The attic is the most common place where homeowners throw anything and everything. Be it holiday decorations, old furniture or electronic gadgets, it’s a great place to hide excess clutter, especially when living space is lacking.
But while it’s tempting to stash away random items (never to be seen again), there are things that you simply should not store in the attic. In fact, incorrect storage will probably do more damage than good to your precious belongings.
This is because attics are located at the top of a property, and prone to changing temperatures throughout the year. Extreme heat can cause humidity, which is often the case in old properties if attics are left unfinished or not fully insulated.
So, before you accumulate more clutter to put away, here are surprising things that we should never store in the attic. Plus, here are 7 things you should never store in your garage, and 7 things you should never store in the shed — but probably are!
1. Paint
If you’re decorating and need somewhere to store your paints, the attic is a no-no. Oil paints in particular are highly flammable, and latex paints can break down under extreme temperatures, making them unusable. Instead, store paints in a temperature controlled environment such as a spare cabinet.
2. Old photos, books and important documents
We often store precious photo albums or filed paperwork in the attic, but it’s actually the worst place. Big changes in humidity and heat may ruin prints or make them stick together. Similarly, pages in books can damage or become discolored from humidity. If you want to preserve those vintage photographs or books, these should be stored in a protective box or shelf in a dry area. Plus, no one wants to read a dog-eared book!
3. Electronics
Be it an old TV, laptop or computers, electronics should never be stored in the attic. Again, the extreme humidity can overheat electronics or even prevent them from working. Store old electrical items in a cool environment or even better, you can recycle, donate or sell. At least it’s a good opportunity to make a bit of extra cash!
4. Food and drink
While it’s common to stockpile on your pantry supplies, any perishables can easily spoil from humid temperatures during summer months. What’s more, the heat will essentially cook your tinned goods before you get a chance to eat them! Always store food, drink and other perishables in sealed containers or boxes in a cool and dry place. Plus, the last thing you want is to create the perfect retreat for mice or any other pests in the attic.
5. Christmas decorations
Most of us tend to stash festive decor in the attic only to let it reemerge 330-or-so odd days later, but this is a no-no. Delicate or handmade decorations made from wood or natural materials may easily destroy from extreme humidity. However, synthetic or plastic decorations are more durable for attic storage.
6. Wood furniture or musical instruments
Avoid storing wood furniture, instruments or any other item in the attic. Wood easily absorbs heat and humidity, causing it to warp or destroy the finish. Plus this doesn’t bode well if you wanted to dig out that violin or guitar you haven’t played in years. Wooden items should always be kept in a cooler space or inside a suitable cabinet/ unit.
7. Highly flammable objects
Never store flammable items such as kerosene heaters, oil lamps, certain cleaning products, aerosol sprays and batteries. High temperatures in the summertime can cause these to explode and become a fire hazard. Always store batteries and other flammables in a well-ventilated area such as a garage, basement or outhouse. In addition, keep them away from stoves or fireplaces.
Things you can store in the attic
Suitcases — Travel luggage and bags can be stored in the attic. Make sure they are in a spot that you can easily reach.
Spare cookware — Pots, pans or any other cookware are resilient to extreme temperature change and is fine to store in the attic.
Camping and outdoor gear — Camping or outdoor gear are usually durable and made from weather-resistant materials. These are able to withstand extreme temperature changes.
Plastic and metal items — Metal bedframes, chairs, play tables or cages are better suited for attic storage. Similarly, plastic toys or other items should be durable for an attic environment.
