibles in airtight containers, sweep regularly, and avoid moisture buildup to keep pests from invading your garage storage areas.

Conclusion

Your garage has great potential for organized storage that protects your valuables while providing easy access to the equipment, tools and gear you use most. Avoid treating it like a catch-all dumping ground. With some forethought and periodic maintenance, your garage can be both functional and tidy while keeping your possessions safe from damage. Invest time into creating smart storage solutions and habits that maximize this valuable space in your home.