Extra storage is frequently in short supply in a home or apartment. There isn’t enough closet space, and you must utilize every inch to the maximum potential. If you have extra attic or basement storage, it’s vital to make good use of it. You can ensure a clean and organized house by learning exactly what to keep in your attic and basement storage.
Storing items in the attic and basement can help clear out clutter and make more space in your home. It can also be helpful to have a designated place for seasonal items. Storing items in the attic is considered more effective than storing them in the garage or basement. The attic is less humid, and it’s easier to keep pests out.
However, if the basement is the only extra storage space you have, don’t worry. There are still plenty of items you can store there. To make life easier for yourself, consider how heavy your boxes will be when they’re full. Lifting them one at a time is more difficult than lifting multiple small items simultaneously; you should think about this while packing.
Regardless of where your extra storage is, keep everything accessible and organized. Label your boxes, and make sure you know what’s in each one. This way, when you need to grab something in a hurry, you won’t have to spend time sorting through unlabeled boxes.
What to Store
Even if you believe you can store anything in your attic or basement, some goods are better suited for these locations. Consider storing items in the attic or basement that you only need to use once a year or rarely so that they’re not taking up valuable space in your home year-round.
- Holiday decorations such as a Christmas tree, lights, ornaments, and wreaths; Halloween costumes and decorations; Easter eggs and baskets; and basically any other holiday-specific items that you only use once per year can all be stored in the attic or basement.
- Seasonal clothing such as winter coats, boots, and hats; summer dresses and swimsuits; and fall and spring jackets can also be stored in the attic or basement when they’re not being used.
- Out-of-season sports equipment is another great item to store in the attic or basement. If you don’t need your skis or snowboard in the summer, there’s no reason they should be taking up space in your closet.
- Extra furniture or appliances that you only use on a temporary basis can also be stored in the attic or basement. A fold-out couch for guests, an extra refrigerator for a party, or even that treadmill you never use but don’t want to get rid of can all be safely stowed away until they’re needed again.
- Travel items like luggage, camping gear, and beach umbrellas can also be stored in the attic or basement when they’re not being used. These bulky items can be difficult to store elsewhere, and they’re not used often enough to warrant taking up valuable space in your home.
What Not to Store
Basements are not climate-controlled, which means that the temperatures can be really high or low during different times of the year. This can damage your belongings, so it’s important not to store any items in the basement that extreme temperatures could harm.
Items that should not be stored in the attic or basement include:
- Photographs, paintings, or any other valuable art since they can easily be damaged by humidity, temperature changes, and pests.
- Electronics such as computers, TVs, or stereos since they can be damaged by moisture.
- Flammable materials such as gasoline, paint, or oil, as well as items that are sensitive to temperature changes such as wine, beer, or candles.
- Important documents such as birth certificates, passports, or social security cards should definitely not be stored in the attic or basement. These items can easily be ruined by water damage, pests, or high humidity levels.
- Musical instruments should also not be stored in the attic or basement, as they can be damaged by temperature and humidity changes.
Storage Tips for the Attic and Basement
- Label your boxes, and make sure you know what’s in each one. This way, when you need to grab something in a hurry, you won’t have to spend time sorting through unlabeled boxes.
- Wrap items in bubble wrap or acid-free tissue paper, and pack them into sturdy boxes that won’t collapse. This will help protect your belongings from damage.
- Make sure to store flammable materials, electronics, and important documents properly to avoid damage.
- Keep an inventory of what you’ve stored in the attic and basement, and update it regularly. This will help you keep track of what’s in each location and ensure that you don’t lose anything.
- Pack heavy items on the bottom of boxes and lighter items on top. This will help keep your boxes from becoming too heavy to lift.
Leave a Reply