Leaving some of your possessions outside exposes them to damage and theft, and certain items are more at risk than others. To help you avoid problems, we’ve compiled a list of 20 things you should never leave outside, both during the day and at night.
Bicycles
Bicycles are some of the most susceptible items to theft you can have. This is so much so that the Wall Street Journal says over two million are stolen in North America each year. There’s also the risk of weather damage, with rain causing rust and prolonged sun exposure degrading tires and seats.
Garden Tools
Your primary concern regarding gardening tools is rust from moisture and air exposure. Rust damage can make your gardening tools dangerous to handle and reduce their lifespan. This is why it’s always important to store them in a cool and dry place indoors, like a shed or garage, after cleaning them up.
Pet Food
When you leave pet food outdoors, you can attract unwanted pests like raccoons, rodents, and even bears. Pet food is also more likely to spoil outdoors when exposed to moisture and excess heat and can also harm local wildlife. To protect everyone involved, you store your pet food in sealed containers indoors.
Electronics
Electronic devices are vulnerable to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and dirt; exposure to these elements outside can lead to malfunction, corrosion, or complete failure. Always bring laptops, phones, and other gadgets inside to protect them and maintain their functionality—storing them in a cool, dry place while at it.
Lawn Mowers
Lawnmowers are prone to rust and engine problems if left out in the rain. Protecting them from the weather by storing them in a garage or shed can prolong their lifespan and keep them in working order. You can also cover yours in a waterproof tarp, put it in a mudroom, or place it in your basement.
Paint
Paint cans left outside can rust and spoil due to temperature changes, affecting the quality and usability of the paint and leading to waste. Storing paint in a cool, dry place extends its shelf life and maintains its effectiveness for future projects. To best maintain paint, it should be kept somewhere between 60 and 80 °F.
Outdoor Furniture Cushions
If left outside, cushions can become soaked, moldy, or faded, but bringing them inside keeps them clean, dry, and free from insects. Storing them in a waterproof bin or bringing them into a sheltered area will help preserve their appearance and comfort, extend their usability, and prevent unpleasant odors.
Children’s Toys
Toys left outside can become dirty, faded, broken, or even lost. Bringing them indoors keeps them clean and safe from weather damage and prevents theft. Having a designated storage space for outdoor toys helps maintain their condition, ensures they are ready for playtime, and keeps your yard tidy as well.
Barbecue Grills
Grills are susceptible to rust, can attract pests, and may be stolen if not covered. Keeping them inside or using a weatherproof cover can protect them from these risks. Regular cleaning and proper storage prolong their lifespan and keep them in good working order for your next cookout.
Plants
If you have potted plants, be careful with them as well. Some plants cannot withstand cold temperatures, excessive moisture, or strong winds, so bringing potted plants indoors protects them from the elements and keeps them healthy. This ensures they continue to thrive and grow, especially during harsh weather conditions.
Shoes
Shoes left outside can become wet and dirty without you wearing them, while moisture and temperature changes can also damage materials, causing them to deteriorate and smell bad. Storing them inside helps maintain their shape and cleanliness, ensures they are ready for use when needed, and prolongs their lives.
Trash Bins
If left out overnight, trash bins can attract animals, insects, and even larger wildlife to your home. Eventually, spills, messes, and bad odors will result. Keeping them in a garage or secured area prevents pests from rummaging through your trash and keeps your outdoor space cleaner and more hygienic.
Car Covers
Car covers can blow away, become damaged, or become dirty if left outside. You should secure them properly or store them indoors to protect them from the elements and theft. This ensures they effectively protect your vehicle from dust and weather conditions, prolonging both the cover’s and your car’s lifespan.
Car Keys
With their small size, keys can be easily lost or stolen, giving someone access to your property. From this, you understand that leaving car keys outside can lead to the potential theft of your car. Always bring keys inside and store them securely to prevent unauthorized access and ensure your car’s safety.
Sporting Equipment
Sporting equipment can deteriorate when exposed to hot and humid weather due to rust, mold, and wear. Moisture can cause rust or mold, while the sun can fade and weaken materials. Moving equipment inside after use preserves its condition, ensures it is ready for your next game or workout, and maintains its safety and usability.
Firewood
Firewood left outside can absorb moisture, making it difficult to burn and less efficient. It can also attract pests like ants and termites, leading to mold growth in your home. Storing firewood in a dry, covered area ensures it stays dry and ready for use, providing efficient and clean burning fuel for your fireplace or fire pit.
Musical Instruments
Instruments are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, which can cause irreversible damage. For instance, leaving them outside can lead to warping and cracking. So, you should always store musical instruments indoors in a climate-controlled environment to preserve their sound quality and structural integrity.
Books
With books, pages can warp, covers can fade, or you can experience mildew growth when you expose them to moisture and temperature fluctuations outdoors. Storing books indoors in a dry, stable environment keeps them in good condition for reading and enjoyment, preserving their value and readability.
Clothing
Clothing left outside can become damp and dirty, and, in more serious cases, moisture and sunlight can cause the fabric to deteriorate and lose color. Keeping your clothes indoors maintains their cleanliness and extends their lifespan. You give yourself pieces that are immediately wearable and aren’t plagued with unpleasant odors or mold.
Pool Equipment
Pool equipment, such as nets and floats, can also deteriorate if left outside. For instance, it’s common to see the reaction between sunlight and chlorine cause materials to break down, reducing their lifespan. Bringing them indoors or storing them in a shaded area prolongs their usability and keeps them in good working condition.
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