As tempting as it may be sometimes to shove things anywhere they fit, it’s usually a bad idea for a number of reasons. Safety, is the main concern; with functionality and safekeeping following close behind. Worse case scenario, improper storage can increase your risk of accidental poisoning, house fire, and personal injury. Not to mention wasting both your time and your money. We’ve created this list of do’s and don’ts to help you avoid these pitfalls.

Storage Do’s

• DO store large, heavy, or bulky items on the bottom. Having these items above your head poses a few problems. First, it’s harder to use proper body mechanics to get them down which can lead to injury. Second, a stool or ladder may be needed to reach them increasing the chances of a fall. Lastly, in the event of an earthquake, you don’t want them falling on someone.
• DO secure top-heavy furniture to the walls. This includes storage pieces like bookcases, storage shelves, cabinets, etc. The immediate concern is that curious little climbers will topple them over and become trapped or hurt. However, earthquake safety comes into play here as well. Poorly loaded shelves on an uneven floor can also spell disaster.
• DO think about kids and pets. Keep all chemicals and other potentially hazardous items and substances out of the reach of children and pets. Preferably in a locked cabinet. Even if you only have the occasional visit from children or pets you should consider doing this. Accidents happen when we least expect them.
• DO store items as close as possible to where they’ll be used. Having the things you need when you need them increases your productivity. On the flip side, a quick and easy clean up keeps clutter at bay.
• DO read labels and instructional material. Follow those recommendations for safe use and storage of your products. This is especially important when dealing with fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, household chemicals and automotive chemicals. Even products listed as “green” or “organic”.

Storage Don’ts

• DON’T bring combustible products, corrosive products, gas, or propane in your home. These items are very dangerous and can have catastrophic consequences. They need to be stored in a well-ventilated area, away from heat or flame and preferably detached from the home.
• DON’T store containers directly on concrete. Spills are absorbed into the concrete. Also, it easily changes temperature and continues to give off moisture for years causing metal containers to rust. Water and food stored in plastic containers will be affected as well because the plastic can absorb odors and chemicals from the concrete. To be safe, put a barrier between the concrete and your storage containers.
• DON’T store clothing in cardboard or plastic bags long term. Pests and rodents are actually attracted to cardboard. Besides damage from uninvited guests, clothing stored in cardboard is susceptible to water damage in the event of a flood or a leak. While plastic bags might keep your clothing from getting wet, they don’t allow it to breathe and moisture can actually build up in the bag and cause mold damage.
• DON’T store food or water in the garage. The temperature swings in a garage will greatly reduce the shelf life of your food. Water would probably be a little more forgiving in this area since water technically doesn’t expire, but the quality of the water can be affected. There is also the chance for fumes from chemicals to leach into plastic containers over time.
• DON’T store more than is prudent. That 5-gallon jug of whatever isn’t really a better deal if you only needed a pint. Remember bigger isn’t always better and enough is enough.

Now that you know what to look for, assess the storage in your home and make sure you take care of any safety concerns ASAP!