10 Things You Should Never Store In An Outdoor Shed During Winter
An outdoor shed can be a handy storage space year-round, but when winter comes, that environment becomes very different. Cold, damp air, freezing temperatures, and lack of insulation can damage certain items beyond repair. Knowing what to move out before the cold sets in can save you money and frustration come spring, so here are ten things that are best kept out of the shed when winter rolls around.
Paint and Other Liquid Chemicals
Paint, wood stain, and similar liquids often don't survive winter well. When temperatures drop, these liquids can separate, thicken, or freeze completely. Once that happens, they usually don't bounce back and stop working like they should. This can leave you with ruined materials and a messy cleanup. Store them in a climate-controlled area, like a basement or heated garage, to preserve their quality and keep them safe.
Electronics and Battery-Powered Tools
Electronics and tools with batteries are very sensitive to the cold. Extreme temperatures can permanently shorten battery life, cause cracking in plastic parts, and even lead to condensation damage when temperatures swing. Whether it's a power drill or an old radio, it’s best to bring them indoors. They’ll last longer and be ready to go when you need them.
Canned Food and Beverages
If you're using your shed as overflow storage for canned goods or drinks, move them out before winter. Cans can freeze and expand, leading to broken seals or bursting. This not only ruins the food but creates a mess and attracts pests, especially pests that are also seeking shelter over winter. Even unopened soda cans can explode in the cold. Food storage is best left to temperature-stable environments.
Garden Supplies with Water Content
Anything that holds water, like watering cans, hoses, or plant food in liquid form, should be drained and removed. When water freezes, it expands and can split hoses, crack containers, and ruin products. Even plastic pots with damp soil can crack from the pressure of freezing. Give everything a good clean and store them somewhere dry and protected.
Musical Instruments and Hobby Gear
If you've stashed an old guitar, keyboard, or model train set in the shed, it’s time to bring them in. Cold air and humidity can warp wood, rust metal, and damage delicate parts. Even plastic components can become brittle and break easily in freezing conditions. Hobby items often have sentimental or financial value, so it’s worth the extra care of storing them indoors.
Clothing and Bedding
Fabric doesn't do well in unheated, unsealed places. Clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags left in the shed can pick up musty smells, mold, or become nests for rodents. Moisture and pests are a tough combo to clean up after. If you must store textiles, vacuum-seal them and place them indoors where temperatures and humidity levels are more stable.
Fireworks and Fuel
Fireworks and flammable fuels like gasoline or propane are a major safety concern. Cold temperatures can mess with pressure levels, and improper storage in an uninsulated shed could lead to dangerous leaks or even combustion. These materials should be stored according to their safety guidelines, usually in a dry, ventilated, and temperature-controlled space, away from anything that could ignite.
Photos, Books, and Paper Goods
Paper products are highly sensitive to both temperature and humidity. Photos can stick together or fade, and books can grow mold or warp. Important documents or keepsakes are better kept in plastic bins with lids in a dry area inside the home. Don't take chances with irreplaceable items. Once they’re damaged, there’s no going back.
Pet Food and Birdseed
These can seem like harmless shed items, but they attract mice, raccoons, and insects, especially in winter when food is scarce. If a bag gets chewed open, you'll be dealing with pests well into spring. Even sealed containers can grow mold if left in the damp cold. Keep animal food in tightly sealed bins indoors where it stays fresh and safe.
Furniture With Cushions or Wood
Outdoor furniture is made for the elements, but cushions and untreated wood still need protecting. Freezing temperatures and moisture can cause mildew, cracking, or rot. Cushions can hold onto moisture and grow mold quickly, even when stored in plastic. Store these items in a dry, ventilated area or bring them into a garage or basement if space allows.
A winterized shed can only do so much. Knowing what can stand up to cold and what can't is important, as you don't want to be welcomed by damaged goods once you open your shed back up in the spring. Taking the time to move these items now will help avoid damage, loss, and unnecessary replacements down the line. A little effort before the first frost can make a big difference once the snow melts.