Attics come in all shapes and sizes, but they usually all have one thing in common. They are filled with junk. So it makes sense that the organization of your attic is not on the top of your mind. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a clutter-free, organized attic that maybe you won’t dread going into.
1. Set aside a bit of time for the attic clean-out.
2. The first step for an attic is not to remove everything, but to set up different zones to group like items – for instance, holiday decorations, paperwork, books, photographs, clothing, etc. Just grouping items together and combining boxes, bags, and eliminating packing material will save you a ton of space right off the bat.
3. Over the next few weeks, set aside a few hours a week to go through your zones and further organize, sorting everything in each zone into piles to keep, donate/sell, and trash. Keep items that are used more frequently closer to the entryway.
4. Store your items in sturdy plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes. Label everything so you know exactly what is in each container at a glance. Keep in mind that is it not necessary to fill every container – having some extra space leaves room for future growth.
5. As a rule, store items along the eaves of the attic, leaving a pathway down the middle of the attic. This is not only safer but more practical as well. Also, be sure not to stack items near air vents or anywhere that will disturb insulation.
6. When storing clothes, use vacuum bags to save space. These bags also keep the clothes smelling fresh as the day you washed them!
7. Once you’ve finished organizing the attic, set a calendar reminder to revisit and re-access the attic one year from today.
