Lifestyle

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Storage Hunters Say Think Twice Before Stashing These Items in Your Basement

July 16, 2024

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image credit: Eleanor McDonie/Shutterstock

Your basement may seem like the ideal storage area due to its spaciousness and out-of-the-way location, but not everything is suited for underground keeping. Moisture, temperature fluctuations, and lack of ventilation turn many stored items into breeding grounds for mold or targets for deterioration.

This guide pinpoints common items that you should think twice about before relegating them to your basement space. Understanding what to store—and what to avoid—can save you from damaging valuable belongings or creating health hazards in your home.

Paint

Storing paint in your basement can lead to premature degradation due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Basements often experience damp conditions, which can cause the paint to separate and spoil. Always store paint in a cool, dry, and stable environment to preserve its quality.

Wine

While a basement might seem like an ideal spot for a wine cellar, without proper climate control, it’s a risky place to store wine. Temperature fluctuations and excessive moisture can alter the taste and ruin the wine’s integrity. Wine requires a stable environment, which many basements cannot provide without modifications.

Electronics

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Basements are prone to humidity and even flooding, which are death sentences for electronic devices. Moisture can corrode circuits and lead to electrical failures. It’s safer to store electronics in a dry, temperature-controlled area to prevent damage.

Important Documents

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Keeping important documents such as birth certificates, passports, and legal papers in the basement can expose them to potential water damage or high humidity. These conditions can render documents illegible and useless. Use watertight containers if basement storage is unavoidable, or better yet, keep them in a home office or safe.

Photographs

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Photographs can deteriorate quickly when exposed to the moisture typically found in basements. Humidity can cause photos to stick together and promote the growth of mold or mildew, which destroys the paper. It’s best to keep cherished photographs in a dry, dark place to preserve your memories.

Firewood

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Storing firewood in the basement can invite pests like termites and carpenter ants into your home. These insects can be destructive to the structure of your house and difficult to eradicate. Instead, keep firewood outside, away from the house, and only bring in what you need.

Propane Tanks

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Propane tanks should never be stored indoors, including in the basement, due to the risk of leaks and potential explosions. Even small leaks can create a significant hazard. Always store propane tanks outdoors in a well-ventilated area.

Gasoline

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Like propane, gasoline fumes are highly flammable and can accumulate in a basement, creating a fire hazard. Leaks and vapors from gasoline can be dangerous to your health and safety. Store gasoline in approved containers in a detached shed or another well-ventilated area away from living spaces.

Carpet and Rugs

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Storing carpets or rugs in a basement can lead to mold and mildew if moisture levels are not adequately controlled. These items can absorb dampness from the floor and walls, leading to a musty smell and deterioration of the fibers. Consider climate-controlled storage or choose an alternative location within the home.

Food

Keeping food in a basement can attract rodents and insects, posing a risk to both your home and your health. Basements typically do not offer the dry, cool conditions required to store perishables or even non-perishables long-term. Use your kitchen’s pantry or another dry area for food storage.

Clothing and Fabrics

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Fabrics stored in basements are susceptible to mildew and pests, which can ruin them. The lack of ventilation and potential dampness can lead to unpleasant odors and deteriorated materials. Store clothing in dry, cool closets, and consider using garment bags for extra protection.

Wooden Furniture

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Wood can warp, crack, or rot when exposed to the damp conditions often found in basements. Furthermore, moisture can lead to mold growth on and within the furniture. Store wooden items in well-ventilated, climate-controlled areas to maintain their condition.

Books

Books can absorb moisture, leading to swollen pages and mold growth, which damages the paper and binding irreversibly. The smell of mildew can also permeate the pages, making them unpleasant to handle. Keep your books on shelves in a dry area of your home instead.

Upholstered Items

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Upholstery can trap moisture and become a breeding ground for mold and mildew when stored in a basement. These fungi not only cause a musty odor but can also lead to health issues. Always store upholstered furniture in a dry environment and use protective covers.

Musical Instruments

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Musical instruments, particularly those made of wood, are sensitive to humidity and temperature changes. These conditions can damage the instrument’s quality and playability through warping and cracking. Store instruments in their cases away from extreme conditions, ideally in room-temperature settings.

Artwork

Art can suffer from extreme temperatures and humidity, which can cause canvases to warp and paint to crack. Basements often fluctuate in environmental conditions and are not suitable for art storage. Preserve artwork by keeping it in a controlled environment, away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Seed Packets

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Seeds can become moldy or lose their viability when exposed to moisture, which is often higher in basements. To ensure seeds remain dry and ready for planting, store them in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Consider a shed or a cabinet in your utility room instead.

Christmas Ornaments

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Delicate Christmas ornaments can be damaged by the damp and potentially moldy conditions of a basement. Moisture can tarnish metals and degrade other materials. Store holiday decorations in dry, temperature-stable environments to ensure they last for seasons to come.

Leather Goods

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Leather is highly susceptible to mold and mildew, and storing leather items like jackets or furniture in a basement can lead to permanent damage. The porous nature of leather absorbs moisture, leading to stiffening and cracking. Keep leather goods in ventilated, dry areas to maintain their quality.

Herbal Medicines

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Herbs and natural remedies need to be stored in cool, dry places to preserve their potency. Basements, often humid, can rapidly degrade the quality of these products. Use kitchen cabinets or special storage areas away from direct light and moisture.

Makeup and Toiletries

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Humidity can cause makeup to deteriorate and degrade, and toiletries may separate or spoil in damp conditions. Basements, especially those without climate control, are not suitable for storing these items. It’s better to store beauty and health products in bathroom cabinets or bedroom vanities.

Linens and Towels

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Storing linens and towels in the basement can result in a musty smell and mildew spots, which are difficult to remove. The fibers can also break down over time when exposed to dampness. Keep your linens and towels in a linen closet within your home for easy access and better preservation.

Collectibles

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Collectibles often hold sentimental or monetary value and need to be protected from environmental factors that could damage them. Basements can expose collectibles to temperature fluctuations and moisture, which can lead to deterioration. Store collectibles in a display case or a room that has stable conditions to maintain their condition and value.

Archival Documents

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Historical documents and archives require controlled environments to prevent degradation. Basements often lack the necessary humidity and temperature stability, leading to accelerated decay of paper and ink. Opt for archival-quality storage solutions in areas of your home that have consistent environmental controls.

Craft Supplies

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Craft supplies, such as glues, paints, and fabrics, can be negatively affected by basement conditions. Humidity can cause supplies to clump, degrade, or become unusable. To maintain the integrity of your materials, store them in a craft room or a specific storage area away from dampness and fluctuations in temperature.