You might not want to keep your old tapes in the attic. If you grew up in the 1980s, chances are you had a collection of cassette tapes. The media format was the primary way we listened to music in the '80s before being overtaken by CDs in the '90s and eventually streaming services like Spotify. If you're like me, you may still have many of them stored in a shoebox. But how long are these tiny tapes expected to last? The general belief is about 30 years, but this is based on ideal storage conditions. Cassette tapes will deteriorate over time even under the best conditions since the coating that binds the tapes will eventually lose lubrication and detach. But the primary deciding factor for longevity is storage.

Proper storage and care is important. One big thing that can impact the life of a cassette tape is temperature, including storing them in an environment that is too hot or cold or where temperature fluctuates often. It's mainly about humidity too. You should also avoid exposure to sunlight, moisture, dust and dust mites, critters and magnetic fields. Store them in a cool and dry place, with a temperature at 59 to 73°F and 25-55 percent humidity. Always keep them in their protective cases and wipe down the exterior from time to time to get rid of accumulated dust.

Under improper conditions, the lifespan of a cassette tape can drop from 30 years down to as few as five. But with the right storage and care, cassettes could theoretically last up to 100 years, preserving fond memories to hand down for generations. With the vinyl resurgence and Gen Z already helping iPods make a comeback, it's only a matter of time before cassette tapes and Walkmans are trending again, too.