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A backyard shed is a convenient place to stash things you don’t use every day. Before long, it fills up with gardening supplies, leftover paint, holiday decorations, old tools, and boxes you haven’t opened in years. The problem is that most sheds aren’t built like your house. They heat up in the summer, get cold in the winter, collect moisture, and often attract insects and rodents.
That means some belongings can be damaged after just one season of sitting in the wrong environment. Heat can ruin certain products, damp air encourages rust and mold, and pests don’t mind turning stored items into a new home.
Before you add another box to the pile, take a look at these items that are better stored somewhere else.
Food
A shed is one of the last places you want to keep food. Packaged goods can attract mice, rats, insects, and other unwanted visitors. Canned foods aren’t immune either. Heat and cold can affect their quality over time, while moisture can cause cans and lids to rust. Once that happens, the food may no longer be safe to eat.
Related: 15 Things Experienced Gardeners Avoid Planting in Raised Beds
Paint
Leftover paint doesn’t hold up well in extreme temperatures. Freezing can ruin its consistency, while excessive heat can cause it to separate or spoil. If you want paint to stay usable for future projects, keep it in a cool, dry place inside your home or another climate-controlled area.
Cleaning supplies
Many household cleaners lose their effectiveness after repeated exposure to heat or freezing temperatures. Some products can even become unsafe if they’re stored improperly. A laundry room, utility closet, or another dry indoor space is usually a much better choice.
Related: 10 Things Every Homesteader Should Always Buy at Thrift Stores
Important documents
Birth certificates, passports, insurance papers, tax records, and family photos should never be stored in a shed. Moisture, insects, and rodents can ruin them before you realize there’s a problem. Keep valuable documents indoors in a waterproof container or fire-resistant safe.
Electronics
Computers, televisions, speakers, cameras, and other electronics don’t handle humidity or temperature swings very well. Moisture can damage internal components, while extreme heat shortens their lifespan. If an electronic device is worth keeping, it’s worth storing inside.
Prescription medications
Most medications should be kept at a stable room temperature. A hot shed during summer or a freezing one in winter can reduce their effectiveness. Store prescription medicines indoors according to the directions on the label.
Related: 16 Things You Should Never Store in Your Garden Shed
Artwork
Paintings, framed prints, and other artwork are easily damaged by moisture and changing temperatures. Canvas can stretch, wood frames can warp, and mold may develop over time. If artwork needs to be stored, keep it in a dry, climate-controlled location with proper protective wrapping.
Books
Books absorb moisture surprisingly easily. Damp conditions can cause pages to wrinkle, covers to warp, and mold to grow between the pages. If you want to keep your books in good condition, store them inside your home instead of in the shed.
Alcohol
Wine, beer, and many spirits are sensitive to heat and direct sunlight. High temperatures can change their flavor and shorten their shelf life. A cool, dark place indoors is much better suited for storing alcoholic beverages.
Propane tanks
While propane tanks should never be stored inside your home, they shouldn’t be kept inside a closed shed either. If a leak occurs, gas can build up and create a dangerous situation. Store propane tanks outdoors in an open, well-ventilated area away from heat sources.
Insecticides and pesticides
Garden chemicals don’t always tolerate extreme temperatures. Heat and moisture can reduce their effectiveness or damage the containers. Follow the storage instructions on the label, and keep them in a secure location that’s out of reach of children and pets.
Related: 12 Unexpected Things You Can Do With a Box of Cornstarch
Firewood
Stacking firewood inside a shed may seem convenient, but it often invites spiders, termites, ants, and other pests. Those insects can spread to nearby structures if given the chance. Firewood is better stored outside on a raised rack, away from your home.
Furniture
Wood furniture can swell or crack after repeated exposure to moisture, while upholstered pieces often develop mold, mildew, or musty odors. If you need long-term storage, a climate-controlled storage unit offers much better protection.
Rugs and carpets
Rolled-up rugs may look safe in storage, but moisture can quickly lead to mold and mildew inside the fibers. They can also become home to insects or rodents. If possible, store rugs indoors where humidity stays under control.
Clothing
Clothing doesn’t hold up well in a damp shed. Fabric can absorb moisture, develop musty smells, and become a target for moths and other pests. Seasonal clothing should be packed in sealed containers and kept inside the house whenever possible.
Fertilizers
Fertilizer can clump together or lose quality after repeated exposure to moisture and changing temperatures. Some products also have specific storage requirements for safety. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and store fertilizer where it will stay dry and protected.
