Here are seven items you ought to avoid keeping in your basement:
Transforming the southern hemisphere's infamous basement into the trove of all forgotten treasures may initially seem appealing, but the basement's unpredictable nature could turn your prized possessions into a moldy mess. Here's what the experts have to say about items you should never stash in your basement – even if it's finished.
Dawn Arias-Spinelli, owner of Kleaner Image, a professional cleaning company serving homes along the Jersey Shore:
- Paper Goods: Avoid storing old books, journals, or magazines in your basement. Paper is notoriously thirsty and quickly absorbs moisture, so when paired with a basement's fluctuating humidity, you've got the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and paper warpage. For safekeeping, store your precious paper goods in airtight containers in a climate-controlled room. Consider using acid-free sleeves or folders for extra protection.
- Delicate Out-of-Season Clothing: It's tempting to stow away your wool sweaters and silk blouses in plastic tubs until next season, but don't do it! Basements can transform even the most dainty of wardrobes into a musty mess due to damp air, pests, and poor ventilation. More delicate garments risk damage, so instead, consider keeping these items stored in garment bags in your main living space.
- Wooden Furniture: Basements aren't the best timekeepers for wooden furniture. Unsealed wood retains moisture, leading to warping or cracking, even treated wood isn't entirely safe due to the relative swings in temperature and inevitable basement pests. If you must store wooden furniture in the basement, Arias-Spinelli suggests using a dehumidifier to help mitigate the risks.
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[Brandon Dolan] of Dolan Inc., a plumbing, heating, cooling, and electric company serving central New Jersey since 1949:
- Flammable Items: Avoid storing any flammable or combustible materials, including liquid fuels such as propane and gasoline or other inflammable materials like paint, industrial cleaners, near the home's HVAC system and water heater. Both systems can either leak water or vent toxic gas into the home, potentially igniting the flammables. Keep these materials in secure, ventilated outdoor storage spaces.
- Electronics and Media: Old electronics and media, like laptops, cords, DVDs, and CDs, can be surprisingly susceptible to damage. Moisture can corrode metal components and internal parts, while temperature variations can degrade casings and wires. Keep these items out of basements and store them in climate-controlled areas, such as your home office or media center, and consider recycling or donating unused items.
- Cardboard, Newspaper, and Other Trash: These are all essentially combustibles, according to Dolan, and can exacerbate dangerous situations, particularly in the event of electrical failure or fire. Avoid storing combustible materials like cardboard, newspaper, and trash in your basement.
- Sentimental or Irreplaceable Items: If an item holds sentimental value or is irreplaceable, avoid storing it in your basement. Water leaks, pests, and time can all contribute to its deterioration. Instead, find a safer location to keep your most cherished items, such as in a climate-controlled storage unit or display case.
Maintaining proper storage can help safeguard your belongings and ensure safety in your home.
Martha Stewart, renowned for her lifestyle and home-and-garden expertise, emphasizes the importance of cleanliness and organization in every room, including the basement. She advises against storing paper goods, delicates, and sentimental items in the basement due to the risk of mold, mildew, warpage, and damage.To keep your belongings in good condition and maintain a safe home environment, avoid storing flammable items, electronics, and media, cardboard, newspaper, and trash in your basement, as they may pose a fire hazard or degrade rapidly.
