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It may be a convenient storage spot, but it's not safe for everything.

Even though your loft is great for storage, it could damage certain belongings due to extreme temperature fluctuations. From electronics to wooden furniture, it's important to learn what should be stored there — and what should not.

'Whether you have a finished attic or are converting an unfinished attic into additional living space, it is likely that some of your belongings will end up there in storage,' says Joyce French, cleaning expert at HomeHow.

Planning a January declutter? Keep reading for what you should avoid placing in your loft...

It may be a convenient storage spot, however old electronics can overheat when kept in the loft. Whether it's an old cassette player or a spare television, keep beloved electronics in cooler environments downstairs. If you no longer use certain items, consider donating them or dropping them off at your local recycling centre.

Avoid placing important papers in the loft, as fluctuating humidity levels could result in documents getting damp, fading or sticking together over time. If papers need to be kept, such as birth and marriage certificates, store these securely in another room.

'Although facing piles of old letters, certificates and booklets can be a daunting task, it is important to consider why you keep this information and whether you will ever look at it again,' says Joyce. 'Invest in a storage drawer unit for documents you need and bring them downstairs.'

While most of us won't have the luxury of a wine cellar, avoid storing bottles and other food goods in your loft. According to HomeHow, unsuitable warm temperatures can spoil expensive wines, while mice can also contaminate and chew through food items. Keep your favourite tipples safe elsewhere to avoid disappointment.

It might seem like a convenient place to stash bulky paint cans, but oil-based paints can heat up to hazardous levels if stored in a hot attic as they are flammable. Most paint is required to be stored in a dry location indoors, so it should be kept in a temperature-controlled spot, like a spare cabinet.

A loft may be the prime place to store large items such as wooden furniture, but it is not the ideal location. Whether it's an antique garden chair or a dining table for summer, wood can warp in the damp, crack in the heat, and grow mould in humid conditions.

'Wood also tends to attract woodworm, which can eat away at wood furniture,' adds Joyce. 'When it comes to unwanted furniture, let someone else buy it, use it, and love it, instead of letting it decay in the attic.'

If there's one thing most homeowners could use more of, it's storage space — especially for all of those Christmas decorations. From holiday garlands to artificial trees, decorations should ideally be stored in a large plastic container box and placed in a cool environment, such as a garage or spare room. We recommend placing trees in zip-tight storage bags to prevent them from acquiring a musty odour.

Delicate fabrics, including hand-painted ornaments, may warp in the loft due to humidity levels. When packing baubles away, choose square or rectangular bags with dividers inside for protection.

'If you are storing cardboard boxes in your attic, it may be time to reconsider,' says Joyce. 'Pests like mice and bugs are attracted to cardboard and glue, feeding off it and making it their home for breeding. Cardboard boxes also tend to become damp and disintegrate over time, potentially damaging the precious items inside.'

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This ombre effect basket is the perfect ample storage solution for your home. Its ideal for towels and throws.

In a classic natural finish, these contemporary and versatile woven storage baskets are given a modern twist with a white painted strip around the bottom.

Store bits and bobs neatly that you don't mind being on display in this metal wire basket from Marks & Spencer.

Teaming natural-toned seagrass with pink and yellow patterns, this set of two nesting baskets make for stylish storage. Fill them with books, magazines and accessories, or use them as plant pot covers.

This structurally strong black and naturally-hued storage basket would make the perfect rustic addition to any interior. It has been beautifully hand woven using sustainably sourced local palm tree leaves.

Designed to be hardwearing with a sturdy and robust metal frame, this large woven storage basket is perfect in any room of your home.

We love the multi-coloured braid detail on these seagrass woven baskets. Each one is finished with matching carry handles.

This practical storage basket with a lid is perfect for the bathroom or utility room.

Made from a great sustainable material, this small cork storage basket will complement all types of decor whilst keeping belongings in one place.

Simplicity always wins. This natural seagrass storage basket will suit any room and interior for a clutter-free space.

Fill this stylish storage basket with books, magazines or accessories. Its woven from natural seagrass and patterned with a checked design in subtle pastel pink and white.

We love these felt, cut-out star design storage baskets, perfect for toys.

Looking for a sleek storage solution? This classic black mock crocodile skin basket is made from real leather. A handle at each side makes it easy to move around the home.

This chunky cotton rope basket is a lovely alternative to plastic or rattan, and it will add texture to your shelves.

Woven from tie-dyed cotton, this bobble-textured basket is perfect for the bathroom.

This super chic rattan basket comes with two handles at the top. It will elevate any space!

Add stylish storage to your bathroom with this basket crafted from polyester felt. Great for storing toiletries, the fir wood handles make it easier to lift and move where necessary. 

These grey plaited storage baskets, made from high quality fabric felt, come with silver rivet fixings and a strong feature wooden handle.

Keep it simple with this small storage caddy that can easily slot onto any shelf or in any space with ease. The small size is also ideal for placing on your windowsill, keeping all those bits and bobs in one place.

Forget storage baskets, invest in a storage bucket! With a secure press fit lid, this bucket really is great for hiding everything you want out of sight. Made using water, mould and sun-resistant colours, this fully recyclable, multipurpose bucket boasts a tough, thick-walled construction for extra strength, and it's easily stackable, too.