11 Things You Should Never Store in an Outdoor Shed

Keep these items out of the shed to protect them from the elements.

Mary Cornetta

Tue, November 7, 2023 at 3:30 PM UTC

If you have an outdoor shed, chances are you're using at least part of it for storage. But unless your shed is properly insulated (which likely isn't the case, unless it's a hangout spot or a she shed ), there are several things you absolutely should not store there. To help you protect your belongings, we're sharing items you should never store in an outdoor shed.

Sheds come in all shapes and sizes, and serve a variety of functions. Depending on the climate where you live, a non-insulated outdoor shed should be used for storing select items only. The combination of drastic temperatures, moisture, and potential pests puts many items at risk of becoming ruined. So next time you're organizing your shed , use the following list as a reference for things not to store there.

1. Paint

Be careful because paint is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Exposure to extreme cold and heat can alter the paint's consistency, making it unusable in the future. To preserve their quality, store cans of primers, stains, and spray paints in a cool, dark place like your basement, not your outdoor shed. Also be sure to properly dispose of any paint you no longer need instead of keeping it in an uninsulated shed.

2. Batteries

Make sure to store all types of batteries—whether household batteries or those for electronics and power tools—indoors. Temperature changes, especially heat, can trigger chemical reactions that shorten the lifespan of batteries or cause them to expand and possibly explode. To be safe, keep your batteries in a climate-controlled environment inside your home. For power tools, store them, along with their batteries and chargers, in locations like the garage or basement, where temperatures are stable throughout the year.

3. Electronics

Electronics should be stored out of sheds due to potential damage from temperature and moisture exposure. Moisture can rust internal wiring and cause devices to short circuit, ruining them. In extremely cold conditions, the liquid in LCD or LED screens might freeze, leading to permanent damage. Unless your shed is fully insulated, it's much safer to store electronics indoors.

4. Propane

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 ignite the propane. Always store propane tanks in an open, shaded area away from structures to remain safe.

5. Spare Tires

While storing spare tires in a shed might seem like a good idea, varying temperatures can cause damage to those tires. Cold weather can freeze the rubber, while heat can lead to dry rot. Moisture can also shorten a tire's lifespan. It's best to store any spare tires you have in a basement, away from heat sources, or in a climate-controlled storage unit to protect your investment.

6. Anything Made from Fabric

Make sure to store indoor fabrics like clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags inside of your home. Sheds can collect moisture from rain or snow, promoting mold and mildew growth on fabrics, even if they are stored inside of plastic bins. Insects, such as moths, can also damage fabrics by nesting in them.

Outdoor furniture cushions and pillows, which are designed to withstand the elements, can be safely stored in the shed. Just remember to shake them out and clean them regularly throughout the year. If storing gardening gloves in the shed, keep them in lidded plastic bins for added protection.

7. Furniture or Upholstered Items

Avoid storing solid wood furniture and upholstered items inside of sheds. Heat and humidity can cause wood to warp and leather to crack over time, damaging these pieces. Keep all indoor furniture inside the house, reserving the shed for furniture made for outdoor use. Regularly clean outdoor furniture to maintain its condition.

8. Food, Bird Seed, or Canned Goods

Avoid storing any type of food inside of a shed, as it can attract pests to the area. This includes human, pet, and bird food. Even sealed items, like canned goods, are vulnerable to temperature fluctuations in the area, which can cause spoilage. According to the USDA, canned goods exposed to temperatures above 100°F or below 40°F may not be safe to consume. Refrain from storing wine in the shed as well, as temperature changes can affect the quality.

9. Books, Photos, or Paper Goods

Paper products that you want to preserve, including books and photos, can easily absorb moisture and attract pests. Over time, book pages can stick together, and bugs like silverfish may consume paper and glue bindings. Photos can sustain irreversible damage from high humidity inside a shed. Additionally, storing documents outdoors raises the risk of exposing sensitive information. It's best to organize important paperwork , old photos , and books securely indoors.

10. Musical Instruments

Musical instruments should never be stored in outdoor sheds due to potential damage. High temperatures can end up warping wooden instruments and melting glue joints, while moisture can corrode metal parts and cause mold in fabric linings. Even if your instrument isn't frequently used by anyone, consider creating a music nook inside your home or storing it in an indoor closet where it's safe.

11. Forgotten or Unused Items

If you haven't used an item in a long time, it may be time to let it go completely. Old toys, yard tools, and furniture can often find a new purpose with someone else. Gather items you haven't used in the past year or two and take them to your local donation center instead of storing them in your shed. Clearing out these items can free up space for other, more useful purposes.

Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens

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