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Basements are integral to most houses. They offer additional storage, are a place to hang out, and can save us from the elements when it gets real. Despite all the good reasons to keep stuff in a basement, some things should never be stored there. It is not only dangerous but can lead to extensive damage to your property and the building structure.
To help you keep your basement safe and organized, here are 12 things you should never store in a basement:
Important Documents and Valuables
Basements are prone to moisture, damaging important papers such as birth certificates, passports, and other legal documents. Additionally, storing valuables such as jewelry and cash in a basement increases the risk of theft or damage from flooding or leaks. Keep these documents and valuables in a secure location on an upper level of your home, preferably in a fireproof and waterproof safe.
Paint
Many people store leftover paint cans in their basements, which can be dangerous. Extreme temperatures in basements can cause paint to freeze or dry out, making it unusable. Paint also releases harmful fumes that can seep into other items stored nearby. Store paint in a temperature-controlled area or dispose of it properly according to local regulations.
Wooden Furniture
Basements are often damp, which can cause wooden furniture to warp and rot. If you have no other place to keep the wooden furniture other than the basement, get yourself a dehumidifier to bring down the moisture levels and raise the furniture so it does not touch the
Food
Basements and food storage are a lousy combination due to potential exposure to pests, mold, and mildew, which can make food unsafe and unedible. Keep non-perishable goods on shelving units or in a pantry on the upper floor of your home.
Electronics
Basements are notorious for being damp and prone to flooding, which can damage electronic devices beyond repair. If you must store electronics in a basement, keep them elevated off the ground and sealed in waterproof containers.
Photos and Albums
Photos and albums should never be stored in basements. Moisture, heat, and pests can ruin these sentimental belongings. If you can, store them in a cool, dry place on a higher level of your house.
Books
Why keep your favorite books in a damp basement? Too much moisture can warp pages and result in mold, destroying them for reading. Store books in a heated and climate-controlled area of your home, or consider purchasing a dehumidifier for your basement.
Musical Instruments
Many people use their basements as practice spaces for musical instruments. However, extreme temperatures and humidity can cause damage to these delicate instruments. Store them in temperature-controlled areas or invest in a dehumidifier for your basement.
Clothing
Clothing should not be stored in basements. They can absorb dampness, which causes stinky odors and mildew growth. If you have to store clothes in the basement, put them in sealed containers and look for signs of damage or dampness often.
Flammable Items
Never store gasoline, propane tanks, or other flammable items in a basement. They could create hazardous vapors and increase the danger of fires or blasts. Instead, keep them in a dry, well-ventilated location outside your home.
Hazardous Chemicals
Basements should never be used to store dangerous chemicals, such as pesticides, fertilizers, paint thinners, etc. If these chemicals leak or spill, they emit toxic fumes, which can be detrimental to your health and that of your loved ones. Store these items in a well-ventilated area away from your home.
Unused Appliances and Tools
Although storing additional tools and appliances in the basement is tempting, this will only create chaos. Mold and drastic temperatures may ruin these items, making them unsafe to use. For appliances that must be stored in the basement, ensure they are raised off the floor and wrapped in a water-resistant material.
