Getting organized is such a great feeling and sheds are a perfect way to do that. A shed is great for overflow storage when you’ve run out of space in your closet, attic or garage. Although there are many items you can store in a shed, there are also many items you shouldn’t.
Items can be easily damaged or ruined in portable buildings that are not insulated or climate controlled as a result of temperature fluctuation and moisture. Items can also be damaged by unwanted guests such as rodents and bugs.
If you want to store your collectibles in your shed, here’s a great resource for how to keep your items safe and secure!
Here is a list of items you should avoid storing in your shed:
Paper
You should never store paper of any kind in your shed. Paper can be damaged from moisture in the air or pests. If you have to store paper in the shed, make sure it is off the ground and stored in a sealed, airtight plastic container. Paper to never store:
- Photos
- Important documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
- Photos
- Paper plates, cups, towels
Artwork
Very similar to paper, artwork should never be stored in a shed for similar reasons. Valuable artwork needs to be stored in a climate control area, which your shed cannot provide. Artwork is
Susceptible to mold and mildew from moisture in the air. Artwork is also vulnerable to high heat that can cause deterioration.
Clothing and Bedding
Never store clothes and bedding in your shed unless they are stored in airtight, plastic containers and off the ground. Damp air can cause mold and mildew to grow inside clothing and bedding, which will ruin it. Clothes and bedding also make great homes to unwanted pests such as mice and bugs.
Fresh Food
This item applies only to garden sheds. Garden sheds are great for storing seeds and getting your garden plants started. Once your plants have sprouted, move them outside to your garden. Plants and produce can attract unwanted guests such as mice, raccoons and bugs.
Canned Food
Many people think canned food can be stored anywhere, but even canned food can be damaged from temperature fluctuation. High temperatures can decrease the nutritional value of the food. Low temperatures can freeze the can and spoil it. Also, humidity and moisture can cause corrosion of the can, which can lead to spillage. Spillage can lead to damage of other items.
Pet Food
Pet food is the item that is most attractive to unwanted pests. By storing pet food in your shed, you are just begging for raccoons, mice, or possums to find a way in. Even if your shed is tight enough to keep raccoons and possums out, mice are very capable of finding ways in. With Cook though you can
Musical Instruments
Music instruments should be stored in a climate controlled space at all times. Fluctuations in temperature can damage to wood and brass instruments. High heat and humidity can cause great damage to instruments made of wood such as guitars and pianos. Brass instruments such as trumpets and trombones are vulnerable to corrosion if exposed to high humidity and moisture.
Electronics
Have you ever set your phone down on a hot summer day and picked it up 30 minutes later and it was very hot? Like your phone, most electronics can easily be damaged from high temperatures. Store all electronics inside your house where you can control the temperature.
Paints and Glues
Many people think sheds are a great place to store all those extra paint cans that take up so much room in your garage. However, latex paint freezes. Latex paint will freeze is water-bases, so it freezes at the same temperature as water (32 degrees Fahrenheit). If paint freezes, it’s ruined. The same happens to glue, and especially wood glue. To check if your paint or glue is still good, stir it. If it is still lumpy after stirring, throw it away.
Cook Portable Warehouses are quality built. You never have to worry about damage to your shed if the come from us. Read about the features that come with each shed.
http://cookstuff.com/the-cook-difference/cook-building-features/
If you currently have a shed make sure you don’t have any of these items mentioned in there. Even if you know you don’t have of these items in your shed, it is always great to regularly go through the items in your shed. Download our free Printable Checklist.