What should not be stored in an attic

Delicate fabrics. … Furniture and décor made from natural materials. … Important papers. … Food (unless you store it carefully) … Electronics. … Candles. … Anything flammable (near heat sources)

Is it safe to store things in the attic?

Storing items in your attic is far more preferable than storing them in the basement or garage where they may get wet from flooding and are exposed to the elements. Use the attic to store anything that is impervious to heat. Heat can damage items such as photographs and wood.

Is it safe to store cardboard boxes in the attic?

Cardboard Boxes Those cardboard boxes stacked up in your attic could become a veritable buffet for mice and bugs if you’re not careful. “Pests are attracted to the cardboard and to the glue used in construction of the box,” says Santoro. “Boxes also break down and disintegrate, which will attract pests even more.”

Is it safe to store electronics in the attic?

Electronics. Your favorite electronics—even the ones that may be a bit outdated (hello, Game Boy Color)—are prone to heat damage in the attic. “The circuitry can blow, and they’ll be ruined forever,” Hand says. It’s better to keep electronics in a cooler spot, and to recycle the ones that don’t get as much use anymore.

Do clothes get moldy in attic?

Attic Moisture Moisture in the attic can be caused from insufficient attic insulation. Moisture vapor then settles into fabrics, thus promoting the growth of mold and mildew. Whether it’s clothes or furniture, mildew will destroy your items, forcing you to toss them out.

Will candles melt in attic?

Candles. If your child had decorated a candle years ago but you didn’t have the heart to burn it, don’t have the heart to put it in the attic either. Candles in the attic is a ‘no-no’, they will melt in the summer months and your handmade candle will never look the same again.

Can a hot attic cause a fire?

Heating Elements As heat rises, attics are already hot places, especially in the summer when the temperature outside skyrockets. Your heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) may become overheated and catch fire because of the excessive heat.

Can I store a TV in the attic?

VCRs, TVs, smartphones, laptops and games consoles shouldn’t be kept where there are big fluctuations in temperature. Humidity levels vary too much in the average attic for delicate electronics. Moisture can easily collect inside and damage them.

Can you store plastic toys in the attic?

Heat also can melt cheap or old plastics, even in a well-ventilated attic. … Unless you’re sure the space is sealed up tight, keep those products out of the attic. Pack your storage items into sturdy, plastic boxes with snug-fitting lids, not in cardboard. The plastic bins will protect them better.

What is the best way to store clothes in the attic?

Ideally, keep difficult to place items in the attic under tarps. Take clothing, shoes, or small items and wrap them in layers of plastic, or use boxes with snug-fitting lids to keep unwanted elements out. Check out this portable storage solution on Amazon.

Article first time published on

Can I store books in the attic?

The ideal place to store books is pest-free, like an attic or a garage, as long as those spaces aren’t subject to big temperatures changes and are well ventilated. Never keep books in a humid spot; the mold that grows in damp places will damage them, along with any other paper-based objects.

Do vacuum storage bags stop mould?

2. Vacuum Bags. … Vacuum bags are easy to use – they draw air out of the bag to save on space, and make it more difficult for mould spores to breed. And perhaps best of all, they help to keep moisture out, which means you can store your clothes-filled bags in the attic or even the garage.

Do vacuum bags prevent mold?

They can also be used to store clothing and blankets in your car for travel emergencies. These bags protect your items from dirt, dust, bugs, and moisture; vacuum-sealing drastically reduces the effect of oxidation and retards growth of mildew.

Can you store clothes in a hot attic?

The best conditions for clothing storage are cool, dark, and dry. Depending on your climate, the attic or garage may not be the best option because of extreme heat. If you’re using a basement, make sure it’s not prone to flooding or excessive moisture.

How do you tell if there's a fire in your attic?

One of the clues you should look for involves the absence of fire on the first or second floors (or as many as there are). Take the hint that if you have smoke coming out from around the eaves you probably have an attic fire. Be ready for a hot and dirty battle. You will need to approach this battle with care.

Should I put a smoke detector in my attic?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), recommends one Smoke Alarm on every floor, in every sleeping area, and in every bedroom. … More specifically, install Smoke Alarms: On every level of your home, including finished attics and basements.

What temperature should my attic be in summer?

Ideally, your attic should not exceed 130 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. Problems related to attics hotter than 130 degrees: It will make it harder to cool your home in the summer. Your HVAC system has to work harder than needed, which leads to premature equipment failure.

Can you store photos in the attic?

DON’T: Store photos in a basement, attic, or garage where temperatures and humidity fluctuate with the change of seasons or reach extreme highs. DO: Store photos in closets, cabinets, or under the bed. These locations, being part of your living quarters, will be climate controlled.

Do clothes get ruined in the attic?

An attic is hard to seal, due to ventilation issues. Therefore, specific fabrics are best left out of the attic, like leather and animal fur clothing. … Remember, the key to correctly store clothes in your attic is wrapping every clothing item individually in plastic and protect it from moisture.

Can silver be stored in the attic?

Did you know that humid air and heat both hasten tarnishing? Therefore, make sure you’re storing silver in an area of your home which does not suffer from heat fluctations, and also is not too humid. A good storage place would be in a drawer in a hutch or china cabinet, as opposed to a wet basement or hot attic.

Can you put wood furniture in the attic?

Wooden Furniture Don’t store them in the attic, garage, or basement. Humidity and heat can cause the wood to mildew, mold, expand, and crack.

Can you store a mirror in the attic?

Mirrors, dressers, and extra chairs easily find a home in the attic. However, heat can warp wood. To keep your furniture pieces in shape (literally), they need a milder, temperature-controlled environment. Humidity takes its toll in the form of mold, too.

Is it OK to store clothes in plastic bags?

The best way to store clothes in storage is to place all your clothes in plastic containers with clip-on lids. … Hot Tip: Never store clothing in plastic bags or cardboard boxes. Plastic bags trap moisture, which quickly transfers to your clothing causing it to become mouldy.

Can baby clothes be stored in the attic?

For best results storing baby clothes, make sure you keep them in a dry, cool, humidity-controlled environment. This means you want to avoid attics, garages, and basements. The ideal spot is under a bed or in a closet.

Why do clothes smell after being stored?

Why Do Clothes Smell After Being Stored for a Season? One of the most common sources of stored clothes smell is mildew, not mold as sometimes believed. … The lack of fresh air and ventilation in dark closets can make coats and stored clothes the perfect place for mildew to grow all year long.

Can I store books in plastic containers?

Plastic containers are an excellent choice for long-term book storage, as they defend against moisture and other damage. While boxes are fine for most short-term moves, over time they become susceptible to humidity, moisture, and pests. The airtight seal of plastic containers protects from all three of these threats.

Can cold weather damage books?

Keep Books From Extremes of Temperature The rule of thumb is to keep books where you’d be comfortable yourself. Both heat and cold can damage books, which is why garages, storage sheds, attics and basements are usually bad places to keep books.

Should books be stored flat or upright?

The books should be kept upright or horizontal, but never tilted. Keep the shelf full—or use a bookend—so that the books can snuggle against each other without being too crammed. This will make it easier to remove the books from the shelf without breaking spines or pulling covers.

What should you not vacuum seal?

• Raw Mushrooms. Due to their natural ripening process, fresh mushrooms may decay faster if vacuum sealed. …
• Fresh Bananas. Vacuum sealing fresh bananas can actually quicken their ripening time. …
• Raw Garlic & Onion. …
• Soft Cheeses. …
• Freshly Cooked Vegetables. …
• Whole Apples.

Are clothes OK in a storage unit?

Long-term or short-term, you must wash your clothes before storing them in a storage unit. Also, while we’re on the subject, make sure your clothes are 100% dry before storage. If they aren’t, the moisture in them can create mold and mildew. Both of these can be even worse than the damage done by rodents and bugs!

Does vacuum packing damage duvets?

Full feathers have quills that are brittle and if you compact them with a vacuum, some of the quills will snap, leaving quite a lumpy duvet. … If you vacuum them, you squash them all together and even if you shake it out fully when you take it back out, it is likely to be less effective than originally.