Thing 4: Wooden Furniture, Fabrics, and Important Papers
Whether it’s a family heirloom dresser, bags of out-of-season clothing, or a box of important documents, items made from wood, fabric, and paper are highly susceptible to the damp, fluctuating conditions of a typical garage.
Why Wood and Paper Don’t Belong in the Garage
Wood is a natural, porous material that acts like a sponge. In a humid garage, it will absorb moisture from the air, causing it to swell and warp. The finish can bubble and peel, and joints held together with glue can fail. When the air dries out, the wood shrinks, but it may not return to its original shape, leading to permanent cracks and damage. This damp environment also encourages the growth of mold and mildew on the wood’s surface and can attract wood-boring pests like termites and carpenter ants.
Paper products—including books, photographs, and important documents like birth certificates or tax records—fare just as poorly. Humidity causes paper to yellow, become brittle, and develop musty-smelling mildew spots. Pests are another major threat. Silverfish, cockroaches, and rodents are all attracted to the cellulose in paper and the starches in bookbinding glue, using these invaluable items for food and nesting material.
The Problem with Upholstery and Clothing
Fabrics and textiles face similar issues. Upholstered furniture, rugs, mattresses, and stored clothing will readily absorb moisture and odors from the garage. This leads to a persistent musty smell that can be very difficult to remove. The damp, dark conditions are perfect for mildew growth, which can permanently stain and damage the fibers.
These items also provide ideal habitats for pests. Mice will happily shred stored clothing, bedding, and furniture stuffing to create warm, comfortable nests. Moths and carpet beetles will lay their eggs in natural fibers like wool and silk, and their larvae will consume the fabric, leaving behind a network of holes.
Smarter Storage for Cherished Items
The only truly safe place for these vulnerable items is inside your home. A properly insulated and ventilated attic can work for some items, but a spare bedroom closet or an under-bed storage container is even better.
For wooden furniture: Keep it inside. If it must be stored, choose an indoor, climate-controlled storage unit.
For clothing and textiles: First, ensure they are completely clean and dry. Store them in vacuum-sealed bags to remove air and protect them from moisture and pests. For added protection, place these bags inside a sealed plastic bin.
For important documents and photos: Digitize what you can. For original copies, invest in a small, fire-resistant, and waterproof safe. Critically, store this safe inside your house, not in the garage, to protect its contents from the constant humidity that can still seep in and damage paper over time.
