Storing items haphazardly in cardboard boxes is a common but potentially harmful storage mistake. Regardless of whether you’re reusing old boxes for attic storage or have unpacked boxes left over from a recent move, you may unknowingly be placing your belongings at risk. While it may seem like these boxes are sealed well and adequately labeled, cardboard is not an ideal storage material from a safety, cleanliness, and organizational standpoint.
If you’ve accumulated stacks of cardboard boxes in your basement or attic, it’s crucial to understand the significant risks they present. You should also be aware of the types of items you should never store in cardboard in order to keep them safe and in good condition over the years.
One of the biggest ground rules in storage is understanding why cardboard boxes aren’t suitable for this purpose. Many professional organizers might go to the extent of saying that these boxes are highly impractical. One of the reasons they’re so often used is because they are considerably more economical than alternatives, like plastic containers, and they can be broken down for other uses.
However, using cardboard boxes for a long-term storage solution can lead to disaster. Apart from being a fire hazard, storing items in cardboard boxes also poses numerous other problems. For instance, cardboard boxes are a magnet for pests. Both rodents and insects are attracted to chewing on the cardboard itself or nesting within the boxes. This puts you at risk of a potential infestation and jeopardizes the items stored inside.
Another issue with cardboard boxes is that they can absorb moisture if they’re kept in humid environments. This increases the risk of mold and mildew developing, which can then transfer to your items. If these boxes are stored in an area prone to flooding, they could end up ruining everything inside. Moreover, cardboard degrades over time. Be it due to pests, moisture, or general wear and tear, cardboard weakens relatively quickly, putting at risk all the items nestled within, especially during handling or moving.
Even if the stored items are untouched, these boxes can start to sag, lose their shape, or come unsealed. Dust and debris can settle inside, causing damage to the stored stuff over time. Moreover, unsteady boxes are harder to stack and may be a significant waste of space, contributing to clutter.
For those who have cardboard boxes stored away, it might be time to carefully sort through them. Declutter the unnecessary items, discard the unsalvageable, and replace cardboard with more durable, high-quality storage bins.
So, are there some items that should never be stored in cardboard boxes? The answer is yes. These include clothing, linens, food, liquids, paperwork, books, photos, mementos, valuables, electronics, chemicals, and heavy, sharp, or breakable items.
However, keeping and storing cardboard boxes effectively could also be convenient in certain cases. If you’ve recently moved and there’s a possibility of you needing to move again in the foreseeable future, you might want to retain some boxes. But it’s vital to do so smartly.
Ensure the boxes are empty, dry, and void of loose tape. Break them down and sort them by size. Tie groups of flattened boxes together with a rope or string, for better organization. Store them in a part of your home free from pests and humidity. A climate-controlled basement, the back of a spare closet, or the nook under a staircase are some suitable areas. Regularly inspect these boxes and if you don’t end up using them, you can always donate them, save for future uses or use them for some fun craft projects.
