Maximizing Space: Attic Storage Ideas for Every Home

In many homes, the attic either goes unused or underutilized for storage. It makes perfect sense: People shy away from using it – or using it in the best way – because of fluctuations in temperature or difficulty getting access. For some, however, it can be a great space to hold overflow items, seasonal décor, and more.

If you’re wondering, “How can I make my attic usable for storage?” we’ve got attic storage ideas galore to help contain the chaos. Keep scrolling for our tips on what to store – and how to organize it – in your attic and when your best bet is to move it to a self-storage unit. 

Unlocking Hidden Storage in Your Attic

Attics can be the perfect place to keep excess items out of the way. On the other hand, they can be too hot or too cold due to lack of insulation, filled with pests or rodents, or unusable due to lack of flooring. The good news is that for those who do have access to a safe and stable spot and are wondering how to utilize it best, there are plenty of DIY attic storage ideas to choose from. It all depends on what you’re storing and how often you want to access it.   

Seasonal Decorations

Holiday lights, seasonal furniture, artificial trees, and other décor pieces are wonderful to have when they’re needed – and a pain to store when they’re not. A finished or unfinished attic is the perfect place for these types of goods in the off-season because many of them are built for the outdoors and can withstand temperature and humidity fluctuations. However, you definitely need climate-controlled storage to protect your more delicate or heirloom holiday ornaments.   

Off-Season Clothing

When not in use, off-season clothing can make even the most organized closet spaces seem crowded and disorganized. Lists of finished attic storage ideas often include using the space to install clothing racks or bars to hang items from. Another option is to pack them away in stackable, well-labeled boxes or bins. One note of caution: cardboard can damage delicate fabrics over long periods of time and attracts pests, so opt for plastic when possible. Cardboard also won’t protect your items as well from leaky roofs!

DIY Attic Storage Ideas to Maximize Space

With a little elbow grease and a few smart purchases, you can turn finished and unfinished attic storage ideas into reality. If any of the ones listed below seem like too much effort, we recommend hiring a handyman to take on the heavy lifting. While we can’t answer the question “What is the best storage system for an attic?” in every instance, we can offer common suggestions that might be a perfect fit for your space.

Install Built-In Shelving

Built-ins can either be fully custom or use components from the Container Store, Amazon, or similar retailers to create a solution that fits both your space and your budget. Unfinished (or secondhand) pre-built wooden cabinets are also a good choice that can be easily decorated. Whichever route you decide to take, the first step should be to plan the layout for maximum results. If you already know exactly what you’ll be storing, this should be relatively easy. If you’re building just to have storage options available as needed, however, you may want to leave some areas open to match your future needs.

Utilize Rolling Storage Bins

Clear, rolling storage bins can make accessing your items quickly and safely a breeze. Since stacking wheeled bins can be difficult, another option is to put your containers on a “tote dolly” that can be used as needed. Of course, your attic floor will need to be smooth enough as to not cause a hazard, so may need some sanding or repairs to make the “roll out” of your new bins a success.  

Hang Hooks for Vertical Storage

Hooks are a great way to take advantage of vertical space. They’re also easy to install and can generally hold a fair number of items. Make sure to read all the instructions carefully and abide by the weight limits in order to get the best use out of them. If you’re using hooks to hang clothing, try garment bags rather than plastic dry cleaning bags. The latter can trap moisture and are not meant for long-term storage.

Create a Cozy Reading Nook with Storage

One of our favorite finished attic storage ideas is to build out a private reading area with built-in storage for books or other items. In a finished attic, you also have the luxury of choosing open storage solutions (like baskets and shelves) for easier access. Add pillows and blankets and you’ll have a perfect getaway spot to enjoy private moments with a good read.

When to Opt for a Storage Unit

Even for those with ample attic storage space, a self-storage unit can make more sense in certain circumstances. For one, it forces you to sort through the pieces and think about what you want to keep rather than shoving everything into an open spot in your home to deal with later. The process of moving items can also unearth some treasures that you may have forgotten about. In any event, give careful consideration to what you’re storing, how much room it takes up, and how often you’ll need it when deciding between the two options. 

Climate-Sensitive Items

If your attic is unfinished or under-insulated, it can experience great fluctuations in temperature and humidity. What shouldn’t you store in an attic? Anything that could be damaged by poor climate control – from the obvious to the not so obvious (electronics, glassware, art, etc.). When in doubt, choose climate-controlled storage to ensure your valuables are as protected as possible whether inside your home or in a rental unit.

Excessively Bulky Items

There are some things that are just a hassle to store in an organized fashion. Artificial Christmas trees, sporting equipment like surfboards and skis, and garden equipment and tools. These items take up a lot of space, don’t need to be used very often, and aren’t easy to consolidate without specialized racks or bins – making them perfect for self-storage options. 

Accessibility

Many attics are hard to access. Climbing a ladder with items you wish to store – or tools and materials to build-out proper storage – can be a pain both literally and figuratively. Alternatively, many storage facilities offer drive-up units, elevators, and dollies to make moving your pieces a snap. If your attic is hard to access, it will make getting your items out when you need them even more of a chore.

Business Inventory

It’s a good idea to store your business inventory in a climate-controlled environment like self-storage. Inventory is hard to replace and important to your livelihood. Storing it in your attic, where it may be subject to temperature changes, leaks, and other climate factors might be risky. A climate-controlled storage unit at CubeSmart may offer features like drive-up access and gated facilities for extra ease and peace of mind when it comes to your goods.                    

Attic storage can be an easy and cost-effective option, but you need to make the effort to make sure that what you’re storing will be protected and accessible. If not, it’s time to consider the alternatives. Stop by your local CubeSmart to tour some units and discuss the options with a staff member who can offer recommendations specific to your needs and wants.