Your Complete Guide to Attic Storage
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Is it Safe to Store Items in the Attic?
Storage is often at a premium in our homes, so we are tempted to take advantage of every bit of space we have, including the attic. When you’re organizing your home or getting in the spring-cleaning mood, it’s very tempting to put off the decision-making process (should I keep or discard this?) by stashing items in your attic. Out-of-sight, out-of-mind, right? Well, not really because you know what’s up in your attic even if you can’t quite find that one particular item you’re looking for.
But if you really care about your items and want to keep them for generations to come, then you should be packing away these keepsakes to keep them from deterioration, especially since attics aren’t usually temperature- and pest-controlled spaces. Be sure to declutter items as you’re improving your attic storage. No need to store items you don’t actually want to keep.
What NOT to Store in Your Attic
Wood and upholstered furniture. Did you know that mold can grow on wood furniture? Mattresses, stuffed animals, decorative pillows, and area rugs are all susceptible to moisture. Either use these items in the main part of your home or give them away to someone who will use them.
Delicate fabrics. Fabrics such as silk, wool and linen are a prime location for a moth infestation. These fabrics should be kept in a closet in the main part of your home that is temperature controlled. Similarly, sentimental items such as wedding or christening gowns should be professionally cleaned and then stored in your closet in a main part of the house.
Flammable items. From candles (which melt in the heat) to chemicals like paint, turpentine, and propane, don’t be tempted to store chemicals and flammable items in your attic. Chemicals should be stored in cooler locations such as your basement or garage.
Important papers. Whether birth certificates, taxes from the last few years, photos, or medical records, keep in mind that both heat and moisture are not friends to these items and can permanently damage them. If you must store them in the attic, be sure to put them in a tightly sealed container to keep out bugs and water.
Electronics. Extreme heat and moisture can easily destroy the wiring and computer systems in electronics. While you’re at it, don’t keep DVDs, CDs, records, or hard drives in your attic either.
Paintings and antiques. A good rule of thumb to follow is that if it’s sentimental, can’t be replaced and very valuable, then don’t store it in your attic where it can be ruined by moisture and pests.
Food. Generally speaking, edibles of any kind should not be kept in your attic. For one thing, they will likely attract pests even if stored in sealed plastic containers. And out-of-site really is out-of-mind. Will you remember what food items are stored in your attic? Probably not.
Cardboard boxes. Overtime not only can cardboard disintegrate, they are an easy target for mice and other critters to investigate. If you are going to store items, use plastic bins with tops that attach securely.
What can you store in your attic?
Plenty of items including dishware, pots and pans, holiday decorations, suitcases, outdoor furniture, and items you’ll be using in the next few weeks. Use your own common sense about what can be safely stored in your attic, and you’ll be well on your way to protecting the items and keeping them for future generations. Store like items together in clear plastic bins and be sure to label each bin on the outside so you don’t have to search for long when you are looking for a particular item stored in the attic.
More Organizing Ideas
Need even more ideas on how to organize your home? Living. Simplified. is ready to help. Take a look at these blog posts or send us an email at lauren@livingsimplified.net and we can work together to reach your organizing and decluttering goals:
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