I get the logic behind raising stuff up, but honestly, I’ve seen water get higher than a foot in some basements—especially with those flash floods. Pallets and cinder blocks are a start, but for anything truly irreplaceable, I’d go with waterproof containers (think gasket-sealed, not just “tough” plastic). Silica gel helps, but it’s not magic if the box isn’t airtight. Had a neighbor lose a whole comic collection because the “waterproof” bin floated, tipped, and the lid popped off... sometimes redundancy is your best friend.
Funny you mention the floating bins—my cousin had the same thing happen with old family photos. They thought a “tough” plastic tote was enough, but it just bobbed around until it cracked open. I started using those dry bags campers use for kayaking, then put those inside a sealed bin, up on blocks. Maybe overkill, but it’s worked so far. Also, I swapped out pallets for recycled plastic shelves; less mold and easier to clean if the worst happens.
I get the logic behind dry bags, but I’ve seen them fail if they’re not sealed just right—my neighbor lost a bunch of paperwork that way. I went with vacuum-sealed bags inside a Rubbermaid bin, then strapped the whole thing to a wall bracket. Not pretty, but it’s stayed put through two floods. Those plastic shelves are a good call though—wood just turns into a science experiment after a week underwater.
Vacuum-sealed bags inside a Rubbermaid bin is honestly a smart move—especially with the added wall bracket. I’ve seen too many folks trust dry bags only to find out a tiny gap let water in. Plastic shelving is definitely the way to go; wood never stands a chance once it’s soaked. One thing I’d add—if you haven’t already—make sure your bin isn’t sitting right on the floor. Even a couple inches of clearance can make a difference if you get more water than expected.
You’re on the right track with the vacuum-sealed bags and bins. I’ve seen folks lose a lot of stuff to “waterproof” containers that just didn’t cut it—especially those cheap dry bags. The wall bracket is a solid idea, too. I’d echo your point about keeping bins off the floor. Even a couple bricks or some scrap PVC pipe under the shelving can make a world of difference if water starts pooling.
One thing I’d add: check your sump pump (if you’ve got one) and make sure the discharge line is clear. I’ve been called out to more than a few basements where the pump worked fine, but the line outside was clogged with leaves or ice, and water just backed right in. Also, if you’ve got time, sealing up any obvious cracks in the foundation with hydraulic cement can help slow down seepage.
You’re thinking ahead, which is half the battle. Most people don’t realize how fast water can rise until it’s too late.