You probably have some of these things stored in plastic right this minute.

Viktoriya Telminova/Getty Images

Plastic bins may seem like the perfect way to store most things.

If moisture gets trapped in with your leather goods, it can also cause your leather to crack.

sweaters in plastic storage bins

Photo:Viktoriya Telminova/Getty Images

Opt for more breathable options like fabric, wood, or canvas storage containers.

Also check that your plastic food containers are intended for reuse, rather than single use.

Upgrade to a metal food-safe container to minimize the risk.

clean-leather-purse-GettyImages-186861144

imagedepotpro/Getty Images

Anything That’s Wet or Damp

You probably know where we’re going with this one.

Let damp or wet items dry out before storing them, or opt for a breathable storage bin material.

Batteries

This is about more than just the plastic container itself.

Stack of photographs, taken for vacation, Saipan

DAJ / Getty Images

“Sunlight can get through and cause more damage in a clear bin,” Hord says.

Opaque bins can help protect the things that may become sun-faded.

Ginter-Kramarczyk, Dobrochna, Joanna Zembrzuska, Izabela Kruszelnicka, Anna Zajac-Woznialis, and Marianna Cislak.

Single-lens reflex camera

Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

9 (May 7, 2022): 5710. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095710.

Pile of files

Jamie Grill / Getty Images

household chemicals toxic to dogs

Andrea Evangelista/E+/Getty Images

Leftovers

Leftovers.Glow Cuisine/Getty Images

Pet Food

pedphoto36pm/Getty Images

Swimsuits hanging on a line to dry

Pepifoto/Getty Images

Batteries

Steven Puetzer/Getty Images

Three white tennis shoes on a yellow and teal background

Marisa Kikis