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7 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Garden Shed

7 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Garden Shed – let’s take a look.

Your garden shed is meant to be a haven of organization. It’s where you store tools, equipment, and gardening supplies, and perhaps even a few sentimental items you want to keep tucked away. However, not everything belongs in this humble space. There are certain items that could end up being a hazard or simply don’t belong in a shed at all. So, let’s dive into the seven things you should never keep in your garden shed.

 

 

1. Flammable Chemicals and Paints

When it comes to your garden shed, safety should always come first. Flammable substances like paints, varnishes, and chemical solvents can be dangerous if stored improperly. Not only do they pose a serious fire hazard, but they can also release harmful fumes into the air.

Why you shouldn’t store them:
These chemicals are highly volatile. If your shed is exposed to heat or direct sunlight, you’re increasing the risk of the contents catching fire or becoming toxic. Many garden sheds lack proper ventilation, so any fumes can accumulate and lead to dangerous situations. If you’re not careful, you might end up with a disaster on your hands before you know it!

What you should do instead:
Consider keeping these items in a well-ventilated area, ideally in a separate storage unit that’s specifically designed for hazardous materials. This could be a locked cabinet in your garage or a purpose-built outbuilding away from your main living areas. Always read the storage instructions on the labels, too.

 

7 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Garden Shed

 

2. Electronics and Household Appliances

We’ve all been there: a broken vacuum cleaner, an old radio, or a half-functioning blender that we just don’t want to part with. The garden shed might seem like a logical place to keep these electronics until you figure out what to do with them, but it’s a big mistake.

Why you shouldn’t store them:
Electronics don’t mix well with extreme temperatures and humidity. Garden sheds, unfortunately, are notorious for being damp, drafty, and susceptible to extreme temperature fluctuations. These conditions can quickly ruin your electronics, making them prone to rust, corrosion, or even complete failure.

What you should do instead:
Store electronics inside your home where temperatures and moisture levels are more stable. If you absolutely must store them outside, look for a sealed, weatherproof box or container. But really, you’re better off just giving them away, recycling them, or getting them repaired if possible.

 

3. Food and Perishable Items

It might seem convenient to toss those spare bags of potatoes or bags of flour in the garden shed for storage, especially if you’re short on space in the kitchen. However, this is another no-go area for your shed.

Why you shouldn’t store them:
Garden sheds are often subject to temperature fluctuations and humidity, which can cause perishable foods to spoil or attract pests. Mice, rats, and insects thrive in these environments and will quickly move in and feast on your supplies. Not only will you lose your food, but you might end up dealing with a nasty infestation that could spread to your home.

What you should do instead:
Find a cooler, more controlled space inside your house for your food storage. A pantry or kitchen cupboard will offer a more stable environment to keep things fresh and pest-free. If you’re out of room, consider investing in sealed, airtight containers to store items in places like your garage or basement.

 

 

4. Important Documents

We all have papers that are important to us—legal documents, tax returns, insurance papers, or family heirlooms. While the garden shed may seem like a secure, hidden place to stash these away, it’s definitely not the best option.

Why you shouldn’t store them:
Your shed is far from a dry, safe place for documents. Damp conditions, moisture, and fluctuating temperatures can cause papers to yellow, warp, or even disintegrate over time. If you’re storing something irreplaceable, you could face a serious loss.

What you should do instead:
Store important documents in a fireproof, waterproof safe inside your home. If you want extra peace of mind, consider scanning and backing up your documents digitally. That way, you’ll have a copy in case of an emergency, and you won’t have to worry about physical deterioration.

 

5. Clothing and Fabrics

If you’re anything like me, your shed may become a place to stash away last season’s coats, outgrown children’s clothing, or extra blankets and linens. But that’s not where they should live.

Why you shouldn’t store them:
Fabrics are highly susceptible to pests such as moths, mice, and even mold in the damp, musty environment of a garden shed. These little creatures will quickly chew through your clothes, and mold or mildew can damage delicate fabrics beyond repair. You don’t want your favorite sweater turning into a snack for pests!

What you should do instead:
Instead of piling up fabrics in the shed, keep clothing in airtight storage bins that seal out moisture and insects. Store them in a dry, cool place in your home—like a wardrobe or closet. Consider using cedar blocks or lavender sachets to naturally repel moths and other pests.

 

6. Expensive or Sentimental Items

It’s so easy to stick that vase from your wedding or those family photos that are gathering dust in your attic in the garden shed. After all, the shed is a ‘safe’ and hidden space, right?

Why you shouldn’t store them:
Garden sheds tend to be more exposed to the elements than the inside of your home. Over time, sunlight, humidity, and temperature fluctuations can cause irreversible damage to your treasured items. Photographs can fade, wooden furniture can warp, and any glass or porcelain items are at risk of cracking. What you thought was a safe place could turn into a sad reminder of lost memories.

What you should do instead:
If it’s something irreplaceable, it needs to be stored inside your home, preferably in a climate-controlled area. For fragile or valuable items, a secure, insulated storage unit could be a safer option. Never store sentimental or expensive things in places that could expose them to the ravages of time and nature.

 

Things You Should Never Keep in Your Garden Shed

 

7. Lawn Mowers with Gasoline or Oil Inside

Many of us store our lawn mowers in the shed, but leaving gas or oil in the machine is a risky choice.

Why you shouldn’t store them:
If you leave gas or oil in the mower, you risk leaks or spills that could lead to a fire hazard. Not only could this damage your mower, but it could also cause a fire in the shed. In addition, the fumes from these fuels could quickly become dangerous in an enclosed space like a garden shed.

What you should do instead:
Before storing your lawn mower, always drain any fuel or oil. This will reduce the chances of leaks, spills, or fire hazards. You can also consider storing your mower outside the shed, in a dry and well-ventilated area, to keep it safe from the elements and maintain its longevity.


 

Conclusion – 7 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Garden Shed

Your garden shed can be a fantastic asset if used properly.

It’s a great place to store tools, equipment, and things you use regularly in your garden. But, as we’ve seen, there are a number of items that should never find their way into your shed. From flammable chemicals to sentimental keepsakes, choosing the right storage options for each item is essential for keeping your shed organized, your belongings safe, and your family free from potential hazards.

If you keep these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to transforming your garden shed into the organized and functional space it was meant to be. Happy gardening (and shed organizing)!

 

Further reading

7 Things You Should Never Have in Your Lounge and Why

7 things you should never have in your bedroom

7 things you should never have in your kitchen 

7 things you should never have in your study

7 things you should never have in your hallway

7 things you should never have in your conservatory

garden shed organisation ideas

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