7 Things You Should Never Store in Your Basement, According to Experts

Books and Paper Goods

Old journals, vintage magazines, baby books ... If it’s made of paper, your basement shouldn't be its home. Paper tends to absorb moisture easily—so when you add the fluctuating humidity of basements, you’ve got the perfect recipe for mold, mildew, and pages warped beyond recognition.

Store important paper goods in airtight containers in a climate-controlled room. Bonus points for acid-free sleeves or folders to best protect them.

Delicate Out-of-Season Clothing

It’s tempting to stash your wool sweaters and silk blouses in plastic bins and forget about them until next season—but basements can turn even the most cared-for wardrobe into a musty mess due to damp air, household pests, and poor ventilation. "While basements can be fine for most clothes," says cleaning professional Dawn Arias-Spinelli, "more delicate clothes can become damaged."

Consider keeping these pieces stored in garment bags in your main living space.

Wooden Furniture

Wood and basements are not exactly a dream team. Unsealed wood absorbs moisture, which can lead to warping or cracking. Even treated wood isn’t completely safe from temperature fluctuations and basement pests. If you must store wooden furniture in the basement, Arias-Spinelli suggests using a dehumidifier to help minimize risk.

Any Flammable Materials

"You should not store any flammable or combustible material or liquids where the HVAC system and water heater are located," says Brandon Dolan of Dolan Inc., a plumbing, heating, cooling, and electric company. "Both systems can either siphon water through a leak or vent toxic gas throughout the home."

Never store flammable liquids or gas (such as propane, gasoline, paint, or industrial cleaner) in the basement. "It's best to brush up on local codes in order to keep the area neat and tidy," adds Dolan. "This will avoid any dangerous situations and keep the home running smoothly."

Electronics and Media

Old laptops, cords, DVDs, and other electronics can be shockingly susceptible to basement damage. Moisture corrodes metal components and damages internal parts. Even the casing on cords and wires can degrade over time.

Store electronics in climate-controlled areas—preferably inside your home office or media center. Use labeled bins for cords and cables, and consider donating or recycling what you don’t use.

Cardboard, Newspaper, and Other Trash

These all fall under the category of combustibles, Dolan says. "Never store combustible materials, including wood, cardboard, newspaper, or trash." These items can quickly worsen a situation of electrical failure or fire.

Sentimental or Irreplaceable Items

If it would break your heart to lose it, don’t store it in your basement. Family heirlooms, baby blankets, that collection of handwritten letters from your grandmother—basements are just too risky. Water leaks, pests, and time can all take their toll.