4 Storage Tips for Your Attic
- Attic sense. Since the basement and garage are usually easier to get to than the attic, store frequently used items in those more accessible spaces.
- Miles of aisles. Don’t just heap stuff in piles in the attic. ...
- Highs and lows. Temperature swings tend to be more pronounced in the attic, since it is usually above the house’s insulation.
How to store your clothes without a closet or dresser?
Where to Put Your Stuff When You Don’t Have Room for a Dresser
- Lidded Baskets. Baskets can be serious life-savers for the small-space dweller lacking storage space. ...
- Hanger Racks. ...
- Under the Bed. ...
- Bookshelves. ...
- Ottomans or Boxed Benches. ...
- Repurposed Hampers. ...
- Dividers. ...
- Boxes. ...
- Built-ins. ...
- Discover more on small-space living: Learn to love your inbox again— sign up for Domino’s daily email.
Should you sell or donate your old clothes?
Is it better to sell or donate your old clothes? According to Hamm, it depends on your time investment and how much you expect to get out of the clothes. Both can have financial rewards. Over time, our life situation changes. We change jobs or even change careers. We gain some weight or perhaps lose some weight.
How to declutter clothes and thin out your closet?
There are four easy-to-follow steps:
- Take everything out of the closet. ...
- Do a quick purge of anything you're going to donate and items that need altering or dry cleaning.
- Put everything back in the closet hanging and sorting by color with most-worn items in front.
- Take alterations and cleaning to the tailor and dry cleaner; bring donations to the resale shop or your charity of choice.
How do you keep clothes fresh in storage?
How to Pack Your Clothes for Storage
- Wash & Dry Them. ...
- Wash, Polish & Shine Your Shoes. ...
- Take an Inventory. ...
- Avoid Vacuum Bags for Long-Term Storage. ...
- Use Plastic Storage Boxes Over Cardboard. ...
- Store Them in a Cool, Dry & Dark Place. ...
- Acid-Free Boxes. ...
- Don’t Forget About Them. ...
What to store in attic?
What is the floor structure of an attic?
What are trusses in a building?
How tall should an attic ceiling be?
What are the problems with attic ventilation?
Where do bathroom vents end?
Can you store suitcases in the attic?
See 2 more
How can I safely store my attic storage?
How to Maximize Attic Storage—Even in an Unfinished SpaceMake Attic Access Easier.Keep Pests Out.Use Clear Storage Bins.Add Insulation.Vacuum Seal Seasonal Clothing.Keep Holiday Items Together.Install an Attic Fan.Put Up Some Pegboard.More items...•
Is my attic safe for storage?
It may be a convenient storage spot, but you should reconsider storing items in your attic. Here's why. Attics are a common place to store all your stuff. Between holiday decorations, out-of-season clothing and even a few boxes of memorabilia, it's the prime free storage space for your home.
Can I store things in my unfinished attic?
Yes, the short answer is you can store things in an unfinished attic. But you have be careful about what you store, how you store and how much you store in an attic too. Attics are ideal for storing seasonal decorations, sports equipment, extra crockery and kitchenware and luggage.
Can I floor my attic for storage?
That begs the question; can my attic support a floor? The answer, in most cases, is a definite yes. Even though it wasn't put there, the joists supporting your ceiling are quite strong. Putting down flooring won't stress them any more than the floors in your bedroom, kitchen, or bath.
What should not be stored in an attic?
10 Items You Should Never Store In The AtticPaints, cleaning products, or other toxins. ... Anything that is highly flammable. ... Delicate holiday decorations. ... Art is never good to store in the attic. ... Leather products. ... Cardboard boxes. ... Musical instruments. ... Anything wool (or made from natural fibers)More items...•
How much weight can you store in attic?
On average an attic can hold about 10lbs per square foot. The attic is the best place for when you want to utilize space in your house and they are specifically designed to hold storage, but they can even be turned into a bedroom or a functional space.
Can I store stuff in my garage attic?
To answer your question, the garage attic is not a good area for storage. First a truss, a manufactured roof system, is designed to support the roofing above and the ceiling below. If the attic is to be used for storage, the truss would have to be designed for the additional weight.
Is it safe to store photos in the attic?
DON'T: Store photos in a basement, attic, or garage where temperatures and humidity fluctuate with the change of seasons or reach extreme highs. DO: Store photos in closets, cabinets, or under the bed. These locations, being part of your living quarters, will be climate controlled.
Can you store wood furniture in attic?
Wooden Furniture Don't store them in the attic, garage, or basement. Humidity and heat can cause the wood to mildew, mold, expand, and crack.
Should I put plywood in my attic?
An attic can be floored with 1/2″ CDX plywood, if it is being used only for storage. However, the same can't be said if you are planning on using the space as a living space. In that case, you will need to use 3/4″ thick plywood. As an alternative, 3/4” OSB can be used.
How thick should plywood be for attic storage?
Joist Spacing and Attic Use You need 3/4-inch plywood. The thinner plywood is acceptable when the joist spacing is 16 inches. If you plan to finish the floor in the attic and turn the room into a living space, however, you should always use 3/4-inch plywood.
What is the best flooring for an attic?
Resilient flooring, such as laminate or vinyl, is one of the best choices you can make for attic floors. This type of flooring can soften the sounds when installed over an underlayment.
Can you store things on top of attic insulation?
The answer: No. Do not ever store items in your attic space. The reason is linked with your home's insulation and ventilation.
Can you store stuff on top of insulation in attic?
The bigger issue comes when the stuff is being stored on top of the insulation, compressing it. "The kind of stuff being stored isn't important; how it's stored is," Weisman said. "When you have boxes or even plywood thrown on top of insulation, you compress it.
Can my garage attic support storage?
To answer your question, the garage attic is not a good area for storage. First a truss, a manufactured roof system, is designed to support the roofing above and the ceiling below. If the attic is to be used for storage, the truss would have to be designed for the additional weight.
How do I know if my attic can be finished?
Every attic is different, but a few established norms and practices will guide your renovation. Follow the "rule of 7s": Enforcement varies, but codes typically say that at least half of a finished attic must be at least 7 feet high, and that this area must be a minimum of 7 feet wide and 70 square feet.
How to make boxes more accessible in attic?
Don’t just heap stuff in piles in the attic. Instead, make boxes and bins more accessible by arranging them in rows perpendicular to the attic ceiling. Leave enough aisle space between rows for easy maneuvering. And label everything so that when a container is needed, it can be easily identified.
What is the best way to store clothes in the attic?
Plastic storage bins are the best choice for storing clothing in an attic, and not just because they allow the contents to be seen at a glance. Cardboard boxes and trash bags make a good home for vacationing mice. Miles of aisles. Don’t just heap stuff in piles in the attic.
Where do temperature swings occur?
Highs and lows. Temperature swings tend to be more pronounced in the attic, since it is usually above the house’s insulation. These fluctuations will devastate books, videos, and photographs, so find another place for them.
Make the most of the space you have with these attic organization and storage ideas
Make the most of the space you have with these attic organization and storage ideas.
3. Use Clear Storage Bins
When thinking about attic storage solutions and keeping your belongings organized, opt for clear storage bins. Clear bins, like the Iris Pearl Plastic Storage Bins that are featured in our guide to the best storage bins, will allow you to see what is inside and easily find the item (s) you are looking for.
4. Add Insulation
Before using your attic to store your belongings, you may want to add insulation to the space. Uninsulated attics can become very hot in the summer or frigidly cold in the winter. These temperature extremes could damage more delicate items.
6. Keep Holiday Items Together
Attics are a logical storage space for holiday items, such as decorations, that you only need to pull out once a year. When organizing your attic, place all your items for each holiday together. This will make it easier to find everything and bring it down when the holiday comes around each year.
7. Install an Attic Fan
Attic fans work to push hot air out and pull cooler air into an attic. This can help maintain a cooler temperature in the space, which can help protect the items you are storing in your attic.
8. Put Up Some Pegboard
When you’re looking for inexpensive and easy-to-install attic ideas, consider putting up some pegboard. Pegboard features evenly-spaced holes that can be used to help keep your attic organized. Simply add a few hooks to the pegboard, and hang smaller items on them to keep them out of the way, yet easy to access when needed.
9. Label Everything
If you don’t want your space to turn into a disorganized mess, incorporating some attic organization ideas is a must. One way to keep your space organized is to use a label maker, like the Brother P-Touch PC Connectable Label Maker, featured in our guide to the best label makers.
Can I Turn My Attic Into Storage Space?
First, you’ll have to make sure you can use your attic for storage. This is a question we need to ask first since some attics don’t make suitable storage spaces. For example, if you have an extremely low-pitched roof, standing up might be impossible. Or your home may be older and need major (and costly) renovations to support a DIY attic storage space. You need to consider several other things, like whether your attic can support a floor. Speaking of which…
How to get the most out of your attic?
To get the most out of your DIY attic storage, you’ll need to spend some time and energy doing it. One thing many homeowners do is rent a storage unit while they’re revamping. That way, they can have access to everything without tripping over stuff, and so forth. A local storage unit is affordable, easy to access, and can hold all sorts of items. Some even use them to store materials that they’ll use for the attic project. (It cuts down on theft from having to leave the building materials outside.)
What to store in attic?
That’s why, if turning attic into storage space is your goal, you should toss a lot of that stuff first. Give your DIY attic storage a good, thorough cleaning , and it will amaze you at how much more space you have up there! It will also make it easier to put in shelves, hang some bars, and so forth!
How to find stuff in the attic?
(Get that utility light!) One of the easiest ways to identify stuff faster is with labels. You can get tags at your local office supply or big-box store in many different sizes. Once you do, you can label everything in the attic to your heart’s content! After that, turn the boxes and bins with the label facing outwards. That way, next time you need something from the attic, finding it will be a breeze!
Can you use plastic shelving in the attic?
After a while, all your floor space gets used up! If you purchase plastic shelving units, however, you increase your storage space substantially. We say plastic shelves because hello – they’re cheap! (It’s the same reason they make skyscrapers in big cities!) Once they’re in place, you can go vertical with all your boxes, books, old toys, and baby things! Plus, it makes it so much easier to find what you’re looking for up there.
Can you store stuff in an attic?
That’s an extra storage space that’s right over your head! The problem, of course, is that attics are usually left unfinished. Sure, you can still store things there, but it can be deceptively tricky. They’ll get dusty and dirty (and maybe even chewed on by critters). Luckily, DIY attic storage isn’t that hard once you know what to do.
Can you put rope lights in the attic?
One of the most significant drawbacks to the attic is that it’s dark up there. Most attics don’t have wiring, so there’s no way to install a light fixture and get some much-needed light. We suggest some rope lights, they’re cheap and look neat! You can plug in the lights downstairs using an extension cord and hang them from the rafters. The extra light will make it much easier to find things, arrange things (and not bonk your head on a beam!).
How to get rid of moisture in roof?
To get rid of the issue, you can reroute the ducts to dump the moisture outside. Condensation on windows, roof sheathing and framing is an indicator of poor ventilation. Leaks around vent pipes, chimneys or any other objects that go through the roof.
What does it mean when your ceiling stains?
Ceiling stains right beneath the attic are a clear sign of a leaky roof.
What happens to roof tiles in the summer?
In the summer, the sun heats up the roof tiles, creating an oven-like environment while in the winter, cold air blows through the vents. If you plan to store any temperature-sensitive items, it’s best to forget about your attic and go for climate-controlled storage space.
What is the floor framing of an attic?
Check the Floor Framing. An attic’s floor structure is also the framing for the ceiling below it, and it’s usually made out of joists. Chances are that the floor won’t be strong enough to support more than one person and heavy furniture. Yet it might be strong enough for typical weight boxes.
Is an attic a good place to store things?
Attics have good potential for storage and are less creepier than basements, though not by much. Yet before you start hauling everything but the kitchen sink up that ladder, you should find out if your attic is up for the task.
Can joists support weight?
Be advised that, while the joists support your weight, the space between them does not . You can circumvent this problem by adding plywood or boards to the joists. Be sure to use screws. Nails can ruin the plaster beneath. The size of the joists dictates how much weight they can support.
Can you block vents in an attic?
And speaking of ventilation, don’t block any of the vents. It will only lead to condensation. While attics can be turned into makeshift storage units, most of them are not suited for large, heavy objects such as furniture or temperature-sensitive items like electronics or documents.
What to store in closet in May?
There's no need, however, to use precious closet space in May on your holiday tree or fall centerpiece. Kitchen supplies: Store pots and pans you rarely use but need to hold on to, like a heavy-duty roasting pan. Also store items such as ceramics, plates, and dish sets for entertaining, unless you frequently entertain.
What is a project bin?
Project bins: Store items together that you use at the same time for projects, including outdoor entertaining and crafting. Again, this will depend on if you craft once every few months, or if it's a daily pastime. Travel items: This includes suitcases, duffel bags, and garment bags.
How to store things in basement?
In the basement, store everything in clear plastic bins, labeled and not packed too heavily. Make sure you can lift the boxes easily; if they happen to tumble over, they shouldn't be heavy enough to hurt anyone. If possible, try to store your items up off the ground to protect them in case the basement does flood.
How big of a hole do mice need?
Mice only need a quarter inch gap or a hole the size of a dime to squeeze inside your basement. And mice love to chew on everything from food packages to valuable keepsakes (not to mention wiring and insulation).
Can you store old photos in the basement?
For those reasons, don't store anything in the basement that can fall victim to the elements. Photographs: If you take the time to store old photos correctly, you can safely store photos in either of these spaces. If not, they could be ruined.
Can you lift a box that tumbles over?
Make sure you can lift the boxes easily; if they happen to tumble over, they shouldn't be heavy enough to hurt anyone. If possible, try to store your items up off the ground to protect them in case the basement does flood.
Is a basement climate controlled?
Basements by design are not climate-controlled. They usually aren't even insulated, which means that their temperatures soar in the summer and plummet in the winter. Plus, even the cleanest, most well-maintained homes are known to have a visit from an insect or mouse every once in a while.
Is it Safe to Store Cardboard Boxes in the Attic?
I would say in most cases you should never use cardboard boxes in the attic. Generally, the conditions in the attic will mean that the carboard will deteriorate, become brittle and fall apart.
What happens when you declutter your attic?
However, when you take the time to declutter your attic, you’ll bring back much-needed space, reduce fire hazards, and you’ll actually be able to start using the things you do keep because you’ll be able to find them.
What does clearing out the attic do?
Clearing out the attic space will allow you to get in and give the area a deep clean. Also, it will enable you can stand back and assess what you want to do with space.
What should be in the attic?
The attic should be used for things that are seasonal and not for everyday items. For example, if you only use that four-pot crockpot warmer in the holidays, it should go in the attic.
What to do once you get everything out of your house?
Once you get everything out, sort it. You’ll want to differentiate a space or boxes for trash, give away, and keep. Some of the things you may decide to keep inside the house instead of in the attic.
How to get rid of dust in a vacuum?
Start by sucking up as much of the dust as possible with a Vaccum cleaner. The vacuum should be fitted with a HEPA filter otherwise the dust will just be blown back into the room.
Why do you put a value on the space you have?
Place a value on the space that you have so that you can determine better what to keep and what to get rid of. There would be no point storing all that furniture in there, for example – even if your granddaddy made it, if you’re not going to use it.
How hot can an attic be without air conditioning?
According to agricultural engineer B.R. Stewart, attics without air conditioning can reach up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit on a hot day.
How hot should a fire extinguisher be stored?
According to fire safety company Kidde, storing one in a space hotter than 120 degrees Fahrenheit can reduce the lifespan of a fire extinguisher—and may even shorten the discharge time.
Why are cardboard boxes in my attic?
Those cardboard boxes stacked up in your attic could become a veritable buffet for mice and bugs if you're not careful. "Pests are attracted to the cardboard and to the glue used in construction of the box," says Santoro. "Boxes also break down and disintegrate, which will attract pests even more."
Why does paint dry out in the attic?
Both heat and cold can change the consistency of paint. And, if the can isn't tightly sealed, high temperatures may cause it to dry out quickly.
What is the best environment for batteries?
According to Duracell, the prime environment for batteries is somewhere dry and room temperature. At high temperatures, like the ones you might find in your attic, batteries can rapidly lose power or may even start leaking, potentially setting you up for a chemical burn.
Can you store wool blankets in the attic?
While your attic may seem like a safe place to keep any sweaters and wool blankets until the winter rolls around, storing them in an attic might eventually render them unusable.
Can you stash candles in the attic?
That emergency stash of candles you've been keeping on hand for blackouts won't do you much good if you stash them in your attic. The above-average temperatures in an unfinished attic during the summer could leave you with a melted mess of wax instead.
Declutter Your Clothes First
You don’t want your attic to become a dumping ground for all the excess clothes you and your family have. The attic space can become cluttered very quickly with unwanted items. Make a decision about whether an item of clothing is worth storing before you start.
Plastic Storage Containers
If you have a lot of clothes to store, invest in large stackable plastic storage containers with tight-fitting lids.
Label Everything
Make sure to label each container or box with the contents, including the season of clothing it contains. This will make it much easier to find what you are looking for when you need it.
Hanging Rails and Garment Bags
If you have a lot of clothes to store, consider investing in some hanging rails. You could hang heavier items like coats and jackets on sturdy rails that will support the weight. For example, a metal pole could be hung between the trusses.
Use Vacuum Sealed Bags
Store folded clothes in vacuum-sealed bags to protect them from, damp dust and pests. I love the ways these vacuum bags will reduce the bulk of your clothes.
Keeping Pests, Moths, and Insects Away from Clothes
Placing mothballs, cedarwood, or moth traps in the areas near your stored clothes will keep away moths and other insects.
Can you Store Clothes in a Hot Attic?
There is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on a number of factors, including the type of clothing, the climate in your area, and how hot your attic gets. In general, I would avoid storing clothes in attics that get too hot.
What to store in attic?
As a very general guide, if the joists are only 2 x 4s, don't plan on storing much in the attic other than very lightweight items; think empty boxes and suitcases. If they are 2 x 6, you can probably get away with some boxes filled with relatively light stuff. Joists that are 2 x 8 or larger can likely support more weight. But in all cases, the strength of the floor is based not only on the size but also the span of the joists, i.e., the distance between the supports below. These include the exterior walls below the floor as well as some of the interior walls that run perpendicular to the joists, called load-bearing walls. You may want to discuss the suitability of your attic framing with a professional contractor.
What is the floor structure of an attic?
The floor structure of an attic is also the framing for the ceiling beneath it. This is made up of ceiling joists, typically 2x6 or larger boards. As long as they are not damaged, the joists should be strong enough to allow you to move around in the attic for an inspection and to provide storage for typical boxed items.
What are trusses in a building?
Trusses are like big, structural triangles that have angled top pieces that serve as rafters, horizontal pieces that serve as floor joists, and interconnecting web pieces that give the triangle strength. The webs usually don't leave much room for storage.
How tall should an attic ceiling be?
Building codes typically require that a finished space have a ceiling height of 7 feet 6 inches over at least half of the available floor space.
What are the problems with attic ventilation?
Attics have poor ventilation, challenged access, low ceilings, excessive heat, electrical issues, fall hazards, and pests. Before assessing your space, be sure to take every safety precaution, such as wearing protective clothing like long pants, shoes, and for truly rough spaces, a hard hat. Read More.
Where do bathroom vents end?
Bathroom vent fans that terminate in the attic ; vent fans pull warm, moist air from your bathroom, and you don't want that in your attic. Reroute the fan duct to the outdoors, either through the roof or a wall.
Can you store suitcases in the attic?
Before you take advantage of this storage space, take some time to assess the potential space—and the potential problems—your attic may hold in store for you.
