When you’re running out of storage space, the area under the bed can feel like an easy answer. It’s out of sight, usually empty, and just big enough to hide a few boxes or bags.

But there’s a reason that space can be a bad storage spot.

Dust tends to collect underneath beds, air doesn’t circulate very well, and anything you put back there can quickly become something you forget about. A box that was supposed to stay there for a few weeks can easily turn into something you haven’t looked at in years.

Some items can also get damaged, pick up musty smells, or attract unwanted visitors. So before you push another container under the bed, take a look at these 10 things that are better stored somewhere else.

1. Food

The space under your bed might seem like a convenient place to keep extra snacks, but food and bedrooms don’t make a great combination. Even packaged food can attract ants, roaches, mice, and other pests. Rodents can chew through cardboard, and determined bugs can find their way into surprisingly well-sealed packages.

If you need extra pantry storage, find a clean, dry spot in the kitchen or another food-safe area instead. Under the bed is better left for things that won’t tempt a hungry pest.

2. Paper, Cardboard, and Documents

Old books, important papers, photographs, and cardboard boxes can take a beating under the bed. Dust is one problem, but moisture is another. Paper can absorb humidity, and cardboard can become warped, stained, or musty over time. You also don’t want important documents sitting somewhere you might forget about until you suddenly need them.

Keep important papers and sentimental photographs in a dry, protected storage area. And if you have boxes of documents you rarely use, label them so you can find what you need without digging through everything later.

3. Valuable or Sentimental Items

That box of old letters, family keepsakes, jewelry, or other meaningful belongings probably deserves a safer home. Under the bed is dark and easy to ignore, which means you might not notice dust, moisture, pests, or other problems until they’ve already caused damage.

For things that have real monetary or sentimental value, choose a clean, dry storage area where you can check on them from time to time. A proper storage box or container can also give them some extra protection.

4. Electronics

It’s tempting to toss old phones, chargers, cables, game controllers, and other gadgets into a box and slide it under the bed. The trouble is that electronics don’t benefit from sitting in a dusty, poorly ventilated space for years. Batteries can also become damaged or leak as they age, especially if you forget they’re there.

If you’re keeping an old device because you might need it someday, store it somewhere dry and protected. If you know you’ll never use it again, recycling it may be a better choice than letting it take up space indefinitely.

5. Leather Goods

Leather shoes, handbags, belts, and other leather items can suffer when they’re left in a cramped, dusty space for long periods. Poor airflow and moisture can contribute to mildew, while very dry conditions can cause leather to lose moisture and become brittle or cracked. Tossing a leather bag into a plastic container under the bed can make things worse if moisture gets trapped inside.

Give leather items some breathing room. Clean them before storing them and keep them somewhere dry where they won’t be crushed by other belongings.

6. Weapons

Loose firearms, knives, and other weapons should never be casually stored under a bed. A bedroom floor or the space beneath a bed is not secure storage, especially in a home with children, visitors, or anyone who shouldn’t have access to them.

Firearms should be stored unloaded in a locked, appropriate safe or lockbox, with ammunition stored securely according to applicable laws and safety guidance. Knives and other sharp tools should also be kept somewhere secure and out of easy reach.

7. Dirty Laundry

There’s a big difference between storing clean clothes under the bed and hiding a pile of dirty laundry there. Clothing that has been worn can hold sweat, moisture, and odors. If it’s left in an enclosed space for long enough, it can start to smell stale or develop mildew.

Keep dirty clothes in a proper laundry hamper instead. If you need to save space, look for a slim hamper that can fit into a closet or another ventilated area.

8. Rarely Used Items You’ve Forgotten About

This one has less to do with damage and more to do with clutter. If you have to crawl halfway under the bed to find something you haven’t touched in three years, there’s a good chance you don’t need it. Under-the-bed storage can make it easy to keep things simply because they’re out of sight. Before putting another box down there, ask yourself when you last used the item and whether you’d actually replace it if you got rid of it.

You might discover that some of that hidden storage space can disappear simply by letting go of things you no longer use.

9. Extra Linens (Unsealed)

Extra sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and towels can be stored under the bed, but leaving them loose is asking for trouble. Fabric quickly picks up dust, especially in an area that rarely gets cleaned. Bedding can also absorb odors and allergens while sitting uncovered.

If under-the-bed storage is your only option, wash everything first and place the linens inside clean, sealed storage containers or bags. Label each container so you don’t have to pull everything out when you need an extra set of sheets.

10. Seasonal Items

Holiday decorations, winter clothes, swimsuits, and other seasonal belongings are common under-the-bed residents. There’s nothing inherently wrong with storing these things there, but the space can quickly become a black hole for stuff you only use once or twice a year. You may end up forgetting what’s underneath the bed until the season rolls around again.

If you do keep seasonal items there, use clear, labeled bins so you can see what’s inside. Better yet, keep everything for the same season together instead of spreading it across several random boxes.