The Hidden Dangers of Storing Stuff in Your Garage
It can be tempting to use your garage as a storage space. But let’s be honest, it can quickly turn into a junkyard if you’re not careful. Moreover, what you might not know is that your garage storage can actually be a ticking time bomb for damage to your belongings, injury and worse!
As Auckland’s leading provider of reliable and secure self storage solutions, we understand the importance of protecting your items and ensuring you store them properly. In this article, we discuss six hidden dangers lurking in your garage. So, before you go shoving another box or piece of old furniture in there, read this!
1. Fire Hazards
Garages are often home to flammable materials like gasoline, paints, and cleaning products. While this seems harmless, it can put your stored items at risk. Improper storage in hot areas with poor ventilation can increase the chance of a fire which can quickly spread through a cluttered garage, potentially destroying your valuables and personal items.
If you need to keep flammable materials, it’s important to store them in secure containers far away from any heat sources. Professional storage options like self storage units can provide a much safer option for protecting your belongings from fire hazards.
2. Pest Infestations
Typically, garages don’t seal completely. So, storing things like cardboard boxes or old furniture in your garage can attract pests, including rodents and insects. These pests can cause damage to your belongings and health risks for you and your family. They chew furniture, ruin clothing and can spread allergens or harmful bacteria.
A reliable self storage facility can offer sealed storage units and a pest-free environment.
3. Moisture and Mould Damage
Garages can be prone to temperature and humidity fluctuations, which can cause a buildup of moisture. This moisture can do a lot of damage to any wood, textiles, and electronics you might store in your garage. For instance, it can warp wood, short-circuit electronics and cause your textiles to develop mould and mildew, which can be a major health hazard.
So, if your storage needs include sensitive items, it’s time to consider a reliable self storage solution with a stable environment to avoid potential damage and health risks.
4. Toxic Chemicals
Garages are a popular spot for storing toxic chemicals, like engine oil, cleaning agents, and antifreeze. Improper storage or accidental spills can damage the items you’re storing. For example, if these chemicals spill onto your stored camping gear, they could ruin it, leaving you with stained or unusable equipment when you need it most. Exposure to these chemicals can also pose serious health risks, especially if they linger on your stored belongings.
If you’re storing camping gear or other personal items, it’s a good idea to store them away from chemicals in a safe and secure self storage unit.
5. Risk of Injury
If your garage is bursting with sharp tools, heavy objects, and hazardous materials, you’re not alone. While not uncommon, it’s risky. It increases the likelihood of injury while retrieving your items from hard-to-reach spots or dangerous areas. A simple slip or bump could result in doing yourself a serious mischief.
To mitigate this risk, consider using a dedicated storage space like a self storage unit. Doing so can help you keep an organised storage space which you can easily access and retrieve items from, reducing the risk of injury.
6. Lack of Security
Not all garages in New Zealand are secure. Because of this, they can become an easy target for theft. If you’re storing valuable, easy-to-steal items in your garage like tools, bikes and camping gear, they can be at risk of being permanently borrowed.
Reliable self storage units typically come with gated access, 24/7 security cameras, and secure locks. This makes it much harder for thieves to get their hands on your belongings!
Reliable and Secure Storage Facilities Auckland
Storing items in your garage may seem like a simple solution, but as you can see, it comes with several hidden dangers. From fire hazards and pests to moisture damage and theft, these risks can easily lead to extensive damage to your items or put your health at risk. Luckily, there’s a safer, more reliable way to store your stuff!
At Safestore Containers, we offer a range of self storage units in three convenient locations across Auckland to meet all your self storage needs. Whether you’re moving house, decluttering, or simply want to get your stuff out of the garage, we’ve got you covered with storage containers of all sizes for both short-term and long-term storage needs. Our self storage units are secure and pest-free, providing the perfect environment to keep your belongings safe and in good nick.
We pride ourselves on offering amazing service, ensuring your experience is hassle-free. We also offer free quotes and expert storage advice. Don’t let your garage become a ticking time bomb. Contact us today!