What Not to Store in Your Basement

Basements are often treated like one giant junk drawer (hey, no judgment here). But many have also evolved to offer a below-ground hideaway for entertainment or playrooms, home offices and more.

Regardless of what you use your lower level for, remember, there are still some things you should avoid storing down there. But when it’s unavoidable, a little preparation and forethought (like having the right homeowners coverage) can go a long way in protecting your belongings and your home.

Check out our short list of what to avoid.

Things that are irreplaceable (or just plain hard to replace)

• Printed photos: Memories can last a lifetime, but printed photos are easily ruined. Keeping them out of the basement is just one precaution to help you protect and preserve your family photos for posterity.
• Important documents: Wherever you store them, make sure you have a secure place to safely keep papers (think fire, flood and burglary-proof) like your birth certificate, passport, financial documents or will. Yes, these can be replaced, but ask anyone that’s had to and they’ll likely tell you it’s worth protecting them like they were printed in gold.  
• Antiques or family heirlooms: If your family has passed items down through the generations you understand how irreplaceable they are. And depending on the item, the years can add to its sentimental and monetary value.

Highly flammable or hazardous items

• Firewood: Firewood can equal a whole lot of extra fuel if you ever have a housefire. Or it can get damp in the basement, which is less than ideal—and ultra-smokey—when burning it. Plus, it’s basically a big wooden invitation for insects and rodents.
• Paint, chemicals or household liquids: If you have one, basements are usually where your furnace, water heater and dryer are. Pair those with flammable liquids in a space that’s not typically well ventilated, and you could have a recipe for disaster.

  VIDEO: Watch how quickly a dryer fire can spread
  
  

• Books and magazines: If they have any sentimental or monetary value—or you just don’t want to ruin them—storing books and magazines in the basement is usually a no-no. And just like firewood, they can inadvertently end up as kindling.

Pricey pieces

• Electronics: Ideas for tricking out that extra basement space are boundless and often include electronics. For finished basements it’s less of an issue, as you’ve likely taken precautions like installing a sump pump, backwater valve or moisture-suitable flooring. But issues with climate and moisture control in most unfinished basements can be tough on electronics.
• Furniture or artwork: Artwork and furniture can come with quite the price tag, especially if you’re a collector. It might be tempting but basement storage isn’t worth the risk.
• Clothes, shoes and jewelry: If you’re no stranger to treating yourself (or your better half) to the finer things, just make sure the quality of your storage space matches the merchandise.

Remember, “basement” literally implies an area below ground level, so don’t underestimate the damage it can inflict on your things or your whole home. (Hint: there’s a reason why horror movies always have a basement scene).

Protect the Things That Matter

If you have a basement, it only makes sense you use it. But before you use it as your storage catch-all, talk to your local ERIE agent first.

They can help you determine what coverage your current homeowners policy offers, plus discuss why adding an Extended Water¹ endorsement on your ErieSecure Home® policy provides extra protection where it counts.

¹Extended Water coverage endorsement does not satisfy mandatory flood insurance coverage should it be required by your federally regulated lender for your home mortgage or loan. This insurance product is not affiliated with the National Flood Insurance Program. Not available in all states. 2 Extended Water coverage is not intended to provide coverage for damage caused by leaking or wet foundations or basements, water damage caused by normal wear and tear or other maintenance related damage. Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, sub-limits not described in this insert. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, and sub-limits. Please talk to your ERIE Agent. ERIE® insurance services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products or services are offered in all states. ERIE® life and annuity products are not available in New York. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory information.