Toilet paper can be stored in a garage, but it is not recommended due to risks of moisture, mold, and pest infestation. If necessary, store it in a dry, climate-controlled area, sealed in original plastic packaging, and inside airtight plastic bins on elevated shelving.
Flammable Items
“Paint, propane, and paper goods are the big three I always flag,” Schier says. “Paint and propane don't play well with heat (or each other), and paper goods, like toilet paper or cardboard boxes, can attract pests. Anything flammable or perishable is a hard no in a space that isn't climate controlled.”
The second thing our garage storage advice recommends you store elsewhere are any paper-based products and items. The changing temperatures and moisture levels that all garages experience are particularly unkind to these items.
Any place that is dry and close to the toilet is the best place. Most people will store them underneath the sink. If it is a small bathroom with no vanity there are all kinds of toilet paper holders you can get that stack or store extra rolls.
Items like antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, inflators, and extra wipers are made to withstand extreme elements, so they're perfectly safe inside your garage. If you have additional car gear like a roof or bike rack, you can safely store that in your garage, too.
Once damaged, the items will never return to their former condition. The ideal temperature for paper storage varies between 18° and 22° C and relative humidity (RH) should sit between 40 and 55%.
Another great option is to store your paper towels in your pantry cabinet. Tuck them away in a dedicated spot inside your pantry – out of sight, yet easily accessible! This simple trick keeps your kitchen clutter-free and takes your pantry organization to the next level.
Q: Can you use a garage as a storage unit? A: Yes, you can, but we don't recommend it. Garages are great for storing your vehicle and tools, but they ultimately cannot compete with a storage unit when it comes to storing many other possessions.
What Shouldn't Be Stored in a Garage?
God promises that if we seek first His kingdom and righteousness that He will take care of all our needs. Verse 27 reminds us that not even our precious toilet paper is of much benefit, “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”
Not that you should ever blindly follow the crowd, but a whopping 70% of the population prefers the “over” position. Because the toilet paper is already closer towards you, it makes it easier to grab from a seated position. Facing the paper away from the wall generally makes it easier to tear.
The ignition temperature of paper is 451 degrees Fahrenheit, or 233 degrees Celsius. Many people know this value from the Ray Bradbury novel, Fahrenheit 451, an anti-utopian tale about a society where firemen are in charge of burning books instead of stopping fires.
The optimal temperatures for paper storage are around 60° to 65°F (15° to 18°C). High temperatures, especially as caused by direct sunlight, can significantly degrade paper. Warmer air can contain more water vapor at the same relative humidity, and heat increases chemical activity or the growth of mold in the paper.
Paper Products
Excess paper products, like paper towels, napkins, and toilet paper, should be kept in a dry, climate-controlled area indoors. "Paper products are similar to books and should not be stored in your garage," says Bell.
19 Tools Every Man Should Have in His Garage
Non-Flushable Items
One of the more common reasons a toilet always clogs is due to items that don't belong down there. These non-flushable items include wipes (even “flushable” ones), paper towels, and feminine hygiene products, which can easily get caught in pipes and lead to repeated blockages.
The worst things for a septic tank are non-biodegradable items (wipes, hygiene products, dental floss, paper towels), harsh chemicals (bleach, cleaners, paint, gasoline), excessive water, fats/oils/grease (FOGs), and food waste (coffee grounds, starchy foods, garbage disposals), as they clog pipes, kill beneficial bacteria, or overload the system, leading to costly backups and drain field failure. The basic rule is to flush only human waste and toilet paper.
Plumbers recommend toilet paper that dissolves quickly to prevent clogs, favoring single-ply, recycled, or septic-safe options over thick, plush multi-ply types, with brands like Scott Rapid Dissolving, Angel Soft, and Charmin Essentials often cited as good choices because they break down easily in water. The best choice depends on your plumbing, but the key is rapid disintegration to avoid buildup.