Before you tuck away holiday decorations, off-season clothes, or sentimental boxes, consider where you’re putting them. Some spots in a home seem convenient but can damage your belongings, create safety hazards, or make your space harder to live in. This guide walks you through the spaces to avoid for home storage, what to do instead, and how to recognize when a spot is doing more harm than good.
What You’ll Need
- A flashlight or phone light to inspect dark corners
- A hygrometer (optional, to check humidity levels)
- Clear plastic bins with lids for items you decide to move
- Labels and a marker
- Gloves and a dust mask if you’re cleaning out a neglected area
Step-by-Step
- Identify the risky zones. Walk through your home and list every area that tempts you as storage: under the bed, the attic, the garage, the crawl space, the basement, the top of kitchen cabinets, the space behind the sofa, the laundry room, the bathroom cabinet, and the closet floor.
- Check for moisture. Use your flashlight to look for water stains, condensation, or musty smells. Dampness is the number one enemy of stored items. If a space feels humid or shows any sign of leaks, it’s not safe for anything that can’t tolerate moisture.
- Consider temperature swings. Spaces like garages and attics often fluctuate wildly with the seasons. Heat can melt, warp, or fade; cold can make plastics brittle. If you wouldn’t live in that temperature yourself, your belongings probably won’t thrive there either.
- Look for pests. Check for droppings, chewed wires, or nests. Rodents and insects love quiet, dark corners. If you see signs, treat the area before storing anything, or avoid it altogether.
- Evaluate accessibility. If you need something regularly, don’t store it somewhere you can’t reach easily. The back of a high shelf or the bottom of a deep closet will only frustrate you. Reserve those spots for rarely used items.
- Assess safety risks. Avoid storing anything heavy or breakable above head height unless you have a sturdy step stool and a clear path. Also, never block exits, electrical panels, or vents with stored items. That’s a fire hazard and a code violation in many places.
- Decide what can stay. Some items are fine in less-than-ideal spots: things that are waterproof, unbreakable, and don’t mind temperature changes, like metal tools (if kept dry) or plastic lawn furniture. But anything fragile, valuable, or sentimental deserves better.
- Relocate or discard. For each item you’ve identified as at risk, either move it to a more stable area (like a climate-controlled closet or a storage unit) or let it go. If you haven’t used it in a year and it’s not seasonal, consider donating or selling it.
- Use proper containers. For anything you do store, choose clear, lidded plastic bins over cardboard boxes. Cardboard absorbs moisture and attracts pests. Label each bin on the side, not just the top, so you can find things without moving everything.
- Re-evaluate seasonally. Every few months, do a quick sweep of your storage spots. Check for new moisture, pests, or clutter creep. Catching problems early saves your belongings and your sanity.
Common Mistakes
- Storing photos and paper in the attic or garage. Heat and humidity cause fading, yellowing, and mold. If you must keep them, use acid-free boxes and store them in a climate-controlled area.
- Putting electronics on concrete floors. Concrete sweats, and moisture can ruin circuit boards. Always elevate electronics on a shelf or pallet.
- Using the oven or dishwasher for storage. It’s tempting when you have limited cabinet space, but it’s a fire hazard and can damage the appliance. Keep those spaces clear.
- Stacking heavy bins too high. You might not be able to lift them down safely, leading to injury or dropped items. Keep heavy things low.
- Forgetting about the space behind the fridge. It’s a dust trap and a fire risk if you store paper or cloth there. Leave it clear for air circulation.
- Storing flammable liquids indoors. Gasoline, propane, and paint thinners should never be stored in living spaces. They should be in a detached shed or garage, away from ignition sources.
Tips
- Use a dehumidifier in basements or crawl spaces to keep moisture down.
- Place cedar blocks or lavender sachets in storage bins to deter moths naturally (but check for allergies first).
- Take photos of what’s in each bin before sealing it, and keep a digital inventory on your phone.
- For seasonal items, rotate them twice a year so you’re always using what’s stored.
- If you’re storing fabric items, wash and dry them completely first to avoid mildew.
- Use vertical space wisely: install shelves in closets to keep items off the floor and away from dust.
Troubleshooting
You discover mold on stored items. Remove the moldy items immediately and discard anything porous like cardboard or fabric that can’t be cleaned. For hard surfaces, wipe with a solution of water and white vinegar. Address the moisture source—fix leaks, improve ventilation, or run a dehumidifier.
You can’t reach something you stored too high. If you’re struggling, don’t risk a fall. Use a sturdy step ladder and ask for help. Better yet, move that item to a lower shelf or a more accessible spot.
Pests have gotten into your storage. Clean out the area completely, dispose of any contaminated items, and set traps or call a professional. Seal cracks and gaps in walls and floors. Going forward, use airtight plastic bins instead of cardboard.
You’ve stored something and now you can’t find it. If your storage is disorganized, take everything out, sort into categories, and label clearly. A simple inventory list on your phone or a notebook can prevent this in the future.
You realize you’ve stored something flammable near a heat source. Move it immediately to a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, preferably outside the living space. Never store propane tanks indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to store items under the bed? Yes, if the space is clean, dry, and you use low, flat bins. Avoid storing anything that could be damaged by dust or that you need often. Vacuum under the bed regularly to keep dust mites away.
Can I store things in the attic if I live in a hot climate? Only items that can tolerate high heat, like holiday decorations that are plastic and unbreakable. Avoid storing candles, electronics, vinyl records, and anything with adhesive, as heat can ruin them.
Is the garage a bad place to store food? Yes, unless it’s sealed and temperature-controlled. Temperature swings and pests make it risky. Keep food in your pantry or kitchen cabinets.
What about storing things on top of kitchen cabinets? It’s fine for rarely used items that aren’t heavy, but dust accumulates quickly. Use containers with lids and clean the area often. Avoid storing anything you need frequently, as it’s hard to reach safely.
Can I store clothes in plastic bags? Not for long-term storage. Plastic bags trap moisture and can cause mildew. Use breathable fabric garment bags or cardboard boxes with acid-free tissue paper.
Should I store things in the bathroom? Avoid storing items that are sensitive to humidity, like paper, electronics, or medications. The bathroom’s moisture can damage them. Store only items meant for the bathroom, like towels and toiletries.