Replies

1. 
   WayneL5 | Sep 11, 2004 11:06pm | #1

   No problem on appliances so long as there is no water in them that can freeze.  If you have a washing machine, pour in recreational vehicle antifreeze (the pink stuff) according to the instructions that came with the washer.

1. 
   SuefromTO | Sep 12, 2004 03:07am | #2

   thanks Wayne!  What do you think about storing boxes with books and nik naks?

1. 
   WayneL5 | Sep 12, 2004 05:18am | #3

   Should be no problem at all so long as they stay dry.  I would not put boxes with books directly on concrete.  Elevate them, even a few inches.

   Think about access as well.  Stuff you might want to get at (Christmas decorations?) or which you will want to put back in the house first should be accessible.

   A major renovation is very disruptive.  It's well worth it, but be mentally prepared to be stressed out.  Treat it like a really long camping trip and go with the flow!

2. 
   SuefromTO | Sep 18, 2004 08:02pm | #4

   OK, one more question, what about storing couches and chair in a garage in a winter climate, any tips? thoughts?

1. 
   WayneL5 | Sep 18, 2004 09:21pm | #5

   Should not be a problem, especially in winter.  Everything is so cold that even with a bit of dampness, should there be any, nothing will grow.  It would be nice to cover it to keep the dust off.  Old sheets or drapes would be better than plastic so you have some air curculation.

3. 
   Janone | Sep 18, 2004 10:06pm | #6

   Sue -

   Do you have mice in your area?  If so, you may want to make sure there are no mice in your storage.  They can do lots of damage.  Same for other insects.  We stored things in a garage for three years.  From that experience, I've learned to be very careful about anything that is placed directly on a concrete floor.  Moisture, even though you can't see it or feel it, can wick into cardboard boxes. I also didn't appreciate the little gifts left by mice.

   Another thing we did that was helpful: We numbered each box, and created a binder that included a page for each box, and we wrote the contents of the box on the page.  It sure helps when you are trying to find something, plus it is an inventory if the unthinkable should happen and the garage burn down.

   And finally, is the garage secure when you are not there?  Is there a security system, or other way to ensure that nobody breaks in and carts off your convienently packed goods?  How valuable are your items?  Will your insurance cover the loss in an unattended garage? 

   And last - should the garage be available to make the remodel easier?  You may need a place to store materials or give the workers a place to secure tools, or even a place where they can work on things out of the weather.  I don't know your situation, but remodels tend to drag on a lot longer then we plan, and a garage may help to make the situation more liveable if you are staying in your home during the remodel.

1. 
   SuefromTO | Sep 21, 2004 04:07am | #7

   Wow Jan, thanks!  Lots to think about.  We aren't actually living in the house while the reno is going on.  We rented a fully furnished place hence the need to store some of our things.  I really appreciate your post, super helpful!

1. 
   Janone | Sep 21, 2004 11:32pm | #8

   You're very welcome.  I wish you the best on  your project.

4. 
   sandyfeet | Sep 22, 2004 07:45am | #9

   We went through a major renovation last year and did not have a garage for storage. I rented a storage container which we put in our side yard for the duration of the work.  It was well-sealed from the elements although I did run a dehumidifier inside it during the day as we renovated during the summer humidity. It cost about $60/month and held the furniture/contents of our kitchen, master bedroom, and living room.

5. 
   WorkshopJon | Oct 03, 2004 03:39pm | #10

   Sue,

   Nothing wrong with what you want to do, but be aware rodents often take up residence in places like garages over the winter.  They can readily ruin furniture, clothing, etc.  It doesn't take much more than a very small gap under a garage door for a field mouse to go in and out of.

   WSJ

1. 
   PatMcG | Oct 06, 2004 12:35pm | #11

   We did store in our garage and would not do it again:

   1) Between humidity and varmints, damage is quite possible. (The earlier post which said to cover with some non-plastic, breathable fabric is dead on.)

   2) The garage is a good, flexible short term storage space for construction supplies/equipment. We missed it.

   3) If we could do it over with the benefit of hindsight, we would have scoped out storage container vs. storage trailer vs. storage locker and selected one of the above.

1. 
   WayneL5 | Oct 07, 2004 01:05am | #12

   Humidity should not be a problem in winter in Canada.

1. 
   PatMcG | Oct 07, 2004 11:51am | #13

   OK. But how many jobs like that come in on schedule?