The attic is often a forgotten space, filled with dusty boxes and cobwebs, but that doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. If you’re strategic about which items you put there, your attic can be an excellent place for extra storage. However, since attics are prone to temperature fluctuations, pests, and unexpected humidity levels, you need to be careful about what you keep there. Luckily, we’ve put together some essential tips for attic storage and organization, along with what you can (and can’t) store in your attic.
What to Store in Your Attic
Homes with an accessible attic can be a great place to store some excess clutter and help you maintain a minimalist living space. However, you need to be careful about what you put up there, as the unfinished attic space environment isn’t ideal for sensitive items. Instead, stick to the following items:
Camping gearc
Outdoor gear
Suitcases
Travel bags
Seasonal decorations
Holiday decorations
Home improvement supplies
Garden tools
Old furniture that won’t warp (i.e., metal bed frames)
Folding chairs
Pool accessories
Sports equipment
Artificial flowers
Wreaths
Extra home supplies
There are also a few things you should avoid putting in your attic, as they may get damaged or deteriorate due to the fluctuation in temperature and humidity. The following items should, instead, be kept in a climate-controlled self-storage unit:
Old photographs
Official documents (passport, birth certificate, social security card)
Tax documents
Sentimental items
Newspaper clippings
Educational degrees and items
Electronics
Batteries
Antique furniture
Paint or other chemicals
Leather
Candles
Musical instruments
Food and Wine
Certain clothing
Mattresses and pillows
Vinyl records
Anything flammable
If you need to store any of these items outside your house, choose a conveniently located self-storage facility with climate-controlled units.
9 Tips for Attic Storage and Organization
Like keeping things in the basement or garage, attic organization and storage require a little extra care. This is especially important when deciding what to keep up there. Otherwise, you may open up your boxes to find that things have deteriorated or your favorite wooden chairs have been picked away by pests. So, to give you the best experience possible, here are a few unfinished attic storage tips to get you started.
1. Clean Out Your Attic Space
Before turning your attic into a storage area, thoroughly clean the space. Dust and debris accumulate over time, which can attract pests and cause damage to your belongings. Remove old, forgotten items, sweep or vacuum the floors, and wipe down exposed surfaces. This might be easier if your attic has undergone a renovation or is finished. If it’s unfinished, do your best, but don’t get too caught up in making things perfect. It can be pretty challenging to “wipe down” surfaces of unsanded wood or high corners. If insulation is exposed, check for signs of deterioration or moisture damage and call a professional if necessary. A clean attic creates a better foundation for safe and organized storage.
2. Take Care of Pests
While cleaning, keep an eye out for any signs of pests. Attics are prime real estate for rodents, insects, and even birds looking for shelter. So, if you notice droppings or signs of a nest, you may want to call a pest removal professional. To protect your stored items, inspect the space for cracks, gaps, or holes where pests can enter. Seal any openings with caulk or mesh screens, and consider placing traps or deterrents to keep critters at bay. After this initial step, don’t forget to regularly check for droppings, nests, or signs of infestation to address problems early.
3. Check for Structural Issues
Not all attics are designed for heavy storage. Before loading it up with boxes and furniture, assess the strength of the flooring and support beams. If your attic lacks proper flooring, consider installing plywood panels for stability. Be mindful of weight distribution to avoid stressing the structure. Consult a professional contractor if you’re unsure about the attic’s load capacity.
4. Use Space Strategically
After checking the stability of your attic, assess your space. Attics typically have awkward walls that can make efficient storage a bit challenging. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use what you’ve got. A shelf here or there, ceiling hooks, and even overhead racks can all help you increase the capacity of your attic while making things easily accessible.
5. Organize Seasonal Items by Holiday
One of the best uses for attic storage is keeping seasonal decorations organized. This is typically because decorations are durable and don’t always need perfect storage conditions. Still, consider the materials before putting things into bins to be safe.
Instead of rummaging through mixed boxes, separate decorations by holiday and label each bin accordingly. Use stackable plastic containers to protect delicate items like ornaments and lights. For larger items, such as artificial Christmas trees, use a tree storage bag to keep it dust-free and in good condition.
6. Create a Floor Plan to Optimize the Organization
Before moving items into the attic, sketch a rough floor plan to determine where everything should go. This can help you organize the contents of your attic ahead of time so you don’t have to keep moving things around once you’re up there.
A well-planned layout prevents clutter and makes future retrieval much more manageable. Place heavier, rarely used items at the back or against walls. Keep lightweight and seasonal items in the front for easy access. Make a system that works for you and your household—something that’s both practical and efficient. If you’re unsure how to use the space in the best way possible, play around with some different ideas (i.e., vertical shelving vs. hanging shelves). Your attic has a ton of potential, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
7. Choose the Right Containers
Once you’ve planned everything, it’s time to start moving things into their respective containers—however, the type of container you use in your attic matters. Cardboard boxes can deteriorate over time and attract pests that could cause harm to your stuff. Instead, invest in some heavy-duty clear bins. These are great for holding your stuff and giving you a visual reminder of what’s inside without having to remove the lid and sort through it. Just try to find airtight bins and close them securely, as this can further reduce the risk of issues.
8. Label Everything
An attic can quickly become chaotic if you don’t label your storage bins properly. Use large, legible labels with details about the contents and the date they were packed. Color-coded labels can further enhance organization by categorizing items such as holiday decor, travel gear, or memorabilia. A detailed inventory list stored in a notebook or on your phone can also make finding items easier.
9. Protect Things from Damage
Attics are prone to extreme temperature fluctuations, humidity, and dust, which can damage stored belongings. Use protective coverings for furniture, wrap fragile items in bubble wrap, and place silica gel packs in bins to absorb excess moisture. If your attic tends to get too hot or cold, consider adding insulation or a dehumidifier to help regulate conditions. There are also plenty of DIY projects you can do (or hire someone to do) to help improve the conditions of your attic. Just ensure you’re safe and working within any building codes or regulations for your property.
Is Attic Storage the Best Option for You?
Storing items in an attic might be a convenient way to free up space, but attics are often subject to extreme temperature fluctuations, humidity, and pests. Therefore, it’s important to be careful and take the necessary precautions. If you’d rather not risk it and ensure all your belongings stay in great condition for years, rent storage space at The Lock Up Self Storage.
Our climate-controlled self-storage units will help keep your things just as you left them. We also offer self-storage units in varying sizes, so you never pay for more space than you need. Our flexible leasing options will keep you covered whether you need short-term or long-term storage. The Lock Up Self Storage facilities have top-of-the-line security features like perimeter alarms, gated access codes, and 24/7 CCTV. To learn more about our self-storage units at The Lock Up, call us today at 1-866-327-LOCK or stop by one of our locations for a tour.
