FAQ: Is It Safe to Store Anything in a Crawl Space?

Short Answer:
Only if it’s sealed, insulated, and moisture-controlled. Otherwise, no—it’s too risky.

If you’ve had water damage in your crawl space, or even if it’s just been damp and musty for years, you’re right to wonder:
“Can I use this space for storage?”

Let’s get real. Most crawl spaces around Grove City and Columbus were never designed to be dry, clean storage areas. They were built to support the house—nothing more.

Here’s when it’s not safe to store anything (even in plastic bins):

• You’ve got standing water or soggy soil under the vapor barrier

• There’s visible mold or mildew on the joists or insulation

• The humidity is high year-round (over 60%)

• The ground isn’t sealed with a proper vapor barrier

• You’ve never had a dehumidifier, sump pump, or drainage work done down there

Even plastic bins and metal shelving won’t protect your belongings in a crawl space that isn’t properly conditioned. Mold doesn’t care if it’s Tupperware or heirloom furniture—if moisture’s present, mold will grow.

When Can You Store Things in a Crawl Space?

Storage becomes possible if all of the following are true:

✅ The crawl space is encapsulated with a vapor barrier (sealed walls and floor)
✅ There’s proper drainage and/or a sump pump installed
✅ You’ve got dehumidification keeping relative humidity below 60%
✅ Insulation is installed properly (without trapping moisture)
✅ No active mold, odors, or signs of pest activity

If your space checks those boxes, then yes—you can safely store things like:

• Seasonal decor

• Luggage

• Bins of toys or baby clothes

• Camping gear

But skip anything sensitive like electronics, photos, or important documents. Those belong inside, not in a crawl space.

What We Recommend

At Total Home Water Restoration, we’ve seen homeowners lose thousands in ruined belongings because they thought a few plastic totes would be “safe enough.” It’s just not worth the risk if your crawl space isn’t fully sealed and controlled.

If you’re not sure whether your space is ready, we’ll give it to you straight. We’ll check for:

• Past water damage

• Mold growth

• Signs of high humidity

• Structural issues

• Drainage and ventilation problems

We’ll tell you what’s going on, what it would take to make it storage-ready, and whether it’s worth doing.

Need a Crawl Space Inspection in Grove City or Columbus?

Give us a call at 380-246-1837. We serve homeowners all across central Ohio—including Hilliard, Dublin, Galloway, Westerville, and Reynoldsburg.

“From disaster to done right. We fix it like it’s our own home.” — Tyler Zimmerman, Owner