Practice Safe Storage: Prevent Damage by Storing Things Right
By Hellen Buttigieg, CPO®
Where do you store things when all the cupboards and closets in the house are overflowing? Most people put them in the basement, which is why this area is one of the most cluttered in the home. It’s easy to keep shoving items down there when faced with the overwhelming decisions of where to put all the stuff. However, there are certain items you should never store in the basement, including photos, books, vital documents, flammable or corrosive chemicals and paint. Many basements are damp and, even if they’ve never leaked, excess rain and sewer back-up can flood the basements of entire neighbourhoods.
Here are some expert tips on how and where to store common household items safely:
Photos:
Don’t let your photos become damaged and forgotten by leaving them piled in cardboard boxes in the basement. Organize them in acid-free photo boxes so you can preserve and enjoy them for years. Just one of these boxes usually holds about 1,000 photos, so it’s a real space saver. Photos should never be stored in the basement as they need to be kept in a dry area. Consider storing the photo boxes on shelves in a closet or, better yet, on a shelving unit in the family room with easy access for everyone to enjoy. Alternatively, you can scan your photos on the computer and save them on disks.
Books:
Prolong the life of your treasured books by storing them in a stable, cool, dry place free from dust and grime. High humidity in most basements will can promote mould growth and attract insects. Moisture could also cause some glues to dissolve. Also, avoid placing books near hot radiators which can dry out leather bindings. Ideally, store books in closed glass cases away from direct sunlight. The next best option is a bookcase. To prevent warping, place books of similar size next to one another, packed tight enough to keep their shape but loose enough so they can be pulled off the shelf easily.
Vital Documents:
Important papers can be destroyed by mould, mildew, insects and water leaks in a basement. Originals of vital documents should be kept in a safety deposit box at the bank. Place copies of these papers in a fire-proof metal box (more portable than a filing cabinet if you need to evacuate). You can go one step further and keep additional copies with a trusted relative or friend. Your will should be kept with your attorney, with a copy in your box and another with the executer.
Seasonal clothing:
Ideally, clothing should be stored in a clean, cool, dark and dry area to avoid mildew. If your basement isn’t too damp and you don’t have the space upstairs, you can store clothing there if it’s sealed in plastic containers on heavy-duty plastic shelving units. Do not store in cardboard boxes over a long period of time as the glue on the boxes will attract insects. Use cedar blocks or sachets made of dried herbs (cloves, lavender, mint, etc.) inside the containers to help repel bugs and also add a pleasant scent. Avoid use of naphthalene moth balls - they are carcinogens and highly neurotoxic. Launder clothing before storing, as body oils and invisible stains will set over time. If you do have space upstairs, you can store clothes in clean suitcases lined with tissue paper. For hanging items, use cloth bags; never store in plastic dry-cleaning bags as these trap moisture and may cause mildew/mould over time.
Chemicals/Paints:
Paint cans can rust when stored in damp basements. Also, storing chemicals or paints near the furnace can be a fire hazard. Chemicals and paints should be stored away from heat and direct sun light and safely out of reach of children. Although some chemicals can be kept in the garage (preferably in a locked cabinet), paint would freeze and be destroyed. Consider storing paint in a cabinet in the laundry room if you have the space. Keep only the paint you need; it has about a one year shelf life anyway. Thanks to a new government program in Ontario, many large home renovation stores (i.e. Home Depot or RONA) are now accepting unwanted paint for safe disposal.
Medication:
Most people automatically store vitamins and medications in the bathroom; this is probably the worse place to keep them due to the high humidity. Consider placing them in baskets on a shelf in the linen closet. Be sure to keep them out of reach of children.
Plates:
If kitchen cupboard space is limited, you can keep extra plates/platters in the basement (for occasional use). When packing plates in boxes, be sure to place them on their sides not flat. Wrap them individually, using 2-3 sheets of clean newsprint (not newspaper) for each plate.
Wine:
If you are a serious wine connoisseur, you already know that a wine cellar is the best place to store your wine. If you don’t have one, you can store bottles in the basement. Store corked wines on their sides on a rack or wooden case. Screw- capped wines can be stored upright or on their sides. Keep wine in a dark, humid area and avoid dramatic temperature fluctuations. Never store wine over the stove or on top of the fridge due to heat.
