7 Things You Should Never Leave in Your Shed, According to an Expert

A shed may seem like the perfect place to stash all your extra belongings, but not everything belongs there. While it is great for tools, gardening gear, and outdoor equipment, storing the wrong items can lead to safety hazards, pest problems, or ruined supplies. To help you protect your home and belongings, we’ve gathered expert advice on the 7 things never leave in shed—and smarter places to keep them instead.

7 Things Never Leave in Shed

1. Paint, Solvents, and Adhesives

Paint cans, caulk, glues, and solvents don’t hold up well in outdoor sheds. According to McCoy, temperature swings can cause paint to freeze, separate, or lose effectiveness. Adhesives can also dry out or become unusable when exposed to heat.

Where to store instead: Keep them in a temperature-controlled area like a basement, utility closet, or inside a garage cabinet. Weatherproof storage cabinets with sealed doors are a smart investment for these items.

2. Propane Tanks

Propane tanks might seem safe tucked away in a shed, but that’s actually one of the most dangerous places for them. McCoy warns: “These should not be stored in enclosed spaces due to the risk of gas buildup and fire hazards.”

Where to store instead: Always place propane tanks outside in a shaded, well-ventilated area, upright, and away from direct sunlight or flammable materials.

3. Electronics and Batteries

Electronics and spare batteries don’t fare well in humid or fluctuating conditions. Inside a shed, moisture can corrode metal parts and temperature shifts can damage sensitive internal components.

Where to store instead: Store electronics and batteries indoors, ideally in a moisture-resistant container with a gasket seal. Sturdy, stackable bins designed for weatherproof storage work best to keep things dry and safe.

4. Pet Food, Bird Seed, and Grass Seed

Leaving animal feed or seed in the shed is like sending an open invitation to mice, squirrels, and insects. “Rodents can chew through bags and make a huge mess, while insects will quickly infest,” McCoy explains.

Where to store instead: Keep pet food, bird seed, and grass seed in a garage or pantry. Use sealed metal or heavy-duty plastic containers with locking lids to keep pests out.

5. Paper Goods and Fabric Items

Extra towels, rugs, paper towels, and bedding may seem harmless to stash in a shed, but they’re a magnet for mold, mildew, and nesting critters. High humidity and damp air quickly ruin them.

Where to store instead: Store paper and fabric goods indoors, such as in closets, plastic totes, or vacuum-sealed bags that protect from moisture and pests.

6. Canned or Packaged Food

It may be tempting to leave canned goods or extra pantry items in your shed, but McCoy advises against it. Temperature swings can cause cans to bulge or spoil, while packaged foods are an easy target for pests.

Where to store instead: Keep canned and dry foods in a cool, dry pantry or basement with stable temperatures.

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7. Valuable Tools and Equipment

While sheds are designed for storage, not all tools should be left inside—especially power tools or expensive equipment. Extreme heat and cold can wear down batteries and motors, while sheds that aren’t secured can make these items easy targets for theft.

Where to store instead: Keep valuable tools in a locked garage, basement, or indoor utility room. For added protection, use lockable storage cabinets or wall-mounted tool systems indoors.

Final Thoughts

Your shed is great for lawn equipment, outdoor tools, and gardening supplies—but it’s not a one-size-fits-all storage solution. By keeping paint, propane, electronics, food, and fabrics out of your shed, you’ll avoid safety risks and save money in the long run. Use temperature-controlled spaces, sealed containers, and proper ventilation to extend the life of your belongings and keep your home safer.