The basement seems like a great place to stuff anything you want to keep but still have out of the way. Unfortunately, not everything should go down below, as they can be damaged or worse. Here are some items that you should store elsewhere.
1. Wood Furniture, Decor, and Toys
Wood is porous, so stuffing old chairs and tables in the basement can result in mold, cracks, and even warping if the temperature rises. You’re better off just getting rid of that old bedroom set.
2. Electronics
Old TVs and record players won’t do well in your basement. The moist surroundings and wildly varying temperatures can lead to electronic shorts. Consider a climate-controlled storage unit instead, especially if you have vintage electronics that you want to hang on to.
3. Perishable Food
Like eating mold? That’s what can happen if you store perishable food in a damp basement. Not all food needs to be refrigerated, but someplace cool and dry is warranted.
4. Batteries
Most basements are damp, and that automatically makes them inhospitable to batteries. Batteries can actually emit harmful gasses if exposed to moisture or explode if the surroundings are too hot. There are other places to put your batteries that are cool and dry.
5. Flammable Liquids
A liquid with the potential to catch fire shouldn’t be kept in your basement, where you might also have furnaces, water heaters, and dryers that can create the right environment for a spark to light.
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6. Candles
If you want to light your candle later, don’t store it in the basement now. If your basement heats up, the wax will melt, and extreme cold will effect your finish and burn.
7. Paint
While temperature swings and moisture may not affect your paint, they can impact the can it’s stored in. Rust can make it impossible to open your paint, so maybe store it somewhere else. An open can of paint can last two years — but only if stored correctly.
8. Cardboard Boxes
The moisture issue is your first hint — cardboard boxes can get wet and smelly. Worse, they become great places for pests and vermin to nest inside.
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9. Books
The moist environment of a basement can warp pages and make covers soggy. And if you have books that are valuable you might want to keep them someplace dry to keep bugs away.
10. Important Papers
Yes, tax forms and other important papers you don’t look at on the daily are tempting items to stash away in the basement, but resist the urge. Basements can flood, and often do — meaning your important papers will be rendered unreadable pulp. Consider giving them to your lawyer or getting a fireproof box.
11. Vinyl Records
Not only can records warp, but mold can grow on them if there’s too much moisture. Ideally, store your favorite vinyl records someplace cool, dry, and dark.
12. Photos
If you haven’t had your old photos transferred to digital images, that’s no excuse for stuffing albums in the humid confines of your basement. Pictures can become warped, discolored, and stuck in photo albums due to changes in temperature.
13. Firewood
If you plan to use your firewood in the near future, don’t keep it in the basement. The damp will likely infiltrate rhe wood, making it nearly impossible to burn.
14. Wedding Dresses
After the big day, you may want to get your dress cleaned and hold on to it (or before the big day, you want to keep it from prying eyes). Don’t store it in the basement. Fabric can mildew and take on musty smells, so if you ever take it out for a spin to see if it still fits, you might be surprised by stains and odors. This goes for any fabric you are hoping to store away.
