Are you storing household items in a way that makes them last?
You may be surprised to find that you’re unintentionally shortening the lifespan or quality of things you own. Storing an item at the wrong temperature or without adequate protection can cause damage, deterioration, or contamination.
Here are a few things you should know when storing common household items, whether you’re packing for a move or unpacking to get settled into a new home.
Medication
Are you storing it in the bathroom cabinet? Many people do, but it’s actually not a good place for it. It may be convenient, but the heat and humidity from bathroom activities can speed up the breakdown process of meds or reduce their potency. Instead, ideal storage locations include a cabinet or box in a kitchen, bedroom, or closet – or any dry location that keeps them away from heat, light, and humidity. It’s also crucial that wherever you store them is out of reach of children and pets for safety reasons.
Clothing
For the stuff you wear daily, your closet is just fine, though it’s helpful to rotate clothing out every year or 18 months for breathability. But if you have expensive clothing or items with sentimental value (like Grandma’s wedding dress) and you want them to last, you should store them at lower temperatures than your thermostat probably hits on a regular basis. Ideally, they should be stored between 66 and 70 degrees F. Fur items require even lower temperatures. If you really want to keep them safe, your best bet is a temperature- and climate-controlled storage unit outside of your home.
Vinyl Records
The sound quality may be unbeatable, but that’s only true if you keep them in pristine condition. Warping and mildew can cause problems that permanently damage your tunes. Again, temperature is crucial. Under 70 degrees F with no humidity is best, and you want to store them vertically, packed loosely and in sleeves.
Makeup
Do you have all your makeup laid out on a bathroom cabinet or the top of a dresser? You may be risking melting, discoloration, and even bacteria (gross!). Instead, you should store them in a closed drawer or cabinet. Make sure containers are airtight. If they’re not, buy a replacement container and transfer it over. And keep bristles clean by using a roll-up makeup brush holder instead of placing them directly into that dusty drawer. Another important thing to note: powdered makeup and lipstick are made to last 18 months, while mascara and foundation only have a 3-month lifespan. Toss old makeup.
Jewelry
There’s no shortage of storage options for jewelry, so what’s best? The biggest risks to jewelry are scratches, breaking, and tangling. Metals can also tarnish and lose their shine over time. Look for a jewelry box that is lined with a soft fabric like velvet or silk. Each piece of jewelry should live in its own compartment to avoid scratching or tangling with other items. You can also wrap each item individually in tissue paper. Then store this box in a dry location. You may also want it to be hidden or even locked if you have valuable items to protect.
Furniture
Items you use on a day-to-day basis will experience wear-and-tear. That’s just what happens over time. But if you’re actually looking to store special pieces, then you should keep these tips in mind. First, temperatures between 65 and 55 degrees F in a dry, climate-controlled environment are ideal. Second, clean and dissemble the furniture if possible, including storing drawers separate from the frame. This step is particularly beneficial for wood furniture. To keep things easy for reassembly, store the bolts and screws related to the furniture in a labeled plastic bag. And finally, wrap it in plastic. This will keep out pests and moisture.
Looking for more tips on how to store household items – or even the contents of a cluttered refrigerator? Check out this thorough infographic, Storage Unlocked: How to Store Everything, for advice on items like electronics, facial creams, china, and every food group!
