Avoid Ruining This Household Item By Knowing How To Properly Store It Away

Household storage can undoubtedly be made easier with plastic storage bins. Whether it's storing out-of-season clothes or extra blankets, these units can dramatically save space, especially since they can be stored out of sight in places like the garage or attic. Even though plastic bins have become the gold standard for garage storage, there's one household item that you want to avoid storing this way — candles.

Garages (and attics, for that matter) can be warm, especially if you live in a hot climate. Storing items in a tightly sealed plastic storage bin can trap heat, creating a microclimate that intensifies it. For things like clothes or soft toys, this isn't much of a problem. But for candles, which melt when exposed to heat, this could spell wasted product and a very large mess. Attics and uninsulated garages can easily reach temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, especially in the summer months in warm states like Arizona. Since most wax candles melt at temperatures between 120 and 150 degrees, and plastic storage bins trap heat, your candles are at a significant risk of softening, warping, or, in extreme cases, melting.

You can absolutely store your candles in a plastic storage bin for safekeeping — if you know the right location for it. Places like the garage or attic are too warm to store something that can melt. If you do choose to store your candles in a plastic storage bin, it's best to leave them in a cool place, like a basement or interior closet. If you're low on square footage, there are plenty of ways to maximize storage space in your small home to keep things organized. The key to successfully storing candles (whether in a plastic bin or elsewhere) is maintaining a consistent, cool temperature and keeping them out of direct light, which is why these locations work best.

You won't want to throw your candles into the storage bin without a plan — there are a few ways to pack like a pro to protect them from damage. First, you'll want to use dividers, like cardboard inserts, to prevent your candles from getting scratched or chipped. Gently wrap each candle in bubble wrap to protect the finish and keep the fragrance intact. Store all candles upright, and fill in any gaps with packing peanuts if you have a lot of extra space in the bin. Finally, label the bin clearly so you don't have to sift through them later. If you have multiple bins, make sure you organize and label them by season for easy retrieval.