Do you have a lot of holiday decorations but not enough space to store them all? There might be some prime real estate in the space under your home: the crawl space.
With proper preparation and encapsulation, a crawl space can actually be a home for certain items and free up space in your home. The key is knowing what is safe down there and what isn’t. Let’s look a little closer so you can make the most of this space.
Understanding Your Crawl Space's Storage Potential
Most crawl spaces weren't built for storage. They're typically dark, damp, and cramped.
| Understand Your Home: What is a Crawl Space?: Complete Homeowner's Guide |
But that doesn't mean you can't use them. You just need to prepare the space first and choose your stored items carefully.
Preparing Your Crawl Space for Storage
Before you store anything, you need to make your crawl space safer for storage. That means controlling moisture. Here are four steps to take:
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Install a vapor barrier (a thick plastic sheet that blocks ground moisture). This protects your items from dampness that rises from the soil. A 10-mil or thicker barrier works best.
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Add a quality crawl space door. You'll want easy access without crawling through a tiny opening every time. Our crawl space doors seal tight but open wide for convenient entry.
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Cover your vents or install vent covers to keep humidity and pests outside. Open vents invite pests that can damage your stored belongings.
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Invest in a high-quality crawl space dehumidifier. You’ll control humidity levels and keep the crawl space air dry, making it safer for items to be in there for a long time.
What You Can Safely Store in Your Crawl Space
First things first: make sure you can properly enter your crawl space and easily move materials in and out. If you are wondering how to get into your crawl space, do some investigation first.
Also, measure your crawl space height and your door opening. You need to make sure your bins and boxes and actually fit through the access door.
1. Seasonal Decorations
Holiday decorations work great in crawl spaces. Store Christmas lights, Halloween props, and Easter baskets in plastic bins. These items don't need frequent access and can handle some temperature changes.
Just avoid storing anything with batteries. Temperature swings can make batteries leak and ruin your decorations.
2. Off-Season Clothing and Linens
Winter coats in July take up closet space. Summer clothes in December do the same.
Store off-season clothing in sealed plastic containers. Add moisture absorbers inside each bin for extra protection. Your crawl space becomes a seasonal closet swap station.
Extra bedding, guest linens, and old curtains also store well. Just keep everything in airtight containers.
3. Camping and Outdoor Gear
Tents, sleeping bags, and coolers belong in crawl space storage. These items already handle outdoor conditions and moisture exposure.
Store camping gear in bins between trips. Just make sure everything is clean and dry before storing it. Dirt and moisture can cause mildew growth.
4. Sports Equipment
Baseball bats, soccer balls, and hockey sticks work fine in crawl spaces. Most sports equipment tolerates temperature changes.
Store balls in mesh bags so air can circulate. Keep equipment in bins to protect it from dust and pests.
5. Non-Perishable Household Supplies
Extra paper towels, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies store safely. These items don't spoil and can handle some humidity.
Bulk purchases from warehouse stores fit perfectly. You'll free up pantry and closet space upstairs.
Items to Avoid Storing in Your Crawl Space
Some things never belong in crawl spaces. Here's what to keep out:
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Electronics and batteries - Temperature changes and moisture damage circuits. Store phones, tablets, and batteries inside your home.
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Important documents - Birth certificates, tax returns, and deeds need climate control. Keep these in a fireproof safe indoors.
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Food items - Even canned goods attract pests. Plus, temperature swings affect food quality and safety.
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Photographs and artwork - Moisture ruins photos and warps frames. Humidity damages canvas and paper. Display these or store them in climate-controlled areas.
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Furniture - Wood warps, fabric grows mold, and upholstery absorbs moisture. Leave furniture in temperature-controlled spaces.
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Anything irreplaceable - If you can't replace it, don't risk it. Sentimental items deserve better protection than a crawl space offers.
Making Crawl Space Storage Work for You
Your crawl space can handle more than you think. With proper moisture control and smart choices about what to store, you'll gain valuable storage space. You'll reclaim closets, clear out your garage, and know exactly where your seasonal items are.
Ready to prepare your crawl space for storage? Check out our crawl space doors, vapor barriers, and vent covers to get started.