10 items you shouldn’t leave in your garage this summer

Summer in Georgia doesn’t play around. Between the humidity, heat waves, and the occasional backyard critter looking for shelter, a garage can go from “extra storage” to “science experiment” real quick.

We’ve cleared out enough garages in the peak of summer to know which items never fare well. So here’s our quick hit list of things that just don’t belong in a hot garage—and trust us, your future self (and your nose) will thank you.

1. Paint and other household chemicals

Cans of leftover paint, stain, and household cleaners don’t stand a chance in extreme heat. High temps can alter the consistency, separate ingredients, and even cause pressure buildup. Plus, they’re dangerous if they leak. Best bet? Store them in a temperature-controlled spot or dispose of them properly (we can help with that).

2. Electronics

Old TVs, printers, random cords in a tangled pile from 2006—heat and humidity can corrode circuits and make devices useless. If it’s been sitting out since last summer, it’s probably toast. We’ll gladly take that off your hands.

3. Cardboard boxes

We see this one a lot: family keepsakes, holiday decorations, or old books packed in cardboard and stacked “just for now.” But when summer hits, cardboard becomes a magnet for moisture, mold, and bugs. Plastic bins are better. Or better yet—let us help sort and clear what doesn’t need to stay.

4. Canned food

Yes, some people store extra canned goods in the garage. No, it’s not a good idea. Temperatures above 100°F (which a garage can easily hit) mess with the food’s integrity and may even cause cans to rupture. Pantry only, folks.

5. Photos and paper items

Old photo albums, important documents, or stacks of school art projects shouldn’t sit in that sweltering garage. Paper warps, yellows, and attracts silverfish. And once the mildew sets in? There’s no going back.

6. Furniture

Wood warps. Leather cracks. Upholstery traps moisture and starts to smell. If that old recliner’s just “waiting to go to the dump,” let’s skip the waiting part and get it gone before the garage turns it into a petri dish.

7. Clothing and bedding

Heat and humidity + textiles = mildew. Simple math. We’ve pulled more moldy sleeping bags and college comforters from bins than we can count. Donate what’s good, dump what’s not—we’re happy to help sort.

8. Propane tanks

This one’s a safety issue. Propane should never be stored in an enclosed, hot space. Heat can increase pressure inside the tank and create a dangerous situation. Keep them outside, upright, and away from the garage.

9. Anything meltable

Candles, crayons, makeup, old records—we’ve seen it all puddled on garage floors. Summer heat is no joke. If it melts, it belongs somewhere else.

10. Junk you forgot about

You know the stuff: the broken lamp from three moves ago, a busted tricycle, or a box labeled “???” at the bottom of the pile. If summer’s a time for fresh starts, the garage is begging for one. We’ll bring the muscle, the truck, and maybe even a little comic relief while we clear it all out.

Need a garage (storage unit, or sheds, too!) cleanout this summer?

We’ve got it down to a science—fast, friendly, and judgment-free. Whether it’s one sketchy paint can or a full garage overhaul, we’re here to help Metro Atlanta keep it cool, clean, and clutter-free.

Give us a shout. We’ll handle the heavy lifting (and the melted crayons).