How to Store Items in Basements To Prevent Water Damage

6/20/2019 (Permalink)

Basement Storage

At SERVPRO of the North Fork we unfortunately see a great deal of damages done to heirlooms, valuables and personal property through water as well as from fire, mold animals and sewage.  

Basements in particular are problematic because they are convenient empty areas that can hold years of accumulated treasures.  We'll focus on water damage, as that is the primary cause of loss.

1.  Never store your most valuable irreplaceable items in the basement - this would be documents, photos, film, textiles.

2.  Have a high efficiency dehumidifier - self pumping is a great feature.  Run it at 50% humidity to keep down moisture in the air.

3.  Store items in closed plastic storage containers with lids on shelving, up off of the floor.  The more valuable the items to you, the higher up they should be placed.

4.  Make sure stored items are not underneath pipes that could leak or burst, or underneath sinks, tubs and toilets on floors above.