Finding adequate space for storing belongings within the home is challenging enough, but the issues only escalate when items are improperly packed away.
Indeed, whether it’s books, kitchen tools, or luggage, incorrect storage not only complicates your life but also poses risks of damage and exposes these items to dampness, mold, and mildew.
In this article, our team of organizing specialists and storage professionals highlight the items you’re likely keeping in the wrong spot and provide tips on how to sidestep common organizational blunders.
Reasons why storing items in the ‘incorrect’ location is an issue
Billy Kornfield, proprietor of Camelot Moving and Storage Company, clarifies, ‘The primary factors that can harm items in our houses are temperature, illumination, and humidity.’
‘So, whether you are selecting a storage place based on ease or aesthetics, remember to consider how the environment surrounding that item might fluctuate throughout the day.’
1. Books
(Image credit: Studio Duggan)
Creative bookshelf solutions provide a lovely way to showcase your collection while adding a delightful cozy ambiance to a room, yet Peter Corry, the founder and CEO of Moore Storage, observes that many individuals store books in bedroom closets due to a lack of shelf availability.
He mentions, ‘Books that aren’t visible often remain unread and gather dust. Depending on the conditions, they might even develop mold.’ They also can attract cockroaches, which feast on glue, silverfish drawn to paper, and other household pests.
To prevent this, Corry suggests mounting floating shelves in your living room or considering reading nook concepts to highlight your cherished collection. ‘The Homfa Floating Wall Shelves from Walmart are excellent for book displays,’ he further explains.
It’s essential to dust open shelves, advises storage expert Kornfield, and position bookshelves and display units against interior walls exclusively. ‘Outer walls are more exposed to fluctuating temperatures and are susceptible to moisture and condensation,’ he clarifies.
All prices are accurate at the time of publication.
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AMADA HOMEFURNISHING Floating Shelves
These MDF laminate bookshelves are equipped with robust brackets and are simple to install and assemble, including all essential hardware.
Chiana Dickson, the content editor here at Homes & Gardens , recently evaluated the damp duster and is now ‘definitely enamored’ with its cleaning prowess.
2. Infrequently used kitchen gadgets in valuable drawer space
(Image credit: deVOL Kitchens)
Kitchen tools are crucial for cooking and baking, yet those that you seldom use shouldn’t be kept in easily reachable places while organizing kitchen drawers, states Di Ter Avest, a professional organizer and the founder of Diisorganized.
She elaborates, ‘Devices and tools like waffle makers, fondue pots, or pasta rollers can occupy valuable kitchen space while being utilized only occasionally. This renders your everyday utensils more difficult to access,’ leading to a buildup of clutter within your kitchen drawers.
‘Move seldom used items to higher shelves, pantry areas, or even to a storage space outside the kitchen if room is limited,’ suggests Ter Avest. ‘Store everyday essentials such as knives, spatulas, and measuring cups in conveniently accessible drawers or cabinets close to your cooking area.’
To optimize kitchen drawers, we suggest utilizing an organizer, like the Pipishell Bamboo Expandable Drawer Organizer for Utensils Holder available at Amazon.
3. Medicine
(Image credit: Future)
When arranging a medicine cabinet, always keep your medications separated from any bathing products, cautions storage expert Kornfield.
He suggests, ‘Although medications may be easily obtainable within the bathroom cabinet, they are also vulnerable to moisture and heat. It’s best to store them in a cool, dry environment, like a dresser drawer that’s out of children’s reach,’ or, as professional organizer Ter Avest recommends, in one of your smaller linen closet storage spaces.
4. Seasonal items
(Image credit: Layered Lounge)
Since they’re only required once a year, it’s advisable not to store any Christmas decor ideas, spring decorations, or any other seasonal items in prime storage locations.
Storage specialist Corry explains, ‘For a better approach, utilize higher shelves or less accessible areas for seasonal items,’ such as garage shelving suggestions.
‘For items that are frequently used, I suggest the mDesign Storage Bins available at Amazon for enhanced space-saving.’
You can keep them in your basement, attic, or garage, provided that they’re stored in lidded plastic containers to prevent pests from seeking refuge among them.
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5. Essential documents
(Image credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photography Julie Soefer)
Even after decluttering, arranging documents at home may still feel overwhelming.
Expert organizer Ter Avest advises, ‘Dispersing significant papers like birth certificates, passports, or tax returns makes them difficult to find when needed and heightens the chance of damage.’
‘Rather, utilize a fireproof document organizer or filing cabinet. Position it in a safe and consistent place, such as a home office or closet,’ she recommends.
This is among the items professionals recommend avoiding storing in a basement or attic due to their typical lack of climate control; if a leak or flood occurs, crucial documents can be compromised.
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Sterilite Medium Letter File Box Black
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6. Photo albums
Instead, showcase images in frames, or maintain photo albums in an office or bookshelf.
(Image credit: The White Company)
Photo albums represent a wonderful method to preserve memories, and hence they should be appreciated, not hidden away in closet storage areas, say Scott and April Goodger, franchise proprietors of Kitchen Wise and Closet Wise.
They affirm, ‘Unexpectedly, a cluttered closet can contribute to anxiety in your everyday life. As closet design specialists, we frequently encounter master closets that are packed with virtually anything you can think of, like photo albums.
‘Nonetheless, numerous these items should be positioned in different zones of the dwelling.’ For instance, the Goodgers recommend placing photo albums in your home office ideas, or bookshelf.
Alternatively, why not exhibit them on a gallery wall? If you’re uncertain about how to create a gallery wall, our expert-guided tutorial simplifies it step-by-step, ensuring you avoid common gallery wall blunders.
7. Luggage
(Image credit: Divine Savages / Always Sunday)
Ultimately, professional organizer Ter Avest states, ‘Luggage occupies precious space in closets that could be more effectively utilized for garments or footwear.
‘Instead, place luggage in the attic, basement ideas, or garage. You can also utilize the insides of suitcases to store seasonal clothing,’ which is a smart approach to organize a closet if seasonal storage is limited.
Are you making any underbed organization errors? It’s an excellent area to keep items, but optimizing the space can aid in reducing clutter throughout the home.