If you are putting away your summer clothes or storing your children’s pictures and school book, you might be doing it wrong
People are being warned about a storage mistake that could lead to their clothes and memory boxes being ruined. Karl Graham from Click Storage has advised people to ditch plastic boxes as they could be doing more harm than good.
He said you need to look out for mould as the plastic can trap in any moisture build up. Karl said: “Though it may seem like a good idea, storing your things in plastic boxes might be damaging your precious belongings.”
As you decide on how to store your beloved items, you should be aware that plastic boxes can create condensation, leading to moisture buildup and potential mould growth. Storing plastic boxes in a humid environment, like a garage or basement, increases the likelihood of condensation.
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Additionally, you may already know that plastic storage boxes are designed to be airtight. Karl said: “While this can protect contents from external moisture, it also traps any existing moisture inside.”
Therefore, if any of the items stored in the box contain moisture (e.g., slightly damp clothes, papers, or organic materials), that moisture has nowhere to escape. When the internal air cools, the trapped moisture condenses into water droplets–leaving your precious items a mouldy mess.
What should you use as an alternative?
There are a number of durable, eco-friendly methods to use in place of plastic storage boxes. For instance, fabric storage bins made of materials such as linen or canvas are not only sustainable, but come in a multitude of different designs and colours. They also are often collapsible and lightweight.
Additionally, wooden boxes have a cute, homey aesthetic and work well for heavier objects like tools or books. Lastly, wicker or rattan baskets are natural, breathable, and great for storing textiles, toys, or other non-perishable items.
Karl said: “Whatever storage solution you decide to use, just be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each. Whether it’s aesthetics, health concerns, or environmental impact, the list of drawbacks of storing items in plastic boxes is too long for it to be the ideal choice.
“Most people don’t know that some plastic boxes contain harmful chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A) and phthalates. These chemicals can leach into food or other items stored in plastic boxes, especially when exposed to heat.
“Therefore, you may want to think twice before storing your things in a hot garage, with chemicals leaking into them which could potentially cause health issues. Not to mention, over time, plastic boxes can become cloudy, scratched, or discoloured, making them less attractive and harder to see through. With a multitude of other storage options out there, it’s definitely worth the switch.”
