Items to Avoid Storing in Your Shed - Cook Portable Warehouses

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.

Some 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!

The great thing with Cook sheds is that they are built to be tightly sealed against outside weather and unwanted pests. Learn more about your Cook shed options here.

Here is a list of items you should avoid storing in your shed and some tips on how to store certain items properly:

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 controled 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.

Tips on Storing Food In Your Shed

Canned Food

Sheds are great for canned food storage during the fall and spring when temperatures are mild. But, be aware that 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. Make sure to store all types of pet food in plastic, airtight containers that is pest and pet-proof. If your pet does have access to your shed, you’ll want to make sure they can’t get into it. If they get into too much food it could make them sick. Here are more ways to pet-proof your shed!

Musical Instruments

Musical instruments should be stored in a climate controlled space at all times. Fluctuations in temperature can do 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.

Do Not Store Instruments In Your Shed

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 important electronics inside your house where you can control the temperature. If you have any old, broken or unused electronics in your shed, it may be time to declutter! Here are some great tips for decluttering your shed to leave more room for items you really need.

Paint

Sheds are a great place to store all those extra paint cans that take up so much room in your garage. However, you might want to store your latex paint somehwere else because it can freeze. Latex paint is water-based, so it freezes at the same temperature as water (32 degrees Fahrenheit). If paint freezes, it’s ruined. Make sure you store all latex-paint in a place where it is not vulnerable to freezing temperatures.

Cook Portable Warehouses are quality built. Our sheds are worry free, with a warranty to back us up! Read about the features that come with each shed.

No matter what is inside your shed, it is always a good idea to regularly go through the items in your shed. Download our free printable checklist below!