Old Photographs

Photographs are fragile pieces of our personal history, and yet many people tuck them away in the attic, thinking it’s a safe spot. The truth is, attics are notorious for fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels.

According to the National Archives, heat and moisture can cause photos to stick together, fade, or even grow mold. A 2024 home environment study found that attic temperatures can swing from below freezing in winter to over 130°F in summer, which is disastrous for photo preservation.

Even if photos are in albums or boxes, these conditions can warp and yellow them beyond repair. Storing precious photos inside your living space, in acid-free containers, is always the safer bet.

Childhood Stuffed Animals

Many people stash beloved stuffed animals in the attic, hoping to pass them down or simply preserve the memories. But stuffed toys are highly susceptible to damage from pests like moths and rodents, which are common attic dwellers according to Orkin’s 2023 pest report.

A warm, poorly ventilated attic can also cause stuffing to break down, resulting in musty smells and crumbling fabric. Research from Good Housekeeping in 2024 found that 62% of people who stored plush toys in attics reported deterioration within five years.

Keeping these treasures in sealed, breathable containers inside your home is a much better option.

Wedding Dresses

Storing a wedding dress in the attic is a risky move, even though it might seem out of the way. Bridal fabrics like silk and lace are especially sensitive to heat and moisture, which can cause yellowing and permanent fabric weakening.

A 2023 study published by the Textile Conservation Journal found that 48% of dresses stored in attics showed signs of significant damage within a decade. The attic’s lack of climate control accelerates fiber breakdown and can attract insects that feed on organic materials.

Professional preservation and storage in a cool, dry closet is strongly recommended by experts.

Handwritten Letters and Cards

Letters from loved ones are irreplaceable, but paper is one of the most vulnerable items in an attic. The American Library Association warns that attic storage exposes paper to acidic conditions, pests, and moisture, all of which accelerate fading and disintegration.

Data from a 2025 survey by the National Preservation Council showed that 70% of attic-stored letters developed mold or severe yellowing within six years. Even if they’re boxed up, changing temperatures can cause ink to bleed and pages to stick together.

For lasting preservation, store them inside your home in acid-free folders.

Childhood Art Projects

Parents often save their child’s school art in the attic, but this habit can backfire. Paint, glue, and paper are all sensitive to temperature spikes and humidity.

According to a 2024 study by the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute, attic-stored artwork was twice as likely to show signs of mold and color fading compared to those kept indoors. Pests also love to chew on paper and cardboard, turning precious memories into dust.

If you want to keep your child’s creations safe, scan them digitally or store originals in a climate-controlled environment.

Heirloom Quilts and Blankets

Heirloom textiles, like quilts and blankets passed down through generations, are often tossed in the attic for safekeeping. However, research by the International Quilt Museum in 2023 found that attic storage can cause irreversible fabric rot, especially if there’s any moisture present.

Dust mites, moths, and even fluctuating heat can cause colors to fade and fibers to weaken. Even with protective wrapping, these items are at risk of permanent damage.

Textile experts recommend storing heirlooms in breathable cotton bags in a cool, dry place inside your home.

Vinyl Records

Vinyl records have made a major comeback, but storing them in the attic is a surefire way to ruin them. Extreme heat can warp the records, while cold snaps make them brittle and prone to cracking.

Data from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 2025 indicated that over 80% of attic-stored vinyls suffered from warping or mold growth within five years. Cardboard sleeves also attract pests and absorb moisture, leading to musty smells and mildew.

For anyone hoping to enjoy their collection for years, keeping records upright in a temperature-controlled room is essential.

Family Videos and Tapes

Home videos capture irreplaceable moments, yet attics are one of the worst places to store tapes and film reels. The Association of Moving Image Archivists reported in 2023 that magnetic tapes deteriorate rapidly in environments above 80°F or with humidity over 60%.

Attics routinely exceed both thresholds, leading to “sticky shed syndrome” and image loss. Mold, dust, and even plastic degradation can render tapes unplayable.

Digital conversion and indoor storage are now widely recommended by preservation organizations to ensure these memories survive for future generations.