Tom with you once again. Since I’ve helped a lot of people when it comes to organizing their outdoor storage sheds, I’ve learned something really valuable. There are a lot of people who don’t realize that there are a number of things not to keep in your outdoor storage shed.
Unless your shed is completely insulated and has temperature control to the point where you could rent it out as an extra suite. You have to beware of what the conditions can do to certain belongings. That’s why it is important to be careful with what you intend to store in it.
7 Items You Just Shouldn't Leave In Your Outdoor Storage Shed
Today I am going to give you a basic list of things that have no place in your shed and I’ll try to explain why with each. You may not realize that there are several good reasons to keep some items stored in a place other than in your storage shed.
1. Food
I get that it is tempting to use a storage shed to hold extra food that you don’t have room in your house for. However, an outdoor shed with food stored in it is an invitation that will lead to visits from rodents and wildlife. Depending on where you live, bears can pick up the scent of food from miles away. Getting into your shed will be like using a can opener to them.
2. Photographs
You have to keep in mind that the average outdoor storage shed will be subjected to all kinds of weather conditions. Even if protected inside that shed, the fluctuations in temperature, humidity and additional weather conditions can really mess up a lot of items. Photographs are one such item that can be truly destroyed if stored in such a place with ever-changing conditions. So my advice is to keep them in your house and safely protected.
3. Artwork
Speaking of fluctuations in temperature and humidity, when both of these conditions cannot be controlled, they become extremely damaging to artwork. Not only can humidity have an effect on the actual paint and canvas surface. Any kind of framing that the canvas is stretched on can warp or change shape. Which can contribute to the cracking and tearing of a piece of art.
4. Electronics
While it may sound like a great idea to store computers, microwave ovens and DVD players in an outdoor storage shed. They just don’t respond well to the changing conditions. Just like food, photographs and artwork, electronics can suffer damage from the heat or the cold. Plus, if your storage shed tends to attract critters, they can end up chewing on electrical cords.
5. Paint
You may find some sources that say it’s okay to hide paint in your shed. Well, I’m going to tell you that you shouldn’t. In fact, my experience has shown that paint, stain and any type of refinishing solvent can actually spoil. Simply due to the cold or heat, depending on the season. Some paint will actually separate in extreme temperatures rendering it unusable.
6. Important Papers
Any kind of important document should never be stored in an outdoor storage shed. That’s simply because the dampness from humidity can cause inks to run and smudge. While the heat from extreme weather can cause paper to crack and crumble. Any important document should be kept under lock and key in a safe in your home.
7. Musical Instruments
The material that a specific musical instrument is made from will have a lot to do with how well it responds to the temperature inside your shed. Some instruments will warp or crack which will damage not only the sound they produce but can damage the parts that produce those sounds. Wood instruments will suffer the most in this scenario.
Think Twice Before You Store It In Your Outdoor Storage Shed
There are always exceptions to these guidelines. For example, I have stored some items in my outdoor storage shed but not before putting them into a plastic storage tub with an airtight seal. Would I do that with all the items listed above? Absolutely not as you still have to consider the extreme conditions of the outdoor weather and how that may impact the contents in the interior of the storage shed.
When in doubt, I opt for finding another storage location in my home. Also keep in mind that your storage of certain valuables may have an effect on your insurance. It is always best to double check to confirm you are not rendering a policy null and void in the process.
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