Basements are a common place where many homeowners stash away their unwanted items. From holiday decorations and old furniture to gadgets and memorabilia, basements can often become our clutter dump. But you would be surprised to learn that some things should never be stored in the basement. In fact, the wrong storage will do more damage than good to your prized possessions.

Similar to the reasons why things should never be stored in an attic, basements are prone to temperature and humidity fluctuations throughout the year. As a result, the damp conditions in a basement can destroy valuables stored there.

So, before you tackle decluttering your home, here are some common things you should not store in your basement. Be careful not to make these mistakes while decluttering.

Additionally, here are seven things you should never store in your garage.

Even if you have family collectibles, documents, important photo collections, or other items you want to preserve, never store them in the basement. Large changes in humidity and temperature can ruin prints or cause photos to stick together. If you want to preserve vintage photos or prints, always store them in a waterproof box or container on a shelf in a dry place. If moisture gets in, it can cause permanent damage. So don't risk it.

Similarly, if you want to keep classic books close at hand or simply don't have the bookshelf space for a growing collection, avoid storing books in the basement. Not only will the moisture discolor the pages, but it can also attract silverfish.

Silverfish are small (and fast-moving) insects that thrive in dark, damp environments like basements and attics. They live by feeding on starchy substances like glue that glue books together and can destroy books, wallpaper, carpets, and clothing with their droppings. If this is the case, you need to know how to get rid of silverfish quickly. The best place to store books is in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources and moisture.

The basement may seem like an obvious place to dump children's toys, but this is not a good idea. Stuffed toys and cloth dolls are likely to attract ticks, other types of insects, or even rodents.

The same goes for storing delicate or natural fabrics, which may attract moths. If you don't want to ruin a favorite toy or winter sweater, store it in a sealable box or container in a dry, cool place other than the basement.

Wooden furniture should not be stored in the basement, whether you are storing extra chairs or tables or restoring or updating antiques. Moisture and condensation in basements can cause wood furniture to crack and warp, especially if the wood has not been treated. In addition, moisture can rot the wood and ruin your vintage furniture.

If you have rounded rugs or excess carpet, avoid storing them in the basement. The humidity and moisture can cause mold spores and mildew to form on the fabric, as well as provide a breeding ground for rodents and other pests.

Furthermore, do not even consider laying it flat on the floor, as the moisture will seep underneath. The best practice is to wrap the carpet in protective plastic or sheeting and then store it standing up off the ground in a well-ventilated area.

We are constantly upgrading our electronics, often stashing old laptops, computers, game consoles, and other gadgets in storage. However, storing electronics in a humid basement can cause them to overheat or stop working altogether.

Instead, store old electronics in a cool, well-ventilated environment. Alternatively, recycle, donate, or sell old computers and equipment. After all, what are the chances of using them again?

While it is common for families to stockpile groceries, they should never be stored on the basement floor. If not stored correctly, perishable food can easily spoil in the humid temperatures of the warmer months. Additionally, canned foods will be cooked by heat before they are actually eaten.

Canned foods, beverages, and other dry goods are always best stored in airtight containers or plastic bags in a cool, dry place. Boxes should be placed on shelves or pallets and kept off the ground. This is also helpful in the event of possible flooding and can prevent foodstuffs from being damaged. More importantly, you don't want to provide a perfect feast for rodents and other pests in the basement.

Hard Case Suitcases - Travel luggage and bags can be stored in the basement.

Kitchen utensils - Pots, pans, and other cooking utensils are resistant to extreme temperature changes and can be stored in the basement.

Patio furniture - Outdoor and backyard furniture can be stored in basements. These are usually designed with weather-resistant materials and can handle temperature changes.

Sports/Outdoor Equipment - Sports, camping, and outdoor equipment tend to be made of durable, weather-resistant materials. These can handle the extreme temperature changes in basements.

If you want to prevent mold from growing in your home, here are five houseplants that can help prevent mold. Also, if you know how to clean each room in your house, you can not only keep the rooms spotless, but also create a clean and minimalist space.

Additionally, if your home is compact, here are some ways to make small rooms look bigger.