Like many people, I make the majority of my storage decisions based on convenience. It’s more convenient to keep something in the kitchen rather than in the hall closet, that’s probably where it’s going to stay!
But there’s actually another important factor worth considering when it comes to deciding where to store things. (And no, it has nothing to do with how cute your storage bins are.) ;-)
Many of us fail to consider how the conditions of a particular storage location could affect our stuff. While occasionally storage mistakes can be obvious—you would know not to store precious family heirlooms near your kids’ art supplies, for example—but sometimes they’re easy to overlook.
So today I thought I would shed some light on the topic by sharing 7 of the most common storage mistakes people make. In addition to explaining why each mistake should be avoided, I’ll also share a quick and easy fix that will help you protect your stuff!
7 Costly Storage Mistakes And How To Fix Them
1. Storing Towels In The Bathroom
Of all the rooms in your house, the bathroom is one of the more problematic places to store things. The main reason for that is because it’s just so humid in there!
If you store your spare towels in your bathroom, they are constantly exposed to those humid conditions. That moisture can keep your towels semi-damp around the clock, which is sure to result in mildew issues eventually!
Instead, store your stock of clean towels somewhere outside of the bathroom, like in a linen closet. And after drying off, make sure to hang your bath towel over a towel bar or your shower curtain rod so it can dry properly.
2. Storing Beauty Products On The Counter
Most skincare products and cosmetics last the longest when they’re stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry. So you can see when storing beauty products on your warm, brightly lit, and humid bathroom counter might be a problem! ;-)
Here’s a quick rundown of how improper storage conditions can affect your beauty products:
Sunscreens & Products With SPF – Heat can cause separation Pigmented Powders (Eyeshadow, Blush, Etc.) – Heat can cause pigments to fade Liquid Foundation – Heat can shorten their shelf-life Nail Polish – Heat can cause separation Fragrances – Exposure to sunlight can alter delicate scents Makeup Brushes – Exposed to moisture and bacteria when stored out in the open
Instead, keep your beauty products tucked away in a drawer or cabinet when you’re not actively using them.
3. Storing Pantry Items In The Box They Came In
The boxes and bags that pantry items come in aren’t doing much to keep your food fresh. They also allow easy entry and/or exit points for insects and pests that may be looking to feast on your food!
Instead, transfer pantry items to airtight food storage containers when you get home from the store. You’ll notice the difference in freshness right away, and you’ll be able to reuse the containers for years to come!
4. Storing Nonstick Pans In A Stack
Nonstick pans are useful in the kitchen, but that nonstick finish is pretty fragile. If you stack your nonstick pans together, it won’t take long for that finish to get scratched up!
Luckily, there’s an easy fix for this one. Just insert a paper plate, paper towel, or tissue paper between each of your nonstick pans. Even a thin barrier will help protect the finish from scratches!
5. Storing Important Documents In A Filing Cabinet
If your important documents are filed away in a corner somewhere, they won’t be easily accessible in the event of an emergency! And a filing cabinet won’t do much to protect those documents from a fire, flood, or other disaster.
Instead, store your family’s most important documents, including birth certificates, passports, social security cards, and other crucial information, in a fireproof storage bag. Keep the bag somewhere where you would have easy access to it in an emergency situation.
6. Storing Photos In A Shoe Box
It can be hard to know what to do with old photos, so many people store them in an old shoe box. But cardboard isn’t the best material for photos, and it could even cause them to yellow or fade over time!
Instead, arrange your photos in an acid-free photo album or store them in an acid-free storage box.
7. Storing Medicines In The Medicine Cabinet
While it might sound strange, the medicine cabinet isn’t a great place to keep your medications! Like I mentioned previously, the humid environment of your bathroom can cause things to deteriorate faster than they normally would.
Instead, store your medications in a storage box and keep it somewhere cool and dry.
Have you ever learned about a storage mistake the hard way?
#KitchenStorage #StorageSolutions #CleverStorageIdeas #Homekeeping #Organization
