Organizing an Attic
One of the areas in a home that can be overlooked is the attic. The idiom, out of sight out of mind, may hold true when talking about putting stuff in the attic.
Since the attic is not a place that I venture into frequently, it can easily be neglected and stuff can accumulate over time. I’ve been guilty of unloading stuff at the landing of the stairs (and on the stairs) to the attic just to get things out of sight. This isn’t unneeded stuff but items that are to be returned or newly stored in the attic. Yes, the things eventually make it up the stairs when I have time. But as long as the items are behind the closed door, I feel good that the clutter is no longer in the living space. Eventually, that nagging feeling comes and I’m reminded of what’s behind the door. I can’t stand it anymore – time to organize!
Items I keep in the attic are used infrequently and I find storing them there works well. Things that reside in my attic are art/craft material, party supplies, holiday decorations, gift wrapping supplies, luggage, small electrical appliances, glassware, and memorabilia. I also have many books in the attic. Now some of these I can probably get rid of especially since I have a Nook tablet.
Just like any other space, attics should periodically be purged of unneeded items. Things that are kept should be properly stored in the attic for their protection yet easily identifiable and accessible. Here are some storage methods that I use when organizing my attic:
Clear, plastic storage containers are invaluable. I like to use these containers because they come in various sizes and are clear so I can see what’s inside. They’re also available in translucent or solid colors to allow for a color-coded system. Many types of things can be stored in these containers. If I use either the clear or color containers, I always label so I know exactly what’s inside. Labeling also helps other family members find things easily.
Multiple drawer rolling carts are good too. I like to use these to hold party decorations, as well as, gift wrapping and craft supplies. I label each drawer. I actually have two of these carts positioned one in front of the other to save space. And because they are on casters, I can easily move one to get to the other. Like the plastic containers, these are also available in colors.
Cardboard boxes – oh, no! I very seldom store anything in cardboard boxes. And when I do, it’s only for short-term storage. Cardboard boxes are not air tight; therefore, moisture, bugs and dust can get inside. Over time, cardboard boxes weaken and eventually will break down and bust open.
Small bookcases or free-standing shelf units for the light load. I have a small bookcase in the attic that’s quite handy to hold many items that I necessarily don’t need to containerize. It also adds a little flair to the space to have some items on display. I chose not to put the books that I have stored in the attic on this bookcase because they are already packed in boxes and I plan to donate them.
Wall shelving for the heavy load. To hold the heavier load of packed items, I use the wooden shelving that’s installed along one wall in my attic. Many of the plastic containers are stacked here. This shelving definitely frees up floor space.
Pegboards, hooks, nails and screws for hanging. I use these materials when I have something I want to hang – like wreaths, party garland or gift bags. These items are delicate and could get crushed if packed away. Items are hung on the installed pegboard or from nails or hooks that are inserted into the wall studs.
Trash bin repurposed. I find an unused (tall) wastebasket works great to hold rolls of wrapping paper. I also use one of those Rubbermaid gift wrap containers. The wastebasket is for additional rolls of wraps.
Rolling garment rack (with cover) creates extra closet. A garment rack is excellent to rotate out-of-season clothing. I like to free up closet space by storing bulky winter coats in the attic. Clothing is enclosed by the cover and is protected from dust and bugs. And because the rack has casters, moving it is easy.
Space Bags condense clothing for storage. I use Space Bags to store summer clothes like shorts and tops. Things I don’t want wrinkled, I leave hanging in a closet. It’s amazing each time to see things shrink down as the air is sucked out of the bag by the vacuum. The packed bags can either go on a closet shelf or in the attic. Space Bags create an air tight, vacuum seal around the contents. Therefore, clothing is protected from dust and bugs while stored in the attic. Space Bags are also ideal for storing bulky items like comforters.
Zoning helps. An essential tip for organizing an attic is to have items in zones. I group related things together and store them in the same area (zone). For instance, there’s a zone for Christmas, travel, arts & crafts, and gift wrapping. This concept can also be used to set up zones for each family member. Items for each person are stored in separate areas, and household and miscellaneous items are in general zones.
Reminder. I’m careful of storing items that require a climate controlled environment. My attic, like many others, is cold in the winter and hot in the summer. So I never store candles there. Certain craft supplies like paint, glue or anything with adhesives I also don’t store in the attic.
An organized attic is a wonderful thing. Organizing rids our home, as well as, our minds of clutter.
