Utilizing the space under your bed for storage can be tempting, especially in smaller living spaces. However, not everything is suitable for this area. Storing the wrong items can lead to safety hazards, health risks, and damage to your belongings. In this expanded guide, we’ll delve into ten items that should never find their way under your bed, explaining the reasons and potential risks involved.
Hazardous Materials
Storing hazardous materials such as paints, solvents, or gasoline under your bed is dangerous. These items are not only flammable but can also emit harmful fumes, especially in the confined space beneath a bed. Exposure to these fumes during sleep can lead to health issues, including respiratory problems and headaches. It’s crucial to store such materials in well-ventilated areas, ideally in a garage or shed.
Perishable Food Items
Perishable foods can quickly spoil in the enclosed, often warm environment under a bed. This can lead to unpleasant odours, mould growth, and the attraction of pests like rodents and insects. These pests can cause further damage to other items stored under the bed and even to the bed itself. Non-perishable foods should also be avoided as they can attract pests.
Important Documents
While the space under your bed might seem like a convenient hiding spot for passports, birth certificates, or financial records, it’s far from ideal. These important documents can be easily damaged by moisture, dust, or accidental crushing. Additionally, in case of emergencies like fires, documents stored under a bed are not easily accessible. Opt for a fireproof safe or a secure filing system in a home office.
Electronics
Electronics such as laptops, chargers, or batteries are a fire hazard when stored under a bed. The limited ventilation can cause overheating, and the accumulation of dust can lead to short-circuiting. It’s safer to store electronics on shelves or desks where they have adequate air circulation and are less likely to overheat.
Sharp Objects
Storing sharp objects like knives or tools under your bed can lead to accidental injuries. Reaching under the bed blindly can result in cuts or more serious wounds. Instead, keep sharp objects in secure drawers or toolboxes where they are safely out of the way but still accessible when needed.
Heavy Items
Heavy items such as weights or bulky luggage can strain and damage the structure of your bed over time. The repeated process of moving these heavy items in and out from under the bed can also cause back strain or other injuries. Store heavy items in ground-level storage areas where they don’t pose a risk to your furniture or your health.
Prescription Medication
The environment under a bed is not stable in terms of temperature and humidity, which can affect the potency and effectiveness of medications. Furthermore, medications stored within easy reach can be a risk if there are children or pets in the home. It’s safer to store medications in a designated, secure area, preferably in a locked cabinet at a consistent room temperature.
Cleaning Products
Cleaning products often contain chemicals that can be hazardous if inhaled or if they come into contact with the skin. Storing these items under a bed can lead to accidental spills or exposure to fumes, especially in the confined space of a bedroom. A better storage solution is a high cabinet in a utility room or kitchen, away from where people sleep.
Pet Food
Just like human food, pet food can attract pests when stored under a bed. The scent of pet food can easily draw rodents and insects, leading to infestations that are difficult to control. It’s best to store pet food in airtight containers in a pantry or utility area where it’s protected from pests but still accessible for feeding times.
Moist or Damp Clothing
Storing damp clothing under your bed can create an ideal environment for mould and mildew to thrive. This not only damages the clothing but can also affect air quality, potentially leading to respiratory issues or allergic reactions. Always ensure that clothing and fabrics are completely dry before storing them, and use a closet or dresser where there is better air circulation.
If you need to store any of the above, make sure to store it in an environment which is safe for you and your family and as always if you need storage, we have storage locations in Islington and East London.
