5 Items You Should Avoid Storing in the Basement

Not every home comes with a basement, but if yours does, consider yourself fortunate. Basements offer valuable extra space for a variety of uses, from a laundry area to a playroom or even a home office. They’re also convenient for storing seasonal items, such as ski gear, extra drinks for gatherings, or old toys. However, basements aren’t suitable for storing everything. “Basements are very susceptible to extreme temperature changes, so any special items or materials you have should not be stored in the basement,” explains professional organizer Kenzie Harkey of Simply Dare.

To help you avoid potential damage, here are five things you should never store in a basement. Of course, if your basement is fully insulated and finished, some of these tips might not apply. Still, it’s wise to take extra precautions. “I would still avoid storing items on the floor or out in the open that could get water damage as flooding is still a risk,” Harkey adds.

Photos
Although most photos are now digital, many of us still cherish old albums passed down from previous generations. Storing these precious keepsakes in the basement is a poor idea, according to professional organizers Jamie Andrieu and Hillary Forst of Sorted & Styled. “Pictures can become warped, discolored, and even sticky,” Andrieu warns. “Moisture and drastic temperature changes in basements are not ideal for photo albums.”

Instead, consider keeping your photos in acid-free boxes and storing them in a cool, dry place like a closet. For even more convenience, Andrieu and Forst suggest downloading your favorite photos to a digital frame for a modern twist on displaying memories.

Vinyl Records
For those who appreciate the nostalgia of vinyl, it’s essential to store records properly. “Basements are not the place for vinyl,” Harkey advises. The moisture in the air can warp the records or even lead to mold growth, damaging your valuable collection. “Store them on shelving in one of your living spaces instead,” she recommends.

Important Documents
When it comes to preserving your important documents, basements should also be off-limits. Paper products like tax records, financial documents, and contracts are all vulnerable to moisture. “Basements are also prone to flooding, which can destroy important documents even when they’re in a file box,” Forst points out.

The solution is simple: store documents in a cool, dry place inside your home, such as a spare closet or an under-the-stairs storage area. Harkey also suggests investing in a fire-proof file cabinet to ensure you’re covered in case of an emergency. And don’t forget—many documents, like credit card statements and tax records, are available digitally, so it’s a good time to go paperless and shred any unnecessary paperwork.

Wood Furniture and Wood Antiques
Wooden furniture, especially antiques, requires special care when it comes to storage. Storing these items in your basement could lead to irreversible damage. “Wood items can swell and crack due to moisture and humidity,” explains Andrieu. If your basement is the only option, Harkey recommends using weather-tight totes, but only if your basement is insulated and temperature-controlled.

For larger pieces, it’s best to find alternative storage solutions inside your home. Consider using spare rooms or creative solutions, such as storing antique furniture in a guest room or dining room. If space is still an issue, renting a temperature-controlled storage unit may be a better option. And, of course, selling pieces you no longer need is always a choice.

Candles

whether they’re scented varieties leftover from the holidays, citronella candles for summer, or emergency candles for power outages—don’t belong in the basement. Harkey explains that candles are vulnerable to melting if the basement gets too hot. Fortunately, most candles are compact and easy to store in a more temperature-stable location. A shelf in your living room or closet would be a much better choice.

5 Items You Should Avoid Storing in the Basement
In summary, while basements are great for storage, they aren’t suitable for every item in your home. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll protect your most valuable belongings from moisture, temperature fluctuations, and other potential hazards.