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Don’t Store These Outside! 8 Surprising Items You Should Always Keep Indoors

Farkas Margaréta3 min read
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Don’t Store These Outside! 8 Surprising Items You Should Always Keep Indoors — Household
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Plastic Furniture

Plastic Furniture
Leaving plastic lounge chairs outside all season might seem convenient, but it can cause problems later. Temperature swings with the seasons can create cracks in the plastic over time. It’s smarter to store these items in the basement or a closet when you’re not using them.

Paper Documents

Paper Documents
If your home office feels cluttered, clear out what you don’t need instead of storing important papers in the shed. Bugs love paper, which risks both losing your documents and inviting an infestation. Keep important papers indoors and shred those you only think you need—most are also available online.

Paints and Stains

Paints and Stains
DIY and lifestyle expert Siobhan Alvarez-Borland warns against storing paints outdoors. “Paint cans left outside can rust, and temperature changes can ruin the paint. I recommend keeping paints in the basement or garage where temperatures stay steadier to preserve quality and color.” This advice also applies to wood stains, which can also be damaged by heat.

Electronics

Electronics
If you’re wondering what to do with old computers or outdated DVD players you no longer use, the best move is to recycle them properly. Wires can attract mice, and rodents are the last thing you want to deal with in your garage or shed.

Battery-Powered Devices

Battery-Powered Devices
Shantae Duckworth, founder of Shantaeize Your Space and professional organizer, advises storing battery-powered items like toys, tools, and gadgets indoors. “Moisture and temperature swings can damage these items. Keep them inside to avoid rust, corrosion, and other damage that can render them useless,” Duckworth explains.

Water Bottles

Water Bottles
Water bottle crates can take up a lot of space. Storing some in the garage might seem tempting, but heat can damage the plastic over time, causing chemicals to leach into the water, making it unsafe to drink. Even BPA-free bottles can contain similar risky materials, so it’s better to make space in your pantry or invest in a water filter.

Garden Tools

Garden Tools
It’s easy to leave garden tools outside, but moisture and temperature swings can quickly damage them. Metal parts can rust, and wooden handles may crack or break. Store tools in a dry, covered spot like the garage or a storage room to keep them working well longer.

Sports Equipment

Sports Equipment
Outdoor sports gear like bikes, tennis rackets, or balls can quickly wear out from weather exposure. Sun and rain damage rubber, plastic, and leather parts, shortening their lifespan. It’s best to keep these items indoors to preserve their condition and extend their life.

Photos: istockphoto.com
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