Think empty boxes and suitcases.
Boxes in attic.
Boxes also break down and disintegrate which will attract pests even more.
A few more universal.
Whether a birds or moths in the attic a raccoon in the garage or mice in the basement critters aren t concerned with taking care of your belongings as a general rule of thumb nothing in your attic.
Those cardboard boxes stacked up in your attic could become a veritable buffet for mice and bugs if you re not careful.
You want to make sure you can lift the boxes easily and if they happen to tumble over they don t hurt anyone.
As a very general guide if the joists are only 2x4s don t plan on storing much in the attic other than very lightweight items.
If they are 2x6 you can probably get away with some boxes filled with relatively light stuff.
Heat can damage things such as photographs and wood.
Cardboard boxes will deteriorate due to heat and water and animals and bugs will snack on them in the meantime.
In the basement store everything in clear plastic bins labeled and not packed too heavily.