If you’re like me, you probably treat your garage attic like a time capsule, a place where items you no longer need, but can’t bear to part with, are stored away. But, over time, these items can become a liability, taking up space and potentially posing a risk to your safety. I’ve learned this the hard way, and now I’m sharing my experience so you can avoid making the same mistakes. Here are 11 things I wish I’d never stored in my garage attic.
1. Pesticides and Other Hazardous Chemicals
Storing pesticides and other hazardous chemicals in your garage attic is a recipe for disaster. These chemicals can leak, causing health risks and damaging your property. Moreover, they can deteriorate with time and changing temperatures, leading to explosive consequences.
For example, I once stored an old can of paint thinner in the attic. Over time, it leaked, causing a strong odor and damaging some nearby items. I had to hire a professional to clean up the mess. So, my advice is to properly dispose of these chemicals at a local hazardous waste facility.
2. Old Electronics
Old electronics might seem harmless, but they can pose a fire hazard if stored improperly. Most electronic devices contain lithium-ion batteries, which can explode under certain conditions. Additionally, old electronics can contain harmful substances like lead and mercury, which can leak over time and cause health issues.
I remember storing an old laptop in my garage attic. One day, I noticed a strange smell coming from the attic. It turned out the laptop battery had leaked, causing a small fire. Luckily, I caught it in time, but it was a scary experience. Dispose of old electronics at a recycling center to avoid such risks.
3. Paper Documents
Storing paper documents like tax records or old letters in your garage attic seems like a good idea at first. But paper is very susceptible to environmental damage. It can easily become a feast for pests, and changes in humidity and temperature can lead to mold and mildew.
I stored boxes of old documents in my attic, only to find them completely ruined by mold a few years later. I ended up losing some important records. Consider digitizing your important documents and storing them in a cloud-based service for safekeeping.
4. Food
Storing food in your garage attic is a bad idea. Not only can it attract pests, but it can also spoil due to fluctuating temperatures. Even canned goods can deteriorate over time, causing them to become unsafe to eat.
I once stored a case of canned beans in my attic, thinking they would be fine. A few months later, I found the cans swollen and leaking. It was a disgusting mess to clean up. It’s best to store food in a cool, dry place with a stable temperature, like a pantry or cellar.
5. Flammable Materials
Storing flammable materials like gasoline, propane, or aerosol cans in your garage attic is extremely dangerous. These materials can explode if they’re exposed to high temperatures, causing a fire.
6. Old Paint Cans
Storing old paint cans in your garage attic is not a good idea. Not only can they leak and cause damage, but the paint can also become unusable over time due to temperature fluctuations.
7. Furniture
Storing furniture in your garage attic can lead to damage from humidity and temperature changes. It can also become a home for pests.
8. Clothing
Storing clothing in your garage attic can lead to damage from pests and mildew. It’s better to donate or sell clothes you no longer need.
9. Fireworks
Storing fireworks in your garage attic is extremely dangerous. They can explode and cause a fire if they’re exposed to high temperatures.
10. Medication
Storing medication in your garage attic can lead to it becoming ineffective or even dangerous due to temperature fluctuations. It’s better to store medication in a cool, dry place.
11. Photographs
Storing photographs in your garage attic can lead to damage from humidity, temperature changes, and pests. It’s better to digitize them and store them in a cloud-based service.
In conclusion, your garage attic is not a dumping ground for every unwanted item. By avoiding storing these 11 things, you can keep your attic safe and clutter-free.