Storing Paper Files In Attic

Use cardboard boxes not plastic.

Storing paper files in attic.

Storing items in your attic is far more preferable than storing them in the basement where they may get wet think about flooding or garage where they are exposed to the elements. It s mainly high humidity you want to avoid for paper storage. This bonus space is still a must have for many homeowners. Heat can damage things such as photographs and wood.

Photos and papers they will all eventually deteriorate says carter. That means for example your hot attic is not a good place for the photos. Your holidays might just be a lot less merry this year if you ve been storing your decorations in the attic. Most things will be pretty obvious but there is also one item that many people mistakenly do store in the attic.

Use the attic to store anything that is impervious to heat. In the basement store everything in clear plastic bins labeled and not packed too heavily. Conservators warn against storing family treasures including papers in attics or basements because hot and or humid conditions degrade many materials. And no plastic sleeves just paper.

Things you cannot store in a hot attic. Keeping storage boxes away from humidity is critical for preservation. What not to store up above. Use it to stash items including holiday decorations kitchen supplies like pots.

Temperature is less critical. Paper records should be stored between 68 f 20 c to 76 f 24 4 c and a relative humidity of 35 to 55 percent. Posted by beagle at 6 06 am on may 23 2016. We ve talked about a lot of things you can store in an attic so now let s talk about things you cannot store in a hot attic.

Don t store these items in a hot attic. Plastic will trap the humidity where cardboard boxes and paper sleeves can breathe. Definitely store your photos in an area that consistently stays below 75 f at all times. Also never use an attic for safeguarding photographs as they are particularly sensitive to the harsh conditions.

Here s what you can store in the basement or attic. Holiday decorations can be damaged by the extreme heat in attics says santoro delicate fabrics and items that are painted are particularly prone to damage when stored in the attic and plastic decorations like ornaments may melt or warp in the heat. Temperature is also something to consider. Learn how to organize your basement attic and garage for long term storage with directions videos and advice from the container store s experts and get free shipping on all purchases over 75 free in store pickup on all your organization and storage project solutions.

Avoid areas like basements and attics due to the irregular temperature where extreme temperatures can have a negative effect on the documents.