What Not to Store in an Outdoor Shed

Outdoor sheds are valuable spaces that offer convenient storage solutions for various items and equipment, providing you with additional storage capacity and helping to declutter your home. While our garden sheds are versatile and practical, there are certain items that should not be stored in them due to the potential risks and hazards they may pose. It is crucial to understand the limitations of backyard shed storage and to be aware of the specific items that should be kept elsewhere for your safety.

As you begin to plan your backyard shed and have questions, contact us. We can help you decide which of our high quality sheds will be the right fit and customize the design to meet your needs and your budget.

Wondering what not to store in your outdoor shed? Here’s what makes our list.

Perishable Items

If your shed is not climate-controlled, it is unsuitable for storing perishable items such as food, beverages, or any other items that can spoil or attract pests. Fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels in the shed can accelerate the spoilage process and contribute to the growth of mold, bacteria, and other harmful microorganisms, compromising the quality and safety of the stored items.

You can choose to insulate the shed and even run power to it to accommodate perishable storage, but without these upgraded features it is simply not worth the risk. Many people like to use their shed for emergency food storage, but in order to truly rely on this supply in case of emergency everything needs to be kept in good condition.

Valuable and Irreplaceable Items

Avoid storing valuable or irreplaceable items, such as jewelry, antiques, family heirlooms, or important documents, in an outdoor shed. These items are susceptible to theft, damage from pests, and exposure to environmental elements, making them vulnerable to loss or irreparable damage. Instead, consider storing these items in secure and climate-controlled indoor spaces to ensure their preservation and protection.

Backyard sheds are also not secure environments for storing important documents, financial records, or legal paperwork, as they may be susceptible to damage from pests, moisture, and unforeseen accidents. Consider using fireproof and waterproof storage solutions indoors to protect vital documents from potential risks and ensure their preservation and accessibility when needed.

If you must store valuable items in your shed, take every precaution to insulate, repel pests, and set up security systems for your own peace of mind.

Hazardous Materials

Outdoor sheds are not designed to store hazardous materials, including flammable liquids, paints, pesticides, or chemicals, as they can pose serious safety risks and environmental hazards. Improper storage of these materials can lead to fire hazards, toxic fume emissions, or contamination of the surrounding soil and groundwater, potentially causing harm to the environment and endangering the health and well-being of individuals in the vicinity.

Medical Supplies

Avoid storing medications, medical supplies, or first aid kits in a backyard shed, as they require controlled environments to maintain their efficacy and prevent contamination. Exposure to fluctuating temperatures, humidity, and pests can compromise the potency and safety of medications, reducing their effectiveness and potentially posing health risks to individuals who rely on these supplies for their well-being.

Living or Organic Materials

Avoid storing living plants, perishable garden produce, or organic materials in a backyard shed, as they can attract pests, promote mold growth, and create unpleasant odors. Proper ventilation and controlled environmental conditions are essential for preserving the freshness and vitality of living materials, making indoor storage or specialized outdoor storage solutions more suitable for these items.

By being mindful of the items that should not be stored in an outdoor shed, you can ensure the safety, integrity, and longevity of both the shed and its contents. Ready to order your own custom high quality garden shed? Contact us any time.