Fall is officially here, and while temperatures are dropping, it isn't quite winter yet. Still, you might be tackling home maintenance projects, like covering up your pool or swapping out your summer wardrobe for warmer layering pieces. Before it gets too cold, it's a good idea to re-evaluate your storage needs. Some of the items you've been leaving outside for months might need to find a new home indoors -- here are eight things you should never store outdoors in winter.
While getting a great deal on cans of tuna fish or chickpeas can be exciting, it's important to make sure you have enough room to hold a case or two in your pantry. "Canned or jarred goods are known to explode or become compromised, even if left in a shed or garage," says Beth Blacker, professional organizer. "The seams on cans can split, and the seals on jars can pop, exposing the contents to air and increasing the risk of bacteria growth."
But canned goods aren't the only type of food you shouldn't store outside, according to Maria Anderson, cleaning and organizing expert. "Food items such as perishables and alcoholic beverages should never be stored outdoors in winter," she explains. "Extreme cold can freeze and damage perishable food items."
Whether you've recently renovated your home or just did a small refresh of a room or two, you might have some leftover primer and paint -- but don't put those cans in the shed or garage just yet. "Paint cans should never be stored anywhere but inside the house (ideally in a basement), regardless of the time of year, but especially in winter," Blacker says. "The cold will cause the paint to separate, making it unusable."
Sure, you scored a great deal on that giant bottle of laundry detergent at your local warehouse store, but don't leave it in your garage until the old one is finished -- it's important to bring it inside. "Exposure to cold temperatures can reduce the effectiveness of cleaning products," Anderson says.
Outdoor furniture should be stored inside during the colder months. "Anything made of steel or iron will rust over time, causing the items to weaken and break down," Blacker says. "Any fabric items, like cushions, pillows, and rugs, are at risk of getting stained and developing mold or mildew from excessive moisture." If you don't have space to store your patio furniture indoors, be sure to invest in quality covers or consider having pieces professionally wrapped.
While garden tools are small, they can be costly; they also need to be stored indoors because they're made of metal. "Do not leave garden tools outdoors in the winter, as it leads to corrosion and rust," Anderson says. If must store them in a shed or garage, purchase a special bag or case made specifically for garden tools.
While you might love those clay pots you purchased for your deck during the summer, they need to go indoors when the temperature takes a dive. "Clay pottery will absorb too much moisture, and when combined with freezing temperatures, may chip or crack," Blacker explains.
Finding a spot to store everything can be a challenge, so you might be tempted to store old electronics outside -- but this isn't a smart idea. "Do not keep electronic items such as computers, smartphones, cameras, and tablets outdoors in winter," Anderson says. "Extreme cold can damage the electrical components in these items, and cold temperatures can reduce battery life and cause screen issues." If you aren't using your slightly older computer, tablet, or other device, consider selling or donating it if you don't have room to keep it indoors.
Anderson warns against keeping fragile items outside, such as glassware, antiques, and artwork. "Paintings, sculptures, and other artwork can easily be damaged by moisture and temperature fluctuations," she says. "Antiques are usually made of delicate materials that can be impacted by cold or warm weather."