Storing Photos In Hot Attic

Attic and basement storage tips.

Storing photos in hot attic.

Flammable or hazardous items should not be stored in the attic with extreme temperatures. Don t store anything that can be. Make sure the lids are tightly sealed to keep out dust and critters. Old photos documents books newspapers magazines artwork and paintings are all off limits for the attic garage or basement.

Store photos in a basement attic or garage where temperatures and humidity fluctuate with the change of seasons or reach extreme highs. Store photos near a heating or cooling vent. Also never use an attic for safeguarding photographs as they are particularly sensitive to the harsh conditions. Heat can cause paint to crack and expand or contract on paintings.

Photos and papers they will all eventually deteriorate says carter. Many delicate materials won t fare well in a location that s freezing cold in the winter and sweltering hot in the summer yet you want to maximize your attic storage. You can use clear labeled plastic. Objects made of wood which will rot from moisture leather natural components like hair or ivory and fabric.

These locations being part of your living quarters will be climate controlled. Well i want to start by telling you what you cannot store in a hot attic and that is food. The best way to store items in your attic is to buy acid free super sturdy plastic storage bins winter said. Framing your old photos.

These items are negatively affected by heat humidity bugs and even light. Between the extreme temperature fluctuations the potential for moths and the precarious piles of boxes the attic can be a tricky storage spot. Definitely store your photos in an area that consistently stays below 75 f at all times. Food needs a cool dry dark place for it to last as long as possible and a hot attic is just not gonna cut it.

What not to store up above. If you re storing any flammable chemicals whether they re used for cleaning photography or home repair you re going to want to keep them out of your attic. Use boxes and containers that can stand up to the elements. Keep photos out of attics garages and basements where they ll be subject to extreme temperature fluctuations and excessive humidity.

Large temperature fluctuations actually are not good either so most garages are also out of the question for photo storage since they vary from cold to hot as the weather changes. These areas can get humid and musty and wet in the summer and cold in the winter. Store photos in closets cabinets or under the bed. You might be okay with the fact that food will last a shorter time period but i strongly advise against storing food in your attic.

That means for example your hot attic is not a good place for the photos. Here are some do s and don ts of storing antique photos in your home.