When you live in a mobile home, it is hard to decide what to throw away and what to keep.
It is expensive to buy home appliances such as refrigerators and dryers.
Proper storage is one way to save money and increase their useful life.
Hence, Can Appliances Be Stored In The Garage?
No. Manufacturers do not recommend that you store your appliances in the garage. It is easy for appliances to be damaged by parking cars, kids playing, and frequent movements in the garage. Manufacturers recommend storing appliances in a climate-controlled environment and covered with a breathable sheet or tarp to prevent dirt and dust. Proper storage ensures that the electrical components and mechanical parts are free from damage.
The Pros and Cons of Storing Appliances in the Garage
Pros of Storing Appliances in the Garage
Storing appliances in the garage can free up valuable storage space in your home.
It can also help declutter your kitchen and provide more countertop and counter space.
Additionally, it can be a convenient location for appliances that are not used frequently, such as a blender, stand mixer, or coffee maker.
If you have an insulated garage, it can be a good place to store refrigerators and freezers as they will not have to work as hard to maintain a consistent temperature. This can result in lower energy bills.
Moreover, if you entertain guests frequently, keeping serving dishes and utensils in the garage can make it easier to access them when needed.
Cons of Storing Appliances in the Garage
Storing appliances in the garage can also have some drawbacks.
Extreme temperatures, high humidity levels, and fluctuating garage temperatures can spoil food items and damage electronics.
Additionally, pests such as mice and insects can damage appliances and contaminate food items.
If you store propane tanks or hazardous materials in the garage, it can pose a fire hazard. Furthermore, if there is a leak or mold growth in the garage, it can damage appliances and render them unusable.
Gasoline and propane should never be stored in the garage as they can ignite and cause an explosion.
It is also important to note that refrigerators and freezers are designed to operate in a temperature-controlled environment. Storing them in the garage can cause them to work harder, which can result in higher energy bills.
Moreover, high humidity levels can cause condensation to form, which can damage the working parts of the appliances.
What Appliances Can Be Stored in the Garage?
If you’re looking to free up some space in your kitchen, storing some appliances in the garage can be a great option.
However, not all appliances are suitable for garage storage. In this section, we will discuss the appliances that can and cannot be stored in the garage.
Appliances That Can Be Stored in the Garage
The garage is an ideal location for appliances that are used less frequently or are too large for your kitchen.
Here are some examples of appliances that can be safely stored in the garage:
| Appliance | Description |
|---|---|
| Extra Refrigerator | If you have an extra refrigerator that you don’t use frequently, it can be stored in the garage. Just make sure to keep it away from any heat sources and maintain a consistent temperature to prevent spoilage. |
| Freezer | A standalone freezer can be a great addition to your garage if you need extra storage space for frozen food. Make sure to keep it away from any heat sources and maintain a consistent temperature to prevent spoilage. |
| Small Kitchen Appliances | Small appliances like toasters, coffee makers, and blenders can be stored in the garage if you don’t have enough counter space in your kitchen. Just make sure to keep them away from any hazardous materials and clean them regularly to prevent mold and pests. |
Appliances That Should Not Be Stored in the Garage
While the garage can be a great storage space for appliances, there are some appliances that should not be stored there.
Here are some examples of appliances that should be kept out of the garage:
| Appliance | Reason |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | A refrigerator should not be stored in the garage if the temperature in the garage fluctuates too much. This can cause the refrigerator to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature, which can lead to increased energy consumption and a shorter lifespan for the appliance. |
| Electronics | Electronics like TVs, computers, and stereo systems should not be stored in the garage because they are sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations. This can cause damage to the electronics and shorten their lifespan. |
| Propane Tanks | Propane tanks should never be stored in the garage because they are highly combustible and pose a fire hazard. |
| Hazardous Materials | Any hazardous materials like paint, gasoline, or pesticides should be stored in a separate, well-ventilated area away from any appliances or household items. |
| Wooden Furniture | Wooden furniture should not be stored in the garage because the temperature and humidity fluctuations can cause the wood to warp and crack. |
| Fabric and Bedding | Fabric and bedding should not be stored in the garage because they can attract pests like mice and insects. |
Three Tips for Storing Appliances in the Garage
When it comes to storing appliances in your garage, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure that your appliances remain in good condition.
In this section, we will discuss some tips for storing appliances in the garage.
1. Organizing Your Garage Space
Before storing appliances in your garage, you need to make sure that you have enough storage space.
Declutter your garage and make sure that you have enough room to store your appliances.
You can use shelves, cabinets, or even hooks to store your appliances and create more counter space.
2. Preventing Damage to Appliances
Garages can be home to a variety of pests and insects, which can damage your appliances.
To prevent this, make sure that your garage is clean and free of food debris. Also, ensure that your appliances are stored in airtight containers to prevent pests from getting in.
In addition, keep your appliances away from leaky propane tanks or hazardous materials, as they can cause damage to your appliances.
3. Maintaining Your Appliances
Garages can experience extreme temperatures, which can damage your appliances.
To prevent this, make sure that your garage is insulated and that your appliances are stored away from fluctuating garage temperatures.
High humidity levels can also cause mold and spoil food, so make sure that your appliances are stored in a dry and cool place.
When it comes to specific appliances, refrigerators can be stored in the garage, but make sure that they are insulated and away from extreme temperatures.
Small appliances such as coffee makers, blenders, and stand mixers can also be stored in the garage, but make sure that they are stored in airtight containers and away from pests.
In conclusion, storing appliances in the garage can be a convenient way to create more counter space in your kitchen.
However, it is important to ensure that your appliances are stored in a clean and dry place, away from pests and hazardous materials.
By following these tips, you can keep your appliances in good condition and ensure that they last for years to come.
| Appliance | Storage Tips |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Store in an insulated garage away from extreme temperatures |
| Small Appliances | Store in airtight containers away from pests |
| Hazardous Materials | Keep away from appliances to prevent damage |
| Declutter | Create more storage space by decluttering your garage |
| Humidity | Store appliances in a dry and cool place to prevent mold and spoilage |
Conclusion
If you want to store your appliances in the garage, please ensure that your appliance does not fall into any of the three categories;
- items that are considered dangerous
- objects that attract insects
- and delicate appliances that fluctuating conditions can destroy.
Do not risk storing appliances you consider expensive or have an emotional attachment to.
It is also safe to store them in the house because a garage is easily prone to temperature changes.
References
https://www.amysatticss.com/storing-household-appliances/
https://garagesmart.com.au/what-is-safe-to-store-in-the-garage/
