Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 6 Household Storage Mistakes and How to Fix Them

I ran across this list a few days ago from a professional organizer. These are items that we all have around the house but don’t always know whether we are storing them properly. In most cases improper storage doesn’t mean much more than reducing the quality of an item, but with some things it can be downright dangerous. So here are a few tips:

Batteries are something that most of us throw into the junk drawer and never give another thought. Batteries can leak or short-circuit if they are stored with random metal objects like keys, paperclips or coins. Storing them near heat can be hazardous. Batteries should not touch each other’s top or bottom either. Use drawer inserts to store batteries standing up or use the original container. Keep different sizes separate also. 

Flammable liquids we might not realize we have around the house and garage include pesticides, paint and many cleaning products. They all need to be in a well- ventilated area so gases cannot collect. Proper storage in the home can prevent cross contamination and disastrous results. Bleach and hydrogen peroxide can cause flammable chemicals to explode if stored too closely. So, keep drain cleaners, pesticides and other flammable chemicals away in a cool dry area with good ventilation. 

Family photos are precious and irreplaceable. But we often store them in the attic where it is way to warm and moist causing photos to warp, curl, or stick to other images. Keep photos in a cool area and use archival boxes. Use sleeves designed to prevent yellowing and deterioration. Store in closets, under beds or cabinets away from heaters and vents. It’s a good move to digitize old photos too. 

Paper goods we stock up on at Costco or other stores sometimes end up in the garage or basement. This can lead to them being ruined by pests or moisture. Use plastic totes to protect paper products from critters, dust, moisture and mold if you need to store them in the garage and basement. 

Pet food when stored improperly doesn’t just go stale, it can attract ants, moths, or even mice. Consider using sealed containers to keep your pet’s food fresh and pests out. If you buy in bulk a wheeled bin can hold a large amount and stored in a pantry or laundry room.

Produce is another storage problem. Don’t store onions and potatoes together. They each produce moisture and gases that speed spoilage. You want to keep fruits and vegetables apart as some emit ethylene gas and some are ethylene sensitive and will spoil quickly. So basically keep fruits that emit ethylene away from vegetables like leafy greens, cucumbers, peppers and broccoli, that are sensitive to ethylene. Remember tomatoes are fruits! Use breathable bags, baskets or bins and keep them separated. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago