6 Household Items You're Storing All Wrong, According to Professional Organizers

Batteries

Professional organizer Sarah Schier says she often finds that folks toss batteries carelessly into junk drawers. But having them loose alongside other random metal objects (such as keys, coins, and paperclips) is a recipe for trouble. 

"Most people don’t realize that batteries can short-circuit or leak when stored this way," she says, "especially if they’re touching metal or each other." Storing them anywhere near a heat source is also hazardous.

Schier recommends using small drawer inserts that separate batteries into types from AAA to D. You can also consider getting a battery storage case designed specifically for safety and convenience.

Flammable Chemicals

Storing things like pesticides, paint, gasoline, or cleaning products may seem to make sense—but this would be incorrect.

Moving and storage expert Marty Stevens-Heebner warns that anything flammable—like the products above—should never be stored in a hot place like a garage or attic.

"They need to be in a well-ventilated area so gases won’t collect and cause a blazing reaction,” Stevens-Heebner says.

Chemicals should also be stored separately since accidental cross-contamination can have disastrous results. For instance, "you don’t want to store flammable chemicals with bleach or hydrogen peroxide as they can not only set fire but may explode if they get too cozy with one another," notes Stevens-Heebner. "Vinegar is another item to keep bleach away from because this could create chlorine gas, another deadly substance."

Companies are required to list any potential hazards on their labels. If the item is flammable, there will be a GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals) pictogram of a black flame on a white background. To properly store flammable items, keep them in a cool, dry area with good ventilation.

Paper Goods

What to do with that economy-sized package of paper towels you've scooped up? Definitely don't store those rolls in the garage or basement, Schier says. She often sees napkins, toilet paper, and yes, paper towels ruined by pests or moisture.

Use a sealed plastic tote to help protect your items from any mold, dust, or unpleasant critters.

Incompatible Produce Combos

Beware of these sneaky produce storage mistakes: "Don’t store onions and potatoes together because each produces moisture and gases that speed up spoilage in the other,” Stevens-Heebner explains.

"You also don’t want to store fruits like apples, bananas, pears, and tomatoes with broccoli, leafy greens, cucumbers, or peppers," Stevens-Heebner adds. "That’s because the former emit ethylene, while the latter are very ethylene sensitive and will quickly rot when stored with those fruits."

To help prevent premature rot and give the produce more airflow, opt for breathable baskets, bins, or bags to separate ethylene producers from ethylene-sensitive food.

Printed Photos

Family photos are precious keepsakes, but Schier says these irreplaceable memories are often stored without protection in heat- and moisture-prone areas. If your prized photos are stored in a place like an attic or garage, they can easily warp, curl, or stick to other images. Once the damage is done, you can’t undo it.  

To properly store these items, Schier recommends making sure all photos are kept inside a cool area in archival-safe boxes. Consider places like closets, cabinets, or under-bed storage away from any heaters and vents. To add another layer of protection, use sleeves designed to prevent yellowing and deterioration over time on particularly special photos. It’s a good move to digitize old photos, too, just in case.

Pet Food

Proper storage for your pet's food is critical—otherwise you're inviting critters of other kind into your home. “I see a lot of people keeping large bags of dog or cat food open in the garage or laundry room,” Schier says. “Without airtight storage, it doesn’t just go stale—it can attract ants, moths, or even mice.”

Instead, consider storing your pet’s kibble in a sealed container to keep food fresh and pests out. You can find containers of varying sizes and different lid types to see what suits you and your family best. A wheeled bin can, for example, can hold bulk bags food and easily be stored in a pantry or laundry room.