Are There Things You Should Not Store in Your Attic?

Most homeowners tend to use their attic spaces for storage, and attics are ideal for storing all sorts of items, from holiday decorations to old kids’ toys and clothing. But have you ever wondered if some items are unsuitable for attic storage?

Well, the truth of the matter is that there are indeed some items that should never go into the attic. And in this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the most common things you can’t store in an attic or a basement.

Eight Things to Never Place in Attic Storage

It’s tempting to put pretty much everything into your attic to get it out of the way, but it’s not a safe space for certain items. The shifting temperatures and humidity levels in attics make them unsuitable for these eight items.

• Wooden items

Wood doesn’t tend to cope well in attic storage. It’s prone to rot, pests and mildew, so it’s always best to keep wooden items like chairs, tables and items of furniture in a dry and mild area instead.

• Important documents

You might be tempted to put documents like passports and birth certificates in your attic for safekeeping, but they could become wet, discolored or stained. Keep them in a drawer or safe instead.

• Electronic devices

Electronic devices like phones and laptops are also not recommended for attic storage. The humidity levels in attics can cause moisture to get inside each device and ruin the circuits, rendering the items completely useless.

• Flammable items

Flammable items like paints, gasoline, kerosene and other items are also not a good choice for storage in an attic. It can get very dry and warm inside an attic during the summer months, and a fire might start if you leave highly flammable items up there.

• Musical instruments

Musical instruments tend to contain wood, dry fibers or other materials that need handling with care. They’re usually quite delicate and easily affected by changing humidity or temperatures, so it’s best to keep them in dry cases and safe spaces, rather than attics or basements.

• Leather items

Got some old leather items lying around like saddles, leather-bound chairs, leather jackets or leather wallets? If so, don’t put them in the attic! Leather can dry out and crack or may even go moldy if it stays in attic storage too long.

• Cleaning products

Cleaning products and household chemicals are also not a smart choice to store in attics. This is because many of them are flammable, and they could also leak and damage other items around them. Even worse, these products may give off toxic fumes that seep into your home’s ductwork and vents.

• Delicate fabrics

Attic storage isn’t a good option for delicate fabrics like fur, linen, wool or cotton. These materials can attract moths, as well as other pests like insects and mice. They may get damaged by water or changing temperatures, too. For things like this, also be sure to opt for more airtight storage solutions, like vacuum storage bags for extra precaution.

Final Thoughts

So, the next time you plan to throw some old boxes into the attic, remember this list and think carefully about which items you put up there to avoid any nasty surprises down the line.