Garden building experts are warning homeowners to remove paint and other common items from their sheds this autumn and winter.

GardenBuildingsDirect is sharing the six items people should remove from their outbuildings to avoid having to replace them. 

Many items commonly stored in sheds are not able to withstand the elements during the autumn and winter months as they can be vulnerable to cold and damp weather. 

Storing items incorrectly could be costly, as homeowners may end up having to replace them. For things like paint and electricals, this could end up being pretty expensive. 

Meanwhile, items like old bedding should also be removed now, ahead of turbulent winter weather. 

Paint 

Keeping leftover paint in the shed is a common mistake. Storing paint properly is key to maintaining its quality and making sure it can be reused in the future. 

Keeping leftover paint in the shed during the winter months could cause it to congeal, separate or dry out. 

Power tool batteries

Cold temperatures can reduce the efficiency and lifespan of power tool batteries, so leaving them in the shed during autumn and winter could mean you have to replace them. 

Pet food 

Make sure to remove any surplus pet food from your shed ahead of the colder weather. The scent of pet food attracts pests like mice, so it is best to keep any food items indoors and away from rodents.

Bedding and fabrics 

Any old old pet bedding, toys or fabrics can become damp and mouldy when stored in a shed and exposed to the elements. 

Avoid having to throw away forgotten fabrics by storing them indoors. Mice and other rodents may also seek shelter inside of bedding or other materials in your shed. 

Chemicals 

Some liquid pesticides can crystallise in cold temperatures. Cold conditions can damage the chemicals and make them more difficult to work with or completely unusable. 

Electronics 

Rodents like mice who seek warmth in outbuildings during the colder months may nibble on electrical chargers and break expensive electrical equipment. 

A spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect said: “Garden sheds are really handy for storage, but it is important homeowners don’t mistake them as a storage space for all household items. Storing items incorrectly can come at a cost and create unnecessary waste. 

“Sheds provide an unsuitable environment for things like paint, chemicals, old pet bedding and toys. Instead, these should be stored in a dry space where they are not exposed to cold temperatures and dampness. Storage for items like paint and chemicals can be tricky, especially if you don’t have an abundance of space. 

“However, making sure to store items properly is essential, especially over the colder months when garden buildings are exposed to the elements.”