Storage Q&A: Storing Household Items

* What is the best way to store photographs?
Photographs should be properly stored in a place where the temperature is controlled. It is necessary that your photographs do not experience different changes in temperature and dampness.
Placing them in attics, basements and other free rooms could cause the texture of the photos to buckle and break. The shades might fade or change color, and there is a greater possibility of mold damage.
If you have a digital camera, consider saving your copies on a CD by using a CD burner. You can burn as many copies of a CD as you want. Then label it and put in the CD case. You can have it reprinted anytime you want.
* What foods are best for storage?
Foods that are best for storage are processed foods, grains such as rice and wheat, coffee, hard fruits like apples and pears. Meats like beef and venison, dairy products such as milk and eggs are good for storage for around five days.
* What foods should I not try to store?
Fish and shellfish are not safe to store especially without any preservatives. Fresh shellfish and whitefish must be consumed after hours of harvesting.
* What is the best way to store water?
The best way to store water is by using proper storage containers. Use containers, glass and plastic jugs intended for water storage. Make sure that the containers are clean before putting water on it. Be sure that the water that you stored is free of contaminants. Otherwise, it is useless even if you store it in a clean container.
* What is the best way to store batteries?
Maintain your batteries at room temperature. Remember that too much heat can shorten the life of your batteries while a wet place like your refrigerator is not an advisable spot for it. As well, do not place any loose batteries in your pocket because it might short-circuit once it had a contact with metal objects like your coins and keys.
* What is the best way to store books?
Books should be stored in a steady, cold, non-damp location. In this way, it can lengthen the life of your books. In short, good air circulation should be kept in the area where you store your books.
Books should not be stocked openly against walls but should be no less than three inches away from them to promote motion of air around the books.
If your books are placed on the shelves, it should be held vertically. Books should be set properly so that the shelves are packed, avoiding books from leaning because this might cause damage on the book’s binding.
* What is the best way to store clothing?
The best way to store clothes is similar to the way you store your bed covers and comforters. Cover each piece of clothing with white tissue paper or put it in a plastic before placing in your cabinet.
In this way, you will avoid the fabric from getting contact with anything else inside the cabinet. Remember, all stored clothing should be taken out sometime, ensure the condition and wash at least once a year.
* Where can I get cheap or free storage containers?
Cheap storage containers can be found in any supermarket or grocery store near your place. Most of these containers will only cost you 3 dollars per piece.
Otherwise, free storage containers can be found right inside your home. Consider the following household items for storing items:
• Any disposable butter and margarine containers
• Used cans with lids
• Recycled food jars and empty mint cans
• Any plastic milk containers
• Recycled laundry soap boxes
• Shoe bags with pockets
• Empty tissue boxes