Brisbane's humidity, summer heat and storm season are hard on anything kept in the garage. Cardboard goes mouldy, and whatever sits on the floor is first in line when water gets in. Here's how to set up storage that holds up to Queensland weather.
Why Brisbane Garages Are Tough on Storage
Brisbane's subtropical climate is one of the best things about living here, until you open a box in the garage and find it covered in mould.
Hot, humid summers keep moisture in the air for months. Afternoon storms push water under roller doors. And in some suburbs, localised flooding is a real risk.
A garage is usually the least ventilated, least insulated room in the house. Put all of that together and the things you store there take a beating, unless your storage is set up for it.
Get Everything Off the Floor
The garage floor is the first place water collects, whether it's a storm blowing under the roller door, a leaking hot water system or a flash flood.
Anything sitting directly on concrete also draws up moisture over time. Cardboard boxes are the worst offenders: they wick water up from the slab and start to sag and grow mould from the bottom.
Shelving gets your gear up and out of harm's way. Wall-mounted and overhead storage go further by keeping the floor completely clear, which also makes the garage easier to hose out after a storm.
Rule of thumb: Keep the lowest shelf at least 150 to 200mm above the floor, and store nothing you care about directly on the concrete. Paperwork, electronics and anything precious goes on the higher shelves.
Swap Cardboard for Sealed Tubs
Cardboard soaks up humidity and attracts silverfish and cockroaches. Clear plastic tubs with clip-on lids protect what's inside and let you see what you've got without opening every box.
Label each tub on the front and the lid, so you can find things without unstacking the whole shelf.
Keep Air Moving
Mould loves still, damp air. A few simple habits make a big difference.
Leave a small gap between shelving and the wall so air can circulate. Open the roller door on dry, breezy days. And put moisture absorbers on any shelves holding linen, paper or clothing.
Prepare Your Garage for Storm Season
Brisbane's storm season usually runs from around October to March. Before it starts, work through this list:
Move valuables, documents and electrical items to higher shelves.
Check that tall shelving units are anchored to the wall so they can't tip.
Clear the area in front of the roller door so water can drain away.
Store sandbags or a flood barrier somewhere you can reach quickly.
If you live in a flood-affected area, check your property's flood information with Brisbane City Council and plan your storage heights to suit.
Putting up new shelving before storm season? Follow our installation instructions to get it assembled and anchored properly.
Getting the Right Shelving in Brisbane
We deliver across Brisbane, Ipswich and Moreton Bay for $60, or you can collect from our Lockyer Valley dealer, The Restoration Station in Minden. Most units assemble in under 30 minutes, so your garage can be sorted the same day.
Economy units start from $150, Medium Duty from $160 and Heavy Duty from $350.
Garage Shelving Solutions offers three tiers to suit every garage: Economy (200kg per shelf), Medium Duty (300kg per shelf), and Heavy Duty (500kg per shelf). All GSS shelving uses bolted construction, is backed by a 5-year warranty, and is available through 100+ dealers across Australia.
Find the right system for your garage
Bolted steel construction. 5-year warranty. Brisbane delivery from $60.
SHOP NOW Find a dealer →
200kg rated
Most popularNot sure which one suits your garage? We can help.
Get free advice →
0 comments