Are Garages Really an Appropriate Space for Storage?
Every house needs storage space. This is particularly true if you are a family. You soon gather a lot of stuff and have nowhere to store it. Indeed, this can make your home feel unorganized and cluttered. Many families feel like they do not want to have guests over and even being at home can have an effect on your mental health. When the place is a mess around you, you can feel anxious, stressed and unhappy.
Perhaps you are finally doing something about it and trying to create storage space in your home. But, where can this be? Many people think about their attic or if they have a cellar. Another space you may be considering is the garage. If you do not use this space for your vehicle, you can feel like it is being wasted. So, is this an appropriate space to use as storage? Let’s find out.
Can You Use the Garage as a Storage Room?
Let’s start off by answering the question. Yes, you can use the garage as a storage room. In fact, it can be a great space to utilize since people often do not use it for a car anymore or they still have plenty of room on the walls for storage. With some simple installations, you can make sure you maximize the use of the garage.
But, there are some things you need to know. Yes, you can use this space as storage. However, you have to make sure that you have the right storage systems in place to protect your items. For instance, installing garage cabinets can be a good idea. They are designed to be strong
and dependable. Check out https://garagegiantusa.com/collections/ulti-mate-garage to see the range of Ulti-MATE garage storage systems there are. Indeed, there are varying designs and sizes that you can adapt to the space you have.
There is a lot you can choose to storage in your garage. For example, people commonly use this space for tools and car supplies. They are going to be on-hand when you need them, and this is where you are mostly likely going to need to grab them.
In addition, you can store outdoor equipment and gardening tools in the garage. It keeps them out of the elements, as well as being somewhere useful when the weather improves. Things like outdoor toys and pool accessories can also be stored in here.
A garage is also a great place for items you do not use a lot. For instance, this could be seasonal and holiday decorations. Just make sure that you store fragile and small things in boxes before you put them in here. This will ensure they are kept in good condition for when you do want to use them.
Beware of Some Items
Know that there are going to be some items that the garage is not appropriate for. This is due to the fluctuation of temperatures that can happen in here during the year, as well as the moisture. So, you can use the garage if you are careful about what you are storing. Plus, you will have to invest in the right storage to protect your belongings.
What Items Should You Not Store in the Garage?
As we have mentioned, there are going to be some items that are not appropriate for being in the garage. So, let’s take a look at some of them.
Food
Food is something that you do not want to store in the garage. Even if it is in packets or boxes, it can be a way to attract vermin and insects. Of course, this is the last thing you want. So, keep all food, whether it is human or pet food, out of the garage.
Clothing and Bedding
You might be surprised by this one. But, it is not recommended that you keep clothing and bedding in the garage. The reason for this is to do with animals again. They can seek this as shelter if they are able to find a way in. What’s more, insects can gather, which is going to give you a fright the next time you need them.
Items That are Sensitive to Temperature
The temperature in your garage fluctuates during the year. It can be very cold during the winter. Then, it can be quite hot and airless during the summer. This is something to
remember when it comes to storage. If an item is going to be sensitive to temperature, it should not be stored in the garage.
Electronics
Electronics are another thing you do not want to store in the garage. They might get damaged when the temperatures are low. What’s more, if there is moisture in the garage, they can get damaged too. So, if you get around to selling them or you want to use them again, you might discover they are no longer working.
Concerns You Need to Address
There are some concerns about using a garage for storage. You will need to address them to assess whether you can still use this space. Let’s take a look at some of them.
The Security
Of course, you need to make sure that your garage is secure. Typically, this is one of the easiest places to break in when it comes to your home. So, you will need to take steps to secure this space if you are going to use it for storage. For example, you can secure the garage door, have security lights and make sure you buy garage cabinets that are lockable.
Extreme Temperature
As we have already mentioned, garages can get very hot in the summer and very cold during the winter months. You need to make sure you consider this, as well as what you are storing. There can be adjustments you can make to the space to fix these extremes in temperature. This can include installing heating or other garage conversions. You will need to consider whether this is best for your space.