5 Things You Should Never Store in a Backyard Shed
An outdoor shed is the perfect solution to many Connecticut homeowners’ storage struggles. Unless you’re using your shed as a hangout spot, it probably isn’t insulated or completely weatherproofed. With that in mind, there are a few things you should consider storing elsewhere. Here are 5 things you should never store in a backyard shed.
Paint
Paint is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Extreme cold or heat can damage the paint, making it unusable. A better place to store your cans of paint, stain, or spray paint is the basement.
Electronics
Similar to paint, electronics are sensitive to wide temperature fluctuations. Additionally, moisture can damage sensitive wiring and batteries in electronics. In extremely cold conditions, the liquid in LED or LCD screens may freeze, leading to permanent damage. It is a safer idea to keep electronics stored inside.
Food, birdseed, or canned goods
Avoid storing any food in a shed, as it can attract pests. This includes human and animal food! Birdseed is especially attractive to squirrels, mice, and other pests that can lead to a full infestation. Even sealed items, such as canned goods, are vulnerable to temperature fluctuations in the area, which can lead to spoilage. Canned goods exposed to temperatures above 100°F or below 40°F may not be safe to consume. A better place to store these items is indoors in a secure container that pests cannot get into.
Photos and paper
Paper products that you want to preserve, including books and photos, can easily absorb moisture. Over time, book pages can stick together, and bugs may destroy the paper. Photos can sustain irreversible damage from high humidity inside a shed. It’s best to organize important paperwork, old photos, and books securely indoors.
Propane and other chemicals
While propane should always be stored outdoors, it’s crucial not to keep it in a tight, enclosed space like a shed. Even a minor leak or spark could lead to disaster. Always store propane tanks in an open, shaded area away from structures to remain safe. Additionally, things like bleach, ammonia, or aerosol cleaners can become unstable or lose their effectiveness in heat or cold. Check product labels for the best storage location.
