If you have an attic, you already know that it is a great place to store unused items from around the house. However, it is important to consider the types of things you choose to store in your attic as the temperature and humidity fluctuates which can damage certain items and materials. To avoid any disasters, here are 6 items you should never store in your attic:
1. Wood Furniture
If you have valued wood furniture, it should never be stored in your attic. The temperature and humidity changes can damage finishes, glue, and wood itself depending on the attic’s conditions. Valued wood furniture is best stored in a storage unit, or some place where temperature and humidity is regulated.
2. Photographs
Photographs should never be stored in an attic since the delicate material can easily be damaged or destroyed by humidity. Instead, consider keeping your photographs in a filing cabinet, box, or container and placing them in a dry room in your home.
3. Important Documents
Similar to photographs, important documents risk destruction if placed in an attic. Alongside humidity, if your attic is prone to mice, you will likely find the documents torn to shreds. The best place for your important documents is a fireproof safe or filing cabinet in your home office.
4. Flammable Objects
Never store flammable objects such as batteries, hairspray, or insecticides in your attic. The temperature fluctuations can create unpredictable situations that may lead to uncontrollable fires. Always store flammable objects away from heat sources and open flames where temperatures are relatively stable.
5. Electronics
If you have any electronics that you plan on using in the future, it is best to avoid the attic. While most modern electronics are quite resistant to heat and humidity, they are not rated to undergo continuous and drastic environmental changes. For example, think about leaving your laptop in the car on a hot sunny day. It will most likely be fine, but when exposed to those extreme temperatures over a long period, the likelihood of failure increases. Also, many larger electronics include lithium ion batteries which are sensitive to heat that when fail, cause an uncontrollable, aggressive fire. Electronics, especially those with lithium ion batteries, are best kept in a cool, dry room.
6. Clothing
While you can store clothes in your attic, it is best to avoid due to the risk of mold and mildew growth. A better alternative is to vacuum seal the clothes and store them under your bed or in your closet. If you must store your clothes in the attic, be sure to vacuum seal them and place them into a thick, waterproof plastic bag.
