Want to use your basement for storage? Think again. While there are certain things that are more than welcome in the basement, some can become damaged when exposed to the harsh environment that your basement offers. Here are three things that you should never store in the basement:

1. Photographs

Both the Library of Congress and the U.S. National Archives and Record Administration advise against storing your memorable photographs in the basement. Why? Because the basement is prone to excess moisture, which can ruin these precious memories. A dehumidifier may be able to help remove some of that excess moisture in the air, but your best bet is a climate-controlled self-storage facility. If you must store your photos in the basement, make sure they're secure in a stable plastic enclosure made from polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene.

2. Hard-to-Retrieve, Important Documents

You know how hard it can be to get your birth certificate, a passport or even a new Social Security card, so you want to do what you can to keep these items extremely safe. Therefore, you do not want to store them in the basement, where these documents could get wet. If you must store them in the basement, it is recommended that you store these documents in a waterproof safe. This not only keeps your documents safe from damage, but it also reduces identity theft risk. Make sure that the container or safe is as high off the ground as possible to minimize the risk of potential water damage in the event that the basement floods.

3. Certain Types of Fabric.

The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works says that textiles can be adversely affected by certain conditions. For example, your delicate fabrics may be at risk of damage if they are exposed to insects, moisture and pollution – all of which could be present in your basement. Therefore, you need to ensure that you are storing your textiles appropriately. Ultimately, you want to use an environment where the climate is controlled, such as a self-storage facility. If you must store in your basement, make sure they are stored in an airtight container with a lid to reduce the chance of any damage.

All of these items are important to you if you have them. In order to keep them protected year-round, you should consider investing in a self-storage facility that has climate control. For more information, contact LoDo Self Storage & Moving Center or a similar company.