Basements are convenient for storage but can pose risks to certain items due to their typical damp and fluctuating environment. Here are 19 things you should avoid storing in your basement to prevent damage and ensure the longevity of your belongings.
Paint and Chemicals
Storing paint cans and household chemicals in basements can lead to hazardous situations, as told by Garage Living. Fluctuating temperatures can cause containers to degrade, potentially leaking toxic substances into the environment or creating fumes that pose health risks. It’s not worth the risk.
Important Documents
Basements are susceptible to flooding and humidity, making them unsuitable for storing vital documents. Papers such as passports, birth certificates, and legal documents are vulnerable to moisture, which can lead to mold growth, ink bleeding, or paper deterioration. Not ideal!
Mattresses and Upholstered Furniture
You’re probably going to get a lot of damp in your basement, and that makes them pretty unsuitable for storing mattresses and upholstered furniture. Moisture can lead to mold growth, unpleasant odors, and even structural damage to these items, compromising comfort and hygiene.
Electronics
Electronic devices and appliances stored in basements are at risk of damage from moisture and temperature fluctuations. Condensation can cause corrosion or short circuits, rendering electronics unusable and potentially unsafe due to electrical hazards. This could prove to be very unsafe.
Wooden Furniture
Don’t store wood in the basement, period! It absorbs moisture easily, making basements a poor choice for storing wooden furniture. Humidity can cause wood to warp, crack, or develop mold, significantly reducing the aesthetic appeal and structural integrity of valuable or antique pieces.
Clothing and Fabrics
You’ll find that storing fabric in basements is a bad idea, as they are prone to mold and mildew due to high humidity levels. Mold growth not only damages clothing but also poses health risks such as respiratory issues and allergies, making basements unsuitable for long-term textile storage.
Food Items
Storing food in basements can attract pests like rodents and insects, especially if items are not properly sealed. Moisture and temperature fluctuations can also accelerate food spoilage or contamination, posing health risks if consumed.
Photographs and Artwork
Photographs, paintings, and other artwork are sensitive to environmental conditions like humidity and temperature. Basements with poor ventilation can cause irreversible damage such as fading, discoloration, or warping of delicate materials like paper or canvas. Don’t run the risk of losing some cherished memories or expensive art.
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments require stable humidity and temperature levels to maintain their condition and sound quality. They’re very delicate in that regard. Storing instruments like pianos, guitars, or brass instruments in basements with fluctuating environmental conditions can lead to tuning issues or damage over time.
Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes stored in basements are vulnerable to moisture absorption, which weakens the material and can cause contents to collapse or become damaged. Opt for plastic storage bins with secure lids to protect items from humidity and pests if you’re going to be storing things in your basement.
Wine and Spirits
Proper wine storage requires a consistent cool temperature and humidity level, conditions that basements may not provide. Fluctuating temperatures can prematurely age wine, affect its taste, or cause corks to dry out, compromising its quality. You don’t want to end up ruining a fancy vintage bottle of red, now.
Valuable Collections
Collections of coins, stamps, or memorabilia should be stored in a controlled environment to prevent damage from moisture or pests. Basements’ fluctuating conditions can degrade the condition of collectible items, diminishing their value over time. Again, this could be a pretty expensive error.
Pet Supplies
If you have a pet, make sure to keep their food, toys, and bedding stored away from your basements. Otherwise, it can attract pests and mold growth due to humidity. Keep these items in a dry, clean area to ensure pet health and safety, avoiding potential contamination or health hazards.
Flammable Materials
If you find yourself storing flammable materials like gasoline or propane tanks in a basement, you’ll be setting yourself up for serious fire hazards. These items should be stored outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from heat sources to prevent accidents and ensure safety.
Plants
All plants require sunlight and proper air circulation to thrive, conditions that basements lack. Storing plants in basements can lead to poor growth, mold growth in soil, or eventual death due to insufficient light and high humidity levels.
Exercise Equipment
Keen to keep fit? Exercise machines and equipment can rust or corrode in basements due to high humidity levels, so don’t leave them down there. Moisture can also damage electronic components or upholstery, reducing the effectiveness and lifespan of fitness equipment over time.
Propane Tanks
Storing propane tanks in basements is very unsafe due to the risk of leaks or explosions. Always store propane tanks outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from ignition sources to prevent fire hazards and ensure proper ventilation. It’s crucial that you avoid propane in the basement
Household Batteries
The fluctuating humidity of the basement can cause batteries to corrode or leak, and this will reduce their lifespan and effectiveness. Be sure to store batteries in a dry, cool place with stable temperatures to maintain their charge and prevent potential damage.
Seasonal Decorations
Holiday decorations made of paper, fabric, or delicate materials can deteriorate in basements due to moisture and pests. Use sealed plastic containers or climate-controlled storage areas to preserve seasonal items and extend their use. You don’t want to risk ruining Christmas!
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