Never Leave These Things Outside Overnight

I’ve made that mistake of leaving things outside overnight more times than I’d like to admit. A lawn mower left out just once ended up with a rusted blade. A forgotten can of paint turned into a clumpy mess. And don’t even get me started on the time I found a very alive spider hanging out in my boots.

Some things get ruined fast, some attract pests or thieves, and others can turn into a real safety issue. It’s easy to forget, but a little effort before bed can save a lot of frustration later. Here’s what should never be left outside overnight.

Don’t Leave Kids’ Toys Out

Plastic toys don’t handle weather well. If they’re left out overnight, temperature swings can make them brittle, causing cracks and breaks that turn them into junk way sooner than they should. And if they get rained on? Water seeps into little crevices, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.

Soft toys are even worse. They soak up moisture, get musty, and before you know it, you’ve got a stuffed animal that smells like a wet sock. If the kids are done playing, bring the toys in. It’ll save you from tossing out moldy, broken playthings later.

Car Keys or Garage Openers Are an Easy Target

Leaving car keys or a garage door opener outside is like rolling out the red carpet for thieves. All it takes is someone spotting them, and just like that, they’ve got instant access to your car—or worse, your house.

Even if you think you’ve got them hidden under a doormat or in a plant pot, thieves know all the usual spots. It’s just not worth the risk. Keep keys and openers inside, where they belong.

Ladders Make It Easy for Burglars

Leaving a ladder outside overnight is basically giving burglars a step-by-step guide to breaking into your home. If you have second-story windows, you might as well be handing them a direct path inside.

Even if theft isn’t an issue, weather takes a toll on ladders, especially wooden ones. They can rot, warp, or rust depending on the material. Keep ladders locked up in a shed or garage. That way, they’re only used when you need them, not some random trespasser.

Grill Tools Will Get Nasty Fast

Leave your grill tools outside, and you’ll regret it the next time you fire up the grill. Moisture leads to rust, and dirt settles in fast, making them gross before you even get to use them again. Plus, bugs and other critters aren’t shy about crawling all over them while you sleep.

Even if they look fine in the morning, they’ll be harder to clean, and you don’t want to cook with tools that have been sitting out collecting who-knows-what. Keep them inside or in a covered storage spot to make sure they’re clean and ready when you need them.

Shoes and Boots Attract Unwanted Guests

Leaving shoes or boots outside overnight is a great way to ruin them—or worse, find something living in them. Moisture will soak in, making them smell bad or even grow mildew. And if that’s not bad enough, spiders, bugs, or even small critters might crawl inside looking for a cozy hiding spot.

I’ve seen people shake out their boots only to have a frog or even a snake drop out. Not a fun surprise. Keep your shoes inside, or at least knock them out really well before sticking your foot in.

Outdoor Cushions Don’t Handle Overnight Moisture Well

Even if your cushions are labeled “weather-resistant,” they’re not made to handle sitting out all night. Moisture from dew or rain gets trapped inside, leading to mildew, mold, and a nasty smell. Over time, they’ll start breaking down, and nobody wants to sit on a cushion that feels damp or smells funky.

The easiest fix? Bring them inside when you’re done using them. If that’s too much of a hassle, at least store them in a deck box or cover them up with something waterproof. It’ll save you the headache of having to replace them sooner than you’d like.

Extension Cords and Moisture Don’t Mix

Even if an extension cord is labeled for outdoor use, it’s not meant to sit outside overnight. Condensation can creep in and cause electrical issues, and if water seeps into the connection points, you could be dealing with a fire hazard the next time you plug it in.

If you’re using an extension cord outside, unplug it and bring it in when you’re done. It’s a simple habit that can keep your cords in good shape and prevent unnecessary risks. Leaving one out just isn’t worth the trouble.

Leaving Your Bike Is a Good Way to Lose It

If you leave your bike outside overnight, don’t be surprised if it’s gone in the morning. Even if you live in a quiet area, a bike is one of the easiest things to steal. A quick snip of the lock, and it’s gone. No alarm, no hassle—just free transportation for whoever takes it.

Even if no one swipes it, the weather will do its own damage. Rain and dew will rust the chain, the gears, and any exposed metal. The tires can dry rot faster, too. If you care about your bike, keep it inside or at least covered.

Pet Food Left Outside = Free Buffet for Pests

Leave pet food outside, and you’re basically running a 24-hour diner for raccoons, rats, and whatever else is hungry. Once they know there’s an easy meal, they’ll be back—and they’ll bring friends. I’ve seen raccoons get bold enough to climb up porches and stare through windows, just waiting for another snack.

Even if you don’t have a pest problem yet, food sitting out overnight can get stale or moldy, which isn’t great for your pets. If you feed them outside, pick up any leftovers before heading in. Otherwise, you might be feeding more than just your own animals.

Your Lawn Mower Won’t Survive the Weather

Leave your lawn mower out overnight, and you’re asking for rust, engine trouble, and a headache the next time you need to use it. Even if it doesn’t rain, morning dew can get into the metal parts and start corrosion. And if water finds its way into the fuel system? Good luck getting that thing started.

If you don’t have a shed or garage, at least cover it with a waterproof tarp. But honestly, moving it inside takes less effort than dealing with a rusted-out mower that won’t run when you need it.

Paint Won’t Stay Usable Outside

Paint is picky about where it’s stored. Too cold, and it thickens or even freezes. Too hot, and it separates or dries out. Either way, leave a can outside overnight, and you might as well toss it.

Rust is another problem. If moisture gets to the can, you’ll end up with rusty flakes in your paint, which is the last thing you want on your walls or furniture. Keep paint inside, somewhere dry and between 60 and 80°F, and make sure the lid is sealed tight. That way, it’ll actually be usable when you need it.

*This article was created with the help of AI.