Attic Storage Tips from Expert NYC Movers
If you just moved into a new home with an attic, now is the time to make use of the storage space it has to offer. You might be tempted to just throw things up there when they aren’t being used, but in the long run, optimizing your attic for storage will help you keep a cleaner, neater, and more organized home. Shleppers moving service in New York City recommends you try these five things to make the most of your attic space.
Assess Attic Safety
The very first thing you need to do before using your attic as storage space is to make sure it’s safe and accessible. Many attics are unfinished and can be dangerous. The floors might not be sturdy, nails could be sticking out, you might have a leaky roof, or you could have a pest problem. Identify any issues you have and how they can be fixed before doing anything else.
Get Creative with Storage
Don’t resort to stacking boxes upon boxes on top of each other. Start with shelving. You can get creative and build your own shelves, or you can simply purchase lightweight wire shelving. You might also want to store some items in cabinets, so that is an option to keep in mind as well. For vertical storage, you can install hooks into the rafters. This will allow you to hang items instead of trying to stuff them into boxes or leaving them lying on the floor.
Protect Your Belongings
Because attics are often uninsulated and unheated, they will reach freezing temperatures in the winter and boiling hot temperatures in the summer. Some of your belongings might not do well in these extreme temperatures. This might include books, photos, electronics, instruments, DVDs, and artwork. If you want to store these items in your attic, look into getting insulation and ventilation to help regulate the temperature in your attic. When storing clothing in your attic, make sure to put articles of clothing in bags or an otherwise sealed container to prevent insects and other pests from getting in.
Get Organized
Some items go into the attic with the intention of never being used again while others are more likely to be used seasonally. To make accessing what you need easier, be strategic with how you organize your items. Start by identifying which items you’ll be using the most and group those together in an area closer to the entrance of your attic. Everything else can be stored further back. It can also be helpful to get storage containers that are clear so you can easily see what’s inside of them. If you don’t do this, it’s a good idea to label your boxes or containers so you know what’s in them.
Make a Floor Plan
To take your organization a step further, create a floor plan to clearly indicate what is stored where. This can be especially helpful if you plan on storing a lot of items in your attic, and if your attic is really spacious. You might think you’ll remember where you’re putting everything now, but you’ll thank yourself later when you can quickly glance at your floor plan to see exactly where something is.
NYC Moving Company Shleppers is Here to Help!
Do you need help moving into your new house? You don’t have to do it alone. Shleppers is an expert when it comes to moving in NY, so don’t hesitate to call us for your moving and storage needs. You can reach us at 800-847-4537 or fill out a free no-obligation quote here.