Things you should never store in the attic

Having attic space certainly comes with its advantages. However, hauling things upstairs with little to no intention can lead to a couple of problems.

Candles and crayons

While it's unlikely you'll store these two items together, they fall under the same category. The wax can melt in high heat and cause a mess.

Books

Your beloved childhood collection, or those old textbooks from school, should never be stored in the attic for several reasons. High moisture levels can cause mold and mildew to quickly grow. Silverfish thrive in hot, humid environments and are known to feast on both paper and glue (such as the kind used in bindings).

Instruments

Mold and mildew can sneak their way inside them, putting your health at risk, specifically if it's a wind instrument. Otherwise, those made of wood will warp in high heat and their cases, especially those with fabric interiors, are susceptible to mold, mildew, and insects.

Fabric

All fabric should be excluded from attic storage. But pay special attention to anything made of wool, linen and silk. Common attic critters, like moths, mice, and carpet beetles, are highly attracted to these materials. Leather clothing or furniture can begin to crack and take on a musty smell so leave it out as well.

Holiday and home decor

A lot of holiday decor consists of materials like fabric and paper, so it's best to pick another place to store them. The same goes for home accessories, particularly paintings that can fade or turn into a meal for pests and wood furnishings that will warp.

Keepsakes

Anything irreplaceable is off limits. This can include photos, home videos, mementos and family heirlooms. There's simply too much at stake and the fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels in the attic create an unreliable storage space.

Electronics and batteries

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can permanently damage electronics, rendering them defective. Heat can shorten battery life or cause them to rapidly corrode and potentially explode, creating a hazard. Recycle old electronics at a local scrap metal facility and rehome the ones you utilize occasionally downstairs.

Toxic or flammable substances

These items should be kept to a minimum in your home, but attics can be an especially dangerous place to store them. The fumes from chemicals emit gases into the air, which may seep into HVAC ducts and blow into the living spaces below. Additionally, fires are known to sweep through attic space rapidly as flames can spread up to the rafters and then down the walls of the entire house. While paint may seem somewhat harmless, some types such as oil-based or aerosol, can combust if they get too hot.

Fire extinguishers

Now that you've removed any fire hazards from the attic, there's no reason to stow an extinguisher in the space. Most companies that manufacture these essential pieces of safety equipment warn that they are not designed to withstand temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Every home should have at least one extinguisher that perpetually lives in the kitchen, where most fires originate. It's also smart to keep one on the second story and another in the laundry room in the event of a fire caused by a clogged dryer vent.

Heavy items

Depending on the entryway to your attic, getting items in and out of it may be tricky. Make the process more painless by storing only lightweight things or containers up there. Moreover, overloading the area with heavy stuff can compromise the delicate attic floor.