NEVER Store These 8 Common Items In Your Basement
I used to treat my basement like a storage space for everything I didn’t want to think about. It is so easy to just carry things down those stairs and forget about them, isn't it? But after a damp spring and a very unfortunate discovery involving some old photo albums, I learned that basements are actually quite unforgiving environments. They might feel safe and protected, but the temperature swings and hidden moisture can be really unforgiving.
Family Photo Albums
It breaks my heart to think about it, but your precious memories are at risk in a basement. Photos are incredibly sensitive to humidity, which causes the pages to stick together or grow mold. The fluctuating temperatures can also make the images fade or crack over time. If you want to keep those family memories safe for the next generation, it is much better to keep them in a climate controlled closet on the main floor.
Important Paper Documents
We often stash old tax returns, birth certificates, or even favorite books in the basement because they take up so much space. However, paper is basically a sponge for moisture. Even if you never have a flood, the natural dampness of the ground seeps through the walls and makes paper wavy and musty. This also makes them a perfect snack for silverfish and other pests that love to hide in dark, quiet corners. Store your books and important papers anywhere else but underground.
Extra Clothing Stash
I used to keep my off season sweaters in plastic bins downstairs, but I quickly realized that was a mistake. Fabrics can trap odors that are almost impossible to wash out later. Worse, if there is even a tiny bit of moisture trapped in the bin, you might find a mildew surprise when the weather turns cold again. If you absolutely must store clothes there, use vacuum sealed bags to keep the basement air out.
Canned Food Supplies
Many of us use the basement as a backup pantry for canned goods, but it isn't as safe as it looks. The cool temperature is actually okay, but the high humidity can cause any metal cans to rust. Once a can develops even a tiny pinhole of rust, the food inside is no longer safe to eat. If you see any signs of orange spotting on your cans, it is a sign they need a drier home and you need to throw out the can.
Wooden Furniture
That old wooden dining table or dresser might seem sturdy, but wood is a living material that breathes and absorbs moisture from the air it’s in. In a damp basement, wood fibers swell up, and in the winter, they shrink back down. This constant movement leads to warping, cracked joints, and peeling veneers. It is also very common for mold to grow in the unfinished nooks and crannies of the wood, which can permanently ruin a beautiful family heirloom.
Spare Fire Extinguishers
It might seem logical to keep a fire extinguisher near the furnace or in your workshop, but the basement humidity can cause them to fail at the worst time. The moisture can corrode the metal canister or the pressure gauge, making it fail right when you need it most. Some types of extinguishing powder can also clump up if it gets too cold or damp. Keep your safety tools in a dry, accessible area like the kitchen or a hallway.
Electronics And Gadgets
Old computers, gaming consoles, and even spare power tools have delicate circuit boards that do not get along with moisture. High humidity can cause internal corrosion that fries the electronics before you even turn them on. If you have expensive tools or gadgets that you aren't using right now, try to find a spot for them in the garage or a spare closet where the air stays a bit more consistent and dry. Otherwise, you might not be able to turn them on again.
Paint And Chemicals
I know we all have a shelf of half used paint cans in the basement, but extreme temperatures can actually ruin the chemicals inside. If your basement gets too cold, the paint can separate and lose its ability to stick to your walls. Additionally, metal cans sitting on a concrete floor will rust from the bottom up very quickly. If you must store them in your basement, keep them on a high shelf or in plastic bins.
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It can feel like a huge puzzle trying to find enough space to store everything we own, but I also know how frustrating it is to lose important things to a damp basement. Taking a few minutes to move your most precious items upstairs can save you so much grief later on. We are all just trying to make our homes work for us. And being smart with what you put in your basement is one of the ways to do that.
Bliss Donahue-Power
