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 use this extra square footage for storing a various belongings, it’s important to exercise caution. Blindly stashing items in the basement can lead to potential damage and create a cluttered mess. The following is a list of 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, it’s better to keep these items out of the basement.
Pet Supplies
Similar to human food, pet food stored in basements is susceptible to pests and excess moisture. Kitty litter can also begin to clump because of the humidity. Opt for temperature-controlled areas like the kitchen, an upstairs laundry room, or a mudroom to store pet supplies securely.
Fragile Fabrics
Sentimental items such as baby clothes, stuffed animals, or delicate fabrics like fur, leather, and suede should avoid the basement due to their vulnerability to mold and mildew. Consider sealed bins on elevated shelves or explore alternative storage solutions outside the basement.
Perishable Items
Basements are not suitable for storing perishable food items due to the risk of attracting pests and the potential for spoilage in unregulated conditions. Anything from baking items, to crackers can quickly become the target of unwanted critters. Items like chocolate can melt if it gets too warm and wine can spoil. Invest in a freestanding pantry in the kitchen or optimize existing kitchen space for a more accessible and safer storage solution.
Medications
Humidity and unregulated temperature shifts can also reduce the effectiveness of medications, vitamins and supplements. Most labels will suggest bottles be stored in a cool, dry place.
Bedding
Extra bedding, including pillows, blankets, and sheets, is at risk of developing mildew in the damp conditions of a basement. Focus on decluttering, organize the linen closet upstairs, or invest in climate-controlled storage units for bedding.
Toys
Toys stored in basements subject to fluctuating temperatures can lead to rust in metal toys and mildew stains on plastic or wooden toys. Prioritize decluttering and store toys on shelves in a playroom or bonus room upstairs.
Anything Made of Paper
Basements’ dampness poses a threat to paper items, attracting mold and causing discoloration. Opt for a paperless approach when possible, and store essential documents in a fireproof safe or organized filing cabinet in a dry office space or kitchen.
Mementos
Irreplaceable items with sentimental value, such as high school t-shirts, letters, or family heirlooms, are best kept away from the basement to prevent loss in case of a disaster. Safely store them in pretty containers on high shelves in a closet or creatively display them in shadow boxes.
Furniture and Home Decor
Wooden furniture can warp or crack in the high-humidity environment of a basement. Avoid storing antique or heirloom pieces in the basement and find alternative spaces upstairs or in storage units for furniture and rugs.
Firewood
Moisture in basements can spoil firewood, making it prone to rot. Consider alternative firewood storage solutions such as the living room or an outdoor shed.
Electronics
Basements’ fluctuating temperatures and humidity can corrode electronics over time. Organize electronics in a controlled environment like a TV console, coffee table, or home office closet.
Batteries
Moisture can erode batteries and lead to harmful consequences. Store batteries in cool, dry areas and invest in organizers designed for battery storage and testing.
Flammable or Hazardous Chemicals
Keep flammable items like paint and propane away from heating sources in the basement. Store them in well-ventilated areas, high shelves in the garage, or designated storage spaces outside the basement.
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