Which storage option is best?

[DisneyDebbie]

Hello! I've decided to start storing some of my kids baby and toddler things for when we have grandchildren (hopefully 15 yrs. or so) The items include some blankets and bedding, mostly toys even some electronic toys with the batteries taken out. Is a decently dry basement better or an attic with no insulation?

TIA!

 

[kristilew]

I've had no problems storing toys in the attic long term. I just use big plastic bins with lids. For linens and clothes, you're probably better off to seal in space bags or those super big ziplocks and keep in the basement, if that is climate controlled. Heat in an attic can bring out, then bake in, stains, so that when you go to use the items, they are yellowed and ruined.

disclaimer - I've never had a basement, so don't know if there are other issues with storing in them.

 

[DisneyDebbie]

Thanks! I've only used basements before and cloth gets a musty smell, I guess it's no biggie if I can't reuse them, some of them are more for keepsake

That's great about the toys, we have spent so much $ on Fisher Price stuff, I can't think about parting w/it, but I'd love to get more use out of them!

 

[Luvchefmic]

Just a thought for you, I would not do either the attic (too hot) or the basement. Perhaps in the back of a closet ? We had a basement flood due to a problem with a boiler in a former house & the "stuff" we lost The toys (without the batteries) perfect as pp said in rubbermaid type storage bins. I have some from my DDs and they are now in their 30's and the things are in fine condition. Also agree about the space bags, I put some clothing in there 10 yrs ago that was my Dad's and they are fine.

 

[SandrA9810]

I would probably wash the clothes in a non scented detergent. Who knows how that fresh smelling flowers or mountain rain is going to be in 10-20 years when you reopen the bag. As long as you know the clothes are in sealed bags, the basement would be a good choice.

 

[ohlas]

do you have a food saver or a vaccum system that stores food? I put some of my daughters small clothes and blankets in there its been 5 years and they are still sealed perfect...

 

[Gigi22]

My mom kept a bunch of hand knit baby clothes for years. She washed and dried the clothing, and just put it all away in plain plastic bags--pressing out the air, and tying securely. The outfits were all so tiny, she was able to keep a lot of them in a dresser drawer in the bedroom!

 

[DisneyDebbie]

I would probably wash the clothes in a non scented detergent. Who knows how that fresh smelling flowers or mountain rain is going to be in 10-20 years when you reopen the bag. As long as you know the clothes are in sealed bags, the basement would be a good choice.

Good point about the detergent! I think I'm going to clean out my clothes and see what room I have left for a vacuumed bag, maybe even under my bed! My basement doesn't have much room left, so I'm going to split up the totes of toys. I live in WNY so it's only hot for a few weeks a year,lol!