Owning an attic provides an excellent opportunity to declutter living spaces, but a lack of awareness about potential storage hazards can lead to unintended consequences. From extreme temperatures to fluctuating humidity levels and the ever-looming threat of pests, your attic demands careful consideration when deciding what to store. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the specifics of 10 items that should never find a home in your attic, ensuring the protection of your belongings and the preservation of cherished memories.
Candles and Crayons
While it may seem innocuous to store candles and crayons in the attic, the consequences of doing so can be messy. The wax in both items is highly susceptible to melting in the face of high temperatures. Instead, consider organizing unused candles in a climate-controlled room and confining excess crayons to bins in play or craft rooms.
Books
Your cherished book collection, with its trove of memories, should be kept far away from the attic. The elevated humidity levels common in attics can foster mold and mildew growth on book covers and pages. Adding to the risk, silverfish, which thrive in hot and humid environments, pose a threat to paper and glue. Take the time to declutter your book collection and store your keepers on shelves in living spaces or home offices.
Instruments
Musical instruments, particularly those made of wood or with fabric interiors, should never be relegated to the attic. Mold and mildew can infiltrate instruments, risking both their structural integrity and the musician’s health. Opt for storing instruments in a temperature-controlled environment or consider dedicating a bonus room to your musical passions.
Fabric
The general rule for attic storage is to exclude all fabric, especially those made of wool, linen, and silk. Common attic pests such as moths and mice are drawn to these materials, and the fibers are prone to mildewing in the presence of moisture. Resist the temptation to store off-season clothing and fabrics in the attic, and opt for labeled bins on the main levels of your home.
Holiday and Home Decor
While the attic may seem like an ideal storage location for holiday decorations, it poses potential risks to materials like fabric and paper commonly used in decor. These materials can easily succumb to the harsh conditions of the attic. Opt for organizing decorations in labeled totes on garage shelves or in the basement, ensuring a more temperate storage environment.
Keepsakes
Irreplaceable items such as photos, home videos, and family heirlooms deserve a safer storage space than the unpredictable attic. The attic’s fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels make it an unreliable choice for preserving these cherished possessions. Utilize bookshelves, TV cabinets, or memory boxes placed in closets to keep these sentimental items secure.
Electronics and Batteries
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can permanently damage electronics and lead to a shortened battery life. Safeguard your electronics by recycling old devices at local facilities and organizing loose batteries in a secure location, such as a junk drawer or utility closet.
Toxic or Flammable Substances
Minimize the storage of toxic or flammable substances in your home, especially in the attic. The fumes emitted from these items can seep into HVAC ducts and permeate living spaces, posing health risks. Store such items in an exterior shed or garage, away from the main living areas.
Fire Extinguishers
While fire extinguishers are essential safety equipment, storing them in the attic is not advisable. Most extinguishers are not designed to withstand high temperatures, potentially reducing their effectiveness or, in rare cases, causing them to explode. Place extinguishers strategically on the main levels of your home for accessibility during emergencies.
Heavy Items
Avoid overloading your attic with heavy items, as it can compromise the delicate attic floor. Opt for lightweight containers and maintain an uncrowded and organized space to facilitate proper air circulation. Additionally, choose plastic totes with latched lids instead of cardboard boxes, as cardboard can disintegrate when exposed to moisture and become a haven for pests.
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12 Items You Store in the Basement that Could Be a Major Mistake
Owning a house with a basement is a practical luxury, offering valuable storage space for items not in everyday use. While it’s tempting to utilize this extra square footage for storing a myriad of belongings, it’s essential to exercise caution. Blindly stashing items in the basement can lead to potential damage and create a cluttered mess. In this guide, we will explore 12 items that you should never store in your basement. From the risk of damage due to fluctuating temperatures and humidity to potential hazards like pests, we’ll delve into the reasons behind these recommendations and offer alternative storage solutions for a more organized and secure home.
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