Whether you’re saving them for a move or to ship gifts to loved ones on the other side of the country, cardboard boxes can often be found lying around the home. But as the packaging experts at Box Stop in Lexington, KY, note, storing your boxes in the wrong place could cause some serious issues. The following storage options should be avoided whenever possible.

Top 3 Places Where You Shouldn’t Store Boxes

1. Outdoor Sheds

An outdoor shed may seem like a convenient place to store your boxes, but these areas often experience leaks and high humidity levels. The result: Damp and moldy boxes that will fall apart. Additionally, spiders and other pests are often drawn to cardboard boxes for shelter, which could lead to an unpleasant surprise when you take your boxes out of storage. 

2. Laundry Rooms

The laundry room often doubles as a storage area, but this doesn’t make it suitable for cardboard boxes. Extra moisture and the potential for leaks from the washing machine could easily damage the boxes. Worse yet, if the dryer were to start a fire, the boxes would add extra fuel to the flames, which could prove catastrophic for your home.

3. Basements

Basements have the advantage of providing an out-of-the-way place to store your stuff — but few parts of the home are more prone to leaks or flooding. Heavy rains or trouble with the hot water boiler could turn your boxes into a soggy mess. When possible, keep your boxes and their contents at a higher level.

Do you need boxes for your packing or shipping needs? With more than 200 sizes available, Box Stop will help you find what you need to ensure that your package’s contents are kept safe. In business since 1985, their team also specializes in packaging fine art and other fragile items. To learn more about their services, visit them online or call (859) 271-2393.