The attic can be hidden from sight but not mind. This makes it a bad place to store some of the items you are storing.

Attic storage

While your attic is meant to be used as storage, some items can get damaged if they are left unprotected and forgotten in your home. You should never store certain items in your attic.

Family photos

The attic should not be used for storage of family portraits or other special photos. It is safer to store them in a dry space like your bedroom. You can damage your prints if you have extreme temperatures or humidity.

Wood furniture

Wood furniture can be affected by heat and humidity. Instead, wood furniture should be maintained in a temperature-controlled area or storage unit.

Important documents

Important documents like diplomas, birth and marriage certificates, and other documents must be stored in a safe location such as a filing cabinet or fireproof safe. If they are kept in your attic or elsewhere, they can be damaged by heat fluctuations, humidity, mold, and mice.

Batteries

For obvious reasons, you don't want your home to catch fire. Temperature fluctuations may create dangerous conditions. Place batteries and other flammable articles in a designated pantry drawer, away from fireplaces and stoves.

Musical instruments

You might be tempted to throw away your old drum set and guitar in the attic to find more time for them. But it's a mistake. Because of the constant temperature changes in your attic, wood expands and contracts, and it is a bad idea to store guitars, instruments, and other musical instruments made from wood. Instead, find a place where the temperature is more stable and dry.

Leather goods

Leather products should not be stored in the attic, including leather purses, shoes, and jackets. The leather's elasticity will be damaged by heat and cold. Store these items in a closet or stow seasonal items at your local dry cleaner or temperature-controlled storage unit.

Books

Books should always be stored in a dry place, just like important documents and family photographs. Books can be damaged by heat and humidity fluctuations. A moldy book is not something that anyone would want to read. Your old, unread books can be placed on a shelf.

Electronics

Did you know that your iPhone will shut down if you leave it in the car? You can now think of your old laptop, TV, or camera stored in your attic without heat and AC. While most electronics can now easily be recycled, you may still want to keep one or two of your old devices.