Sheds offer a fantastic storage solution, decluttering homes and garages. However, not everything thrives within the confines of these often-uninsulated spaces. Storing the wrong items in your shed can lead to damage, deterioration, and even hazardous situations. Understanding what not to store in a shed is crucial for protecting your belongings and ensuring safety. This guide explores the items that are best kept elsewhere, explaining the reasons behind these recommendations.
Understanding the Shed Environment
Before diving into specific items, it’s essential to understand the typical shed environment. Most sheds are subject to temperature fluctuations, humidity, and potential pest infestations. These factors can significantly impact the lifespan and condition of stored items.
Temperature Swings
Sheds often lack proper insulation, resulting in extreme temperature swings throughout the year. These fluctuations can damage items sensitive to heat or cold, causing warping, cracking, or melting. Think about the materials that will experience significant changes from summer to winter.
Humidity Levels
Humidity is another critical factor. Sheds can become damp, particularly during wet seasons. High humidity promotes mold and mildew growth, which can damage fabrics, paper products, and even metal. Proper ventilation can help, but it’s not always enough to protect vulnerable items.
Pest Infestations
Sheds can attract pests like rodents, insects, and spiders. These creatures can damage stored items by chewing, nesting, or leaving droppings. Food items and certain fabrics are particularly susceptible to pest infestations. Prevention is key.
Items Sensitive to Temperature and Humidity
Certain materials are particularly vulnerable to the temperature and humidity fluctuations common in sheds. Storing these items in a climate-controlled environment is crucial to preserving their condition.
Electronics and Batteries
Electronics are highly susceptible to damage from temperature extremes and humidity. High heat can melt components, while cold can cause cracking. Humidity can lead to corrosion and short circuits. Batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries, are also sensitive to temperature and can become unstable or leak. Never store batteries in a shed where they will be exposed to extreme heat.
Paint and Adhesives
Paint and adhesives can deteriorate rapidly in a shed. Extreme temperatures can cause paint to separate, thicken, or dry out. Adhesives can lose their bonding strength, rendering them useless. Fluctuating temperatures can also cause containers to expand and contract, potentially leading to leaks and spills. Proper sealed containers can only do so much in this type of environment.
Photographs and Important Documents
Photographs and important documents are incredibly vulnerable to humidity and pests. Humidity can cause photos to stick together, fade, or develop mold. Paper documents can become brittle, discolored, or eaten by pests. Consider storing these items in airtight, waterproof containers in a climate-controlled area. Digitizing these is even better.
Musical Instruments
Wooden musical instruments are highly sensitive to humidity and temperature changes. Fluctuations can cause the wood to warp, crack, or swell, affecting the instrument’s playability and sound. Stringed instruments are particularly vulnerable, as changes in humidity can cause the strings to stretch or break.
Certain Clothing and Fabrics
While storing off-season clothing in a shed might seem convenient, certain fabrics are prone to damage. Natural fibers like wool, silk, and linen are susceptible to mold and mildew growth in humid conditions. These fabrics can also attract pests like moths. Store clothing in airtight containers with desiccant packets to absorb moisture. Avoid storing anything that you are not ok with throwing away after a few years.
Medications
Medications should never be stored in a shed. Temperature fluctuations can alter their chemical composition, rendering them ineffective or even dangerous. Always store medications in a cool, dry place, as directed by the manufacturer.
Items That Attract Pests
Sheds can be havens for pests, and certain items can attract them. Avoid storing anything that might tempt rodents, insects, or other unwanted guests.
Food Items
This seems obvious, but food items are a major attractant for pests. Even sealed containers may not be enough to deter determined rodents. Birdseed, pet food, and dry goods should be stored indoors in airtight, pest-proof containers. Avoid storing anything edible in a shed.
Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes are a favorite nesting material for rodents and insects. They provide warmth, shelter, and a readily available source of cellulose. Avoid storing items in cardboard boxes; instead, use plastic bins with tight-fitting lids.
Firewood (If Not Properly Stored)
While storing firewood in a shed might seem convenient, it can also attract pests like termites and carpenter ants. If you must store firewood in a shed, ensure it’s elevated off the ground and away from the walls. Seasoned wood is less attractive to pests than green wood. It’s generally better to store firewood outdoors under a tarp.
Hazardous Materials
Storing hazardous materials in a shed can pose significant risks, particularly in the event of a fire or spill. These items should be stored in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources and out of reach of children and pets.
Flammable Liquids
Flammable liquids like gasoline, propane, and kerosene should never be stored in a shed. These substances can easily ignite, posing a fire hazard. Fumes from these liquids can also accumulate, creating an explosion risk. Store flammable liquids in approved containers in a well-ventilated area away from any potential ignition sources.
Fertilizers and Pesticides
Fertilizers and pesticides can be harmful if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. They can also contaminate soil and water sources. Store these items in their original containers in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets. Follow all label instructions for storage and disposal.
Propane Tanks
Propane tanks should never be stored indoors or in enclosed spaces like sheds. Propane is highly flammable, and leaks can create an explosion hazard. Store propane tanks outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from any potential ignition sources.
Other Items to Avoid
Beyond the categories above, several other items are best kept out of sheds for various reasons.
Anything of Significant Value
Storing valuable items in a shed increases the risk of theft. Sheds are often less secure than homes or garages, making them an easy target for burglars. Avoid storing jewelry, electronics, or other valuables in a shed. If you must store something valuable, invest in a high-quality lock and consider adding an alarm system.
Items Prone to Rust
Metal items prone to rust should be protected from moisture. While some metal items can be stored in a shed, it is important to properly protect them.
Upholstered Furniture
Upholstered furniture can quickly deteriorate in a shed due to humidity and pests. Fabric can become moldy, and stuffing can attract rodents. Avoid storing upholstered furniture in a shed unless it’s properly sealed in airtight plastic covers with desiccant packets. Be aware that damage is still likely.
Tips for Improving Shed Storage
While some items are best kept out of sheds altogether, you can take steps to improve the storage environment and protect your belongings.
Improve Ventilation
Proper ventilation helps reduce humidity levels and prevent mold and mildew growth. Consider installing vents in your shed to allow for airflow. You can also use a dehumidifier to further reduce moisture.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
Sealing gaps and cracks in your shed can help prevent pests from entering. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal any openings around doors, windows, and the foundation.
Elevate Items Off the Ground
Elevating items off the ground can help protect them from moisture and pests. Use shelving units, pallets, or blocks to raise items above the floor.
Use Airtight Containers
Storing items in airtight containers can help protect them from moisture, pests, and dust. Use plastic bins with tight-fitting lids or vacuum-sealed bags.
Regularly Inspect Your Shed
Regularly inspect your shed for signs of leaks, pests, or damage. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further problems and protect your stored items.
Alternatives to Shed Storage
If you’re running out of space in your home and your shed isn’t suitable for certain items, consider alternative storage solutions.
Climate-Controlled Storage Units
Climate-controlled storage units offer a safe and secure environment for storing sensitive items. These units maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels, protecting your belongings from damage.
Basements and Attics
Basements and attics can provide additional storage space, but be mindful of humidity and temperature fluctuations. Ensure these areas are properly insulated and ventilated before storing sensitive items.
Decluttering
Sometimes, the best storage solution is to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need. This can free up space in your home and reduce the need for additional storage.
Conclusion
Storing items in a shed can be a convenient way to declutter your home, but it’s crucial to be mindful of the shed environment and the items you’re storing. By avoiding storing temperature-sensitive, humidity-vulnerable, pest-attracting, and hazardous materials, you can protect your belongings from damage and ensure safety. Consider alternative storage solutions or take steps to improve your shed’s storage environment to maximize its utility and protect your valued possessions.
FAQ 1: Why is storing paint in a shed often a bad idea?
Paint, especially latex-based paint, is highly susceptible to temperature fluctuations. Freezing temperatures can cause the water in the paint to separate, ruining the consistency and rendering it unusable. Similarly, extreme heat can cause the paint to thicken and potentially dry out prematurely. These conditions, commonly found in sheds without climate control, drastically shorten the paint’s shelf life, leading to wasted resources and unnecessary expenses.
Furthermore, paint containers, even when sealed, can be vulnerable to humidity and moisture prevalent in sheds. This can lead to rust and corrosion of metal cans, potentially contaminating the paint and making it unusable. The degraded containers might also leak, creating a mess and posing an environmental hazard. It’s generally best to store paint in a climate-controlled area like a basement or indoor storage room.
FAQ 2: Can I store electronics or appliances in my shed?
Electronics and appliances are particularly sensitive to humidity and temperature changes, both of which are often uncontrolled in sheds. High humidity can lead to corrosion of internal components and short circuits, while extreme temperature fluctuations can damage sensitive circuitry and degrade plastic parts. Storing these items in a shed environment significantly increases the risk of malfunction and premature failure.
Moreover, rodents and pests are common inhabitants of sheds and can cause extensive damage to wiring and other components in electronics and appliances. Chewed wires pose a fire hazard, and contaminated surfaces can be unsanitary. Repairing or replacing damaged electronics and appliances can be expensive, making proper indoor storage the far more cost-effective choice.
FAQ 3: What are the risks of storing paper products in a shed?
Paper products, such as documents, books, and photographs, are highly vulnerable to moisture and pests, both of which are often present in sheds. Humidity can cause paper to warp, mold, and mildew, leading to irreversible damage. Important documents can become illegible, and cherished photographs can be destroyed. The cost of replacing or restoring these items can be significant, not to mention the sentimental value lost.
Furthermore, sheds provide an ideal environment for rodents and insects to nest and feed on paper products. These pests can quickly destroy valuable documents and sentimental items, creating a mess and potentially spreading diseases. Proper indoor storage, in a dry and pest-controlled environment, is essential for preserving paper products and preventing costly damage.
FAQ 4: Why shouldn’t I store perishable food items in a shed?
Storing perishable food items in a shed is generally unsafe due to the lack of temperature control and the increased risk of pest infestation. Temperature fluctuations can cause food to spoil quickly, leading to bacterial growth and making it unsafe to consume. Consuming spoiled food can result in food poisoning, causing illness and potentially requiring medical attention.
Sheds also provide an attractive environment for rodents, insects, and other pests that can contaminate food items. These pests can spread diseases and render food inedible. Storing perishable food in a shed can attract these pests, increasing the risk of infestation in your shed and potentially your home. Proper refrigeration or storage in airtight containers within a climate-controlled environment is crucial for food safety.
FAQ 5: Is it okay to store gasoline or other flammable liquids in my shed?
Storing gasoline or other flammable liquids in a shed presents a significant fire hazard, particularly if the shed is not properly ventilated. The fumes from these liquids can accumulate, creating an explosive atmosphere. A spark from a tool, electrical outlet, or even static electricity can ignite the fumes, leading to a devastating fire. This poses a serious risk to your property and potentially to your safety and the safety of others.
Furthermore, temperature fluctuations in a shed can cause flammable liquids to expand and contract, potentially leading to leaks and spills. These spills can create a fire hazard and contaminate the surrounding environment. If you must store flammable liquids, use approved safety containers and store them in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources and potential ignition points, ideally in a separate, detached structure designed for such storage.
FAQ 6: What about storing medications or personal care products in a shed?
Storing medications and personal care products in a shed is not recommended due to temperature sensitivity and potential degradation. Many medications require specific temperature ranges to maintain their effectiveness. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can alter the chemical composition of medications, rendering them ineffective or even harmful. Similar issues can affect personal care products, leading to changes in texture, scent, and efficacy.
Furthermore, the humidity and moisture often found in sheds can damage packaging and compromise the integrity of medications and personal care products. This can lead to contamination and make it difficult to determine if the products are still safe to use. It is best to store these items in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations, preferably inside your home.
FAQ 7: Why should I avoid storing clothing and fabrics in a shed?
Clothing and fabrics are highly susceptible to damage from moisture, pests, and sunlight when stored in a shed. Humidity can lead to mold and mildew growth, causing unpleasant odors and irreversible damage to fibers. These conditions can also attract insects like moths and silverfish, which can feed on fabrics, creating holes and weakening the material. Even seemingly minor damage can render clothing and other fabric items unusable.
Furthermore, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause fabrics to fade and degrade, especially delicate or brightly colored items. The lack of ventilation in many sheds can also trap odors and contribute to the overall degradation of fabrics. Storing clothing and fabrics in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated indoor space is crucial for preserving their quality and preventing costly damage.