An out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality might mean permanent damage to these particular items.
Heres where you should store them instead.
Having attic space certainly comes with its advantages.
Credit:John Gruen
It allows you to tuck away items you dont want cluttering up your living areas.
However, hauling things upstairs with little to no intention can lead to a couple of problems.
For one, you might forget whats actually in the attic and wind up rebuying something you already own.
Credit:Jay Wilde
Secondly, items can easily be ruined in a space that tends to get overly hot and humid.
John Gruen
If yourattic is remodeledand climate controlled, you have more flexibility in what can be stored there.
Ideally, your attic shouldnt be more than 10 to 20 degrees above the outside temperature.
), especially in warmer environments.
Direct sunlight can radiate through the roof as well creating a double whammy.
Its recommended to choose a lighter color for the roof next time youre having it replaced.
The second issue usually occurs more oftenduring the colder months.
Warm air from heating the home can rise into the attic and mix with cooler air under the roof.
This causes moisture to develop that can turn to frost during the winter months.
Once spring rolls around, the frost will melt and cause more condensation.
If you currently have things in the attic that show signs ofmold and mildew, thats another telltale sign.
Remove them plus anything else on this list to help preserve your belongings.
High moisture levels can cause mold and mildew to quickly grow on the covers and pages in between.
Instruments
Have you put a musical hobby aside for the time being?
Fabric
As a general rule, all fabric should be excluded from attic storage.
But pay special attention to anything compromised of wool, linen, and silk.
Common attic critters, like moths, mice, and carpet beetles, are highly attracted to these materials.
Along the same line, avoid using the attic to store excess rugs andbedding.
Stack labeled bins of clothes in a closetunder the entryway stairsor slide a rug in thespace under your bed.
Use baskets or storage benches to houseblanketsand learn how to temporarily store amattress.
Jay Wilde
5.
Considerdonating decorthat no longer suits your style and finding locations in the house to display the things you love.
Keepsakes
Anything thats irreplaceable, and therefore invaluable to you, is also off limits.
Fill memory boxes withkeepsakes such as cardsand letters and place on a high shelf in a closet.
Electronics and Batteries
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can permanently damage electronics, rendering them defective.
Heat can shorten battery life or cause them to rapidly corrode and potentially explode, creating a hazard.
Recycle old electronics at a local scrap metal facility and rehome the ones you utilize occasionally downstairs.
Loosebatteries can be organizedinto a junk drawer orutility closetwhere anyone in the family can find them.
But, even if you still felt the need, you might want to think twice.
Which, if you recall, is possible for some attics to reach in peak summer months.
The best-case scenario is that the heat will reduce the lifespan of the fire extinguisher.
But the worst, albeit a very rare occurrence, is that it can explode.
Every home should have at least one extinguisher that perpetually lives in the kitchen, where most fires originate.
Make the process more painless by storing only lightweight things or containers up there.
Moreover, overloading the area with heavy stuff can compromise the delicate attic floor.
In general, keeping the attic uncrowded and organized will help with air circulation.
And always useplastic toteswith latched lids whenstoring smaller itemsas opposed to boxes.
Cardboard will begin to disintegrate when exposed to moisture and become home to uninvited, creepy-crawly guests.
