If you happen to be blessed for having a home with an attic you would probably know that it is a very valuable space.
It could be used for “storing in the attic” kind of of stuff (including monsters or ghosts, according the kids). The trend is that you store everything that you do not use in the moment.
But along with we tend to store more than we need. We tend to store a lot of items which we will not use anymore. Some of them could be a lot necessary. Other could not.
But important thing is to know that some could be a bit dangerous to store. Not only for the items themselves, but also for the dwelling. Here are some ideas for what we should not store in the attic.
It’s a wonderful place
Admit it- no matter how dark and scary it is, your attic is a valuable place and it’s tempting to fill it up with stuff you do not use in a particular moment.
In moments of big-time renovations, refurbishment or redecoration there comes a time when all you want to do is get all the stuff in the house and just put it somewhere you do not see it. Most of us have felt this way indeed.
But caught up in storing in the attic activities, sometimes we do not think clear and make mistakes. Some of them could be the putting away items, which simply do not “fit” up there and one should not be storing in the attic.
Boxes, old furniture, toys, and unneeded decorations could possibly find they place in the attic. But as we said above- one should be very careful when trying to smart store in the attic.
Fabrics and delicate textiles
Imagine a favorite dress, but it does not fit you anymore. It’s still valuable for you, but you do not need it. Storing in the attic such a delicate fabric is perfect for mice and insects.
Temperature fluctuations could have damaging effect on soft fabrics and textile stored in the attic. Mice will simply find their way to the clothes. They will. And insects are basically invisible for you and you simply cannot deal with them without using chemical solutions.
Look out for the summer clothes and especially those of soft fine linen. Moths are the killers of natural fabrics, you probably know that already. They are also fond of wool and every plant-based fabric of natural essence.
If you have some leather and fur garments do not store them in hot places. Such materials need to be kept on cool climate. That way they will make their best next season when you put them on and will look as good as they have to. Storing in the attic of some “vintage” items like baby clothes, wedding stuff and textile, and fine linens should be stored very carefully, cleaned and packaged well. But it is probably not OK to store them up in the attic.
Furniture
Different pieces of furniture seem indestructible by time or usage. But that’s not right at all. Furniture and decoration elements could be damaged by storing in the wrong places.
Especially if they are made of natural materials. Wood and upholstered furniture are all made of natural or partially natural materials.
They simply do not belong in the attic (neither the basement). Let’s not mention any plush and fluffy toy animals or rugs and expensive carpets.
Forget about storing them in the attic. Some people like to put away their mattresses. But the worst thing about putting away something is that you can absolutely forget about it.
And if you happen to forgot about the mattress stored in the attic …well, bad idea. It needs dry atmosphere, moderate temperatures and good ways of storage.
Sometimes there is a lot of humidity up there or down in the basement. This is what you should be careful the most. Look out for any water leakages as well from the roof as well.
Melting items
Try not to put any items which could be melted from the summer heat. Attic is a shady place but in warmer months it could be hot as hell, especially if the roof has the metal under-surface plates, which some of the houses actually do have.
Melting items could be candles, tapers, or anything made of wax or materials sensitive to heat. The extreme temperatures in the attic during summer can cause these items to deform or even create a fire hazard.
When storing items in your attic, consider the materials they’re made of and their heat sensitivity.
For example, if you have a collection of delicate wax candles or vintage vinyl records, it’s best to find a cooler storage spot for them elsewhere in your home. High temperatures can irreparably damage these items, and the last thing you want is a mess or safety concern in your attic.
Additionally, it’s wise to inspect your attic for proper insulation and ventilation, as this can help regulate temperature extremes. Ensure that your attic is well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of excessive heat during hot summer months.
By being mindful of what you store in your attic and taking steps to maintain a suitable environment, you can avoid damage to your possessions and maintain a safer storage space.
Papers in the attic? No way
Forget about putting important papers and documents up in the attic. This is the worst idea ever. Paper is not durable to moist and humidity, especially when it is left there for a long time.
And in case of a leakage everything will be ruined, for sure, once the water makes its way to the unprotected papers. So marriage licenses, school and university diplomas…well you got the idea- store them somewhere near. Somewhere in the apartment.
And if you still stubbornly would like to put them up and store in the attic, at least put them into some plastic boxes. And putting them into the closed is way much more better idea. The same advice covers personal writings, photos, books, magazines and comic books.
Food
When it comes to storing food in your attic, it’s essential to exercise caution and common sense. Attics can be a tricky place for food storage due to temperature fluctuations and potential pest issues. While some items may be suitable for attic storage, it’s crucial to choose wisely.
Canned goods and sealed containers, such as pickles or preserves, are generally safe for attic storage as long as they are tightly sealed and free from any signs of damage or compromise. These items are less susceptible to temperature variations and pests.
However, for most other types of food, especially those that can easily spoil, it’s best to avoid attic storage.
The temperature in the attic can fluctuate significantly with the changing seasons, leading to potential spoilage or degradation of food quality. Moreover, attics may attract pests like rodents and insects, which can quickly infest and contaminate food items.
If you’re considering storing non-perishable food items in your attic, such as emergency supplies or extra pantry items, make sure they are stored in airtight, pest-proof containers. Regularly inspect these items for any signs of damage or expiration and rotate them as needed to ensure freshness.
For optimal food storage, it’s advisable to designate a cool, dry, and pest-free area within your home, such as a pantry or a basement, for perishable and non-perishable food items alike.
This way, you can ensure the safety and quality of your food supply while avoiding potential issues associated with attic storage.
The good-old audio set
Storing old electronics, such as vintage TV sets, audio systems, video recorders, and similar items in the attic may seem like a convenient way to free up space in your living areas. However, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks associated with attic storage, especially for electronic devices.
One of the primary concerns with storing electronics in the attic is moisture. Attics can be prone to temperature and humidity fluctuations, which can lead to condensation and moisture buildup, particularly in the warmer months.
Excess moisture can wreak havoc on electronic components, causing corrosion, rust, and electrical malfunctions. These conditions are far from ideal for preserving your nostalgic audio system or vintage electronics.
Additionally, extreme temperature variations in the attic, from scorching heat in the summer to freezing cold in the winter, can further damage electronic devices. Components can expand and contract with temperature changes, potentially leading to cracked solder joints and circuit board damage.
Furthermore, the attic environment may attract pests like rodents, insects, and spiders. These unwanted guests can find their way into electronic equipment, causing physical damage or creating nests that block ventilation and lead to overheating.
Flammable stuff? You must be kidding, right?
Think of every single thing that is flammable up there in the attic. Cleaning solutions, chemical ones, gasoline, kerosene, propane or any other stuff, which someone would be crazy to store in the attic have no place up there. This is especially for those attics, which tend to get a lot hotter in the summer.
