Your attic may seem like the perfect place to stash holiday decorations, old paperwork, and seasonal clothes, but without climate control and proper insulation, it can become one of the worst storage spots in your home. “Between heat, humidity and temperature fluctuations, unfinished attics can be more damaging than many homeowners realize,” explains Rebecca Danes, founder and CEO of Shift in Organized in Charleston, South Carolina. Add insects to the mix, and all of these factors can damage your equipment, causing irreversible damage.
Before you lug yet another box up to your attic, it’s important to understand which household items aren’t suitable for unconditioned space. We talked to several organizing and storage experts to find out what you should never store in an unfinished attic, in addition to better storage alternatives to save you money and frustration down the road.
1. Clothing
Clothes are in closets, not in the attic. “Attics create a perfect storm for fabric damage: heat, moisture, and insects,” warns Danes. Moisture can trigger mold and mildew growth, while bugs like moths can wreak havoc on your clothing. Also, clothes can become dusty and smelly when stored in the attic, according to Cameron Figgins, president of Absolute Restoration and Consulting, a certified cleaning and restoration contractor in Los Angeles, California.
“Also, avoid storing anything leather in your attic,” says Figgins. “The summer heat will dry out the leather and make it as stiff as a board, and the hot/cold cycles cause the threads to break at the seams.” After a single summer cycle the leather can lose enough moisture to crack.
With unfinished attic temperatures rising 20 or more degrees from outside, Deans and Figgins recommend storing clothing in sealed containers or vacuum-sealed storage bags that are placed in closets in air-conditioned spaces, such as bedrooms, or in under-bed storage compartments. Also, keep leather goods in their original boxes.
2. Electronics
Electronics are more sensitive to environmental changes than people often realize, so it’s important not to store them in an unfinished attic. “Excessive attic heat can damage batteries and wiring, warp components, and shorten the life of the device,” notes Danes. Scorching heat in the attic can also pose a risk of batteries leaking or catching fire.
“Even if something works perfectly well in storage, there’s no guarantee it will survive months or years under those conditions,” says Dean. Instead, store electronics, no matter how old they are, in a cool, dark environment inside your home such as a media cabinet, office closet, or in labeled bins.
3. Important documents and photographs
Avoid storing images; sentimental papers such as cards; And important documents like legal papers, passports, birth/death/marriage certificates, and financial records in your attic. Changes in temperature and relative humidity can damage such documents. “These items are very important, and often very difficult to replace, with the risk of deterioration,” says Deans.
“Over time, heat can cause photos to fade and curl, while moisture can cause warping, mildew and distortion,” says Danes. “Unfortunately, once sentimental paper objects are damaged, there is rarely a way to restore them.” Instead, archive photos and keepsakes inside a designated memory bin in your living space, bedroom closet, or climate-controlled area. It’s also a smart idea to keep important paperwork in a fireproof safe, filing cabinet, or secure drawer inside your home.
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4. Wooden furniture
If you collect antiques or are holding onto a wooden table or rocking chair for the future, avoid placing these pieces of furniture in your attic. Wood naturally expands and contracts, Danes says, but attic conditions accelerate the process, leading to cracking, warping or splitting of the joints over time.
“Even well-made pieces can suffer structural damage when exposed to long fluctuations in heat and humidity,” Danes notes. Heat and moisture can also damage wood finishes and glues. It is best to store wooden furniture in a dry basement, guest room, or climate-controlled storage unit.
5. Food and pantry items
Food is never in the attic, including canned and dry goods. “Unfinished attics attract insects and experience temperature changes that can damage dry goods,” says Angelia York, professional administrator and VP of St. Louis Closet Company in St. Louis, Missouri. “All food items should remain in a properly ventilated and organized pantry system within the main living area of the home.”
6. Holiday decorations
Most people don’t think twice about storing holiday decorations in their attic year-round, but experts advise against it. “While attics often become the default holiday storage zone, extreme temperatures can quietly ruin seasonal decorations,” warns Danes. “Candles melt, adhesives weaken, plastic threads, and delicate jewelry break.” Experts recommend storing holiday decorations in clearly labeled boxes in a hall closet, guest room closet or basement.
7. Emergency items
Finally, you may want to avoid storing emergency related products in your attic. “Flashlights, emergency lights, or additional fire extinguishers should always be easily accessible,” explains Orthoza Rabillo, a professional cleaner and organizer with Cleanzen Cleaning Services in Boston, Massachusetts. “Storing them in the attic can delay access to them when they are most needed.” Instead, be sure to keep them in an accessible place such as a bedroom nightstand, hallway closet, pantry, or designated safety storage area.
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