5 things you shouldn’t store in your attic

It's a handy storage space, but not for everything!

Much like the garage, your attic is a perfect storage black hole — things often get put up there, never-to-return. But if you've spent years packing bits and bobs in the space above your house without much thought, you might want to reconsider.

Most attic spaces are subject to extremes of temperature and fluctuating humidity, which make them an unsuitable place to store certain things. It's time to pull down the ladder and have a dig around at what's up there. Here's our list of things you shouldn't store in your attic.

1. Old tech

VCRs, TVs, smartphones, laptops and games consoles - any delicate electronics - shouldn’t be kept where there are big fluctuations in temperature and high humidity levels such as an attic. Moisture can easily collect inside and damage them. If you no longer need them, consider selling on eBay instead of storing.

2. Photographs or picture albums

Your recent memories may all be in digital format but how sad would it be if old family or wedding albums, slides or negatives got damaged from exposure to excessive heat and cold? Remember, wherever you do store them, it needs to be away from direct sunlight so they don’t fade.

3. Books

If you are a bookworm, it’s an insect called silverfish that you need to worry about. They love to nibble on starchy substances, such as wallpaper or the glue in book bindings - and they are often found in attics. Books stored in the attic can also get damp and if they do, mould and mildew can grow and cause damage.

4. Paper

If you have papers that need to be preserved, like tax return information and birth/marriage certificates, don’t shove them in the attic. These things should ideally be stored in a fireproof safe or filing cabinet in the house itself.

5. Video and Audio Tapes

Due to age related deterioration, if you have old family video tapes, or archives of your precious reel to reels, lps and cassettes stored in the attic, these should immediately be removed and housed in a stable environment, before the damage is irreparable. Binder deterioration is fast becoming a major issue in the archive world and one that we must highlight to clients.

Kind Regards

Cheryl

Cheryl-Lee Foulsham

Director

Oxford Duplication Centre

Corporate, Heritage and Consumer Digitisation

T: 01865 457000

Open Hours: Monday to Thursday 8-4pm, Friday 8-3pm

www.oxfordduplicationcentre.com

cheryl@oxfordduplicationcentre.com

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