How to Organize the Attic

As any curious 8-year-old can tell you, the attic is a cool place to find
all sorts of treasures. Others value attics for storing items that aren't
needed every day. Just remember not to keep candles, electronics,
delicate fabrics, photographs or other heat-sensitive items there: The
temperature in an attic can be 40 degrees F (more than 4 C) hotter
than the rest of the house.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Getting it ready

1. Check for signs of rodent infestation. Schedule an appointment with an exterminator to discuss how to get rid of the problem.

2. Nail 3⁄4-inch (2 cm) sheets of plywood or fiberboard between the joists to create a floor, if there isn't one already. Each sheet should span at least three joists to distribute the weight. Make sure your ceiling joists are strong enough to support what you're storing. If there's any doubt in your mind, check with a contractor or engineer.

3. Rig a pull-down staircase or ladder to allow easy access.

4. Install battery-powered lights if the attic isn't wired, and lubricate the attic fan motor and bearings.

Organizing it

5. Read 37 Conquer Clutter and 12 Get Rid of What You Don't Want. Haul out everything that's just collecting dust.

6. Set aside a day and enlist a family member to sort through heirloom treasures. Limit the time you indulge in "remember whens" in order to get through all the items.

7. Store items around the perimeter so that you maintain a clear path to them (see 128 Store Anything). Make sure that nothing blocks air vents or disturbs insulation.

8. Group items together, such as all the seasonal decorations or hand-me-down clothes, so that they'll be easier to locate. See 139 Store Out-of-Season Clothes and 135 Organize Gift Wrap and Seasonal Decorations.

9. Get creative with storage solutions. Install bars between rafters to hang clothes. Hang hooks and build shelving.

10. Cover any stored furniture with old bed sheets to protect it from dust, nicks and sunlight.

11. Post a list of contents tied to a floor plan near the attic door, and update it when you take things down or add more items.

Tips & Warnings

• If you find mice in your attic, plug their entry holes with steel wool. They can't chew through it. An exterminator will have even more tips.
• Ordinary cardboard, paper, metal and wood can deteriorate fabric and should not come in direct contact with textile items. See 140 Store Your Wedding Dress and Other Textiles.
• The acid in unsealed cedar chests is especially harmful to cotton, linen and rayon. Use a polyurethane varnish to seal wood that comes in contact with textiles.
• Plastic bags and boxes should not be used for storing garments and other cloth items. They seal moisture inside, prevent air from circulating and may give off by-products as they decompose.
• Insulate the attic before you start to use it for storage. Wear long sleeves, pants, a hat and safety glasses when you work with fiberglass insulation and take a hot shower afterward.