Many homeowners have developed storage habits that may not be ideal for their belongings. Professional organizers point out that common household items such as lightbulbs, paint, and medications are often kept in places that can cause damage or reduce their effectiveness. Understanding the right storage conditions can help preserve these items and keep the home more organized.
Ashley La Fond, a professional organizer and founder of Of Space & Mind, and Marie Potter, a professional organizer, shared insights on where these items should be stored. They highlight the importance of temperature control and moisture avoidance for many everyday objects.
Temperature-Sensitive Items: Lightbulbs and Paint
Lightbulbs, though made of glass, are also sensitive to temperature changes. La Fond notes that heat can shorten a lightbulb's lifespan and reduce its efficiency. Storing lightbulbs in attics or garages exposes them to heat, cold, and water damage. Instead, they should be kept in areas with stable temperatures, such as a laundry room, linen closet, or even a basement.
Similarly, paint cans are vulnerable to temperature fluctuations. La Fond advises against storing paint in sheds or garages, as heat and light can make the paint unusable. When temperatures vary, the chemicals in paint can separate or clump, ruining the product. A temperature-controlled interior space, like a mudroom or laundry room, is a better option. However, once opened, paint has a short shelf life, so it is important to track how long it has been stored.
Moisture Risks: Rugs and Documents
Rugs are another item that should not be kept in basements or garages. La Fond explains that humidity and moisture can lead to mold and mildew, which rug fabrics cannot recover from. To avoid this, rugs should be rolled up and stored in a linen closet, mudroom, or laundry room closet. If basement storage is unavoidable, sealed plastic containers are recommended.
Documents, including financial records and greeting cards, are often stored in piles or in damp areas like basements and garages. Potter warns that paper absorbs moisture, weakening fibers and fading ink. Instead, documents should be filed vertically using file folders and a filing cabinet or desktop filer. This not only preserves the papers but also reduces clutter.
Health and Preservation: Medications and Photos
Medications are frequently kept in bathroom cabinets, a practice that can reduce their effectiveness due to moisture and heat. Potter notes that the name 'medicine cabinet' leads people to store medicine there, but it is not the ideal location. Medications should be kept in a cool, dry place, such as a linen closet or nightstand drawer, preferably with locks to keep them away from children and pets. Always follow specific storage instructions, such as refrigeration when required.
Photo albums are also at risk when stored in basements, garages, or attics. Heat, humidity, and temperature fluctuations can cause photos to stick together, discolor, curl, or become brittle. Potter recommends keeping photo albums in a cool, dark, dry environment, like a bookcase in an office or bedroom. Digitizing photos and backing them up in the cloud is an additional safeguard against physical damage.
By reassessing where these common items are stored, homeowners can protect their belongings and maintain a more orderly living space.
