Over the years, I have decluttered and organized numerous garages, attics and basements. Often, I find things that have been ruined due to not being stored in a climate controlled area. Changes in temperature and humidity can cause mold and mildew on some items. Extreme cold or heat can melt or warp some materials as well. A basement flooding or a roof leaking can lead to your belongings being water damaged. If insects, rodents, or other pests move into these spaces, they can also damage things.
Here are some things that you should not store in a garage, attic or basement (unless it is a climate controlled space)
- Cardboard boxes: these can become a home for pests, and can easily warp due to temperature changes.
- Paper of all kinds, but especially important documents and keepsake papers.
- Books
- Photographs
- Artwork
- Clothing
- Sewing Fabrics
- Yarn
- Towels
- Sheets
- Blankets
- Comforters
- Curtains
- Tablecloths
- Sleeping Bags
- Mattresses
- Pillows
- Stuffed animals
- Rugs and Carpeting
- Instruments
- Upholstered furniture
- Wooden furniture
- Wooden decor
- Electronics
- Vinyl records
- Audio cassettes
- VHS tapes
- CDs
- DVDs
- Candles
- Batteries
- Paints
- Medications
- Perishable foods (unless temporarily stored in a fridge or freezer in these areas).
I’ve seen so many of the items listed above ruined from being stored in a garage, attic or basement. They are then not able to be used by their owner, or handed down to family members, or donated or sold. To protect and preserve your belongings, it is best to store these things inside in a climate controlled area. Some areas that work well are inside the closets of bedrooms, guest rooms, home offices or bonus rooms. Some items can be stored in drawers, cabinets or shelves inside the house, or underneath beds. Now may be a good time for you to look in your storage areas and see if there’s anything you need to bring into the house to keep it in good condition.
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