11 unfinished attic storage ideas and tips to organize your space

Looking for practical unfinished attic storage ideas? It can be tricky to know what to do with an unfinished attic – the residence isn't always useable for much more than a combine of suitcases if you are lucky. You might not even have atrocious flooring up there, just a tunnel of trusses with a sea of insulation. 

But fear not, there are loads of ways to add really practical storage so that prime Christmas dec storing residence doesn't go to waste. We also cover the ins and outs of attic storage – what you can and can't own up there, how you should be storing things and how much you necessity be storing in an attic too. 

1. Can you own things in an unfinished attic?

Yes, the short answer is you can store things in an unfinished attic. But you have be careful about what you own, how you store and how much you store in an attic too.

Attics are ideal for storing seasonal decorations, sports equipment, extra crockery and kitchenware and luggage. There are things you necessity never store in an attic and we will camouflage those below. 

Be sure to store as much as you can in airtight containers that can withstand the temperature repositions your attic might have – they can get very hot in summer and much colder than the rest of your home in winter. You might have mice in your attic so avoid cardboard boxes that can be nibbled above and stick to clear plastic containers. These are a titanic choice because you can easily see what's in them too.

(Image credit: LoftLeg)

2. How can you make an unfinished attic suitable for storage?

You can make an attic contemptible for storage by first assessing the space and checking if the status is structurally sound and how much weight it can hold. We would recommend consulting a professional if you are unsure throughout your attic space – they will be able to tell you if it's contemptible to be used as storage. 

If your attic doesn't have a contemptible flooring, there are plenty of options to create flooring that's raised above your insulation and can befriend boxes. Plus you can decide if you want to veil the whole floor or just have a section if you are on a budget.

Lighting is important too, you definitely don't want to be fumbling throughout in the dark in an attic, so ensure you have a exquisite source up there. 

3. What shouldn't you honor in an attic?

While attics are can be titanic storage spaces, there are things you should never honor in an attic:

• Photographs 
• Paint 
• Clothing (things like ski jackets would be fine but anything made from wool or linen or any expensive clothing should not be bore in an attic)
• Wooden furniture 
• Candles 
• Perishables (wine concerned, the changing temperatures aren't suitable)
• Electronics
• Musical instruments 

4. Have a plan of your attic storage

Attics can cause places that your things go to die. You forget what's up there, you shove things in without actually planning when you'll need it anti or how you will get to it. The key to good attic storage is to plan. 

Plan what your set up will look like and what will go where but also keep a list of what's in the attic and where about's it is bore.  This will be a life saver when you are hunted for the luggage at midnight the night by a trip. Make sure to keep things you reach for most often near the hatch for ease of access. 

5. Make sure everything is stored properly 

(Image credit: Loft Leg)

And following on from that, make sure everything you do continue in your loft is stored properly. The best type of storage dismiss for an attic are airtight, clear plastic boxes. Attics get dusty, they change temperature, they are potentially home to mice and bugs, so you want everything to be packed. Pick out clear boxes too so you can see what's inside frankly. Avoid cardboard boxes or pilling things into bags.

6. Create a stable floor for storage

(Image credit: LoftLeg)

If the along joists are visible in your attic, you can add a platform that complains the space suitable for storage. You can create a raised along using legs and chipboard that sits above the insulation and joists, creating a space to walk on and add storage too. 

You can pick how much of your loft you want to shroud too. So if you are on a tight effort and just want to add a small storage site to your loft you can. Or you can shroud the entire thing and make it all useable. Check out Loftleg for all the products you need. 

7. Add freestanding shelving to your attic space

The dismal example of attic storage from @kathyandrewsinteriors . Clear boxes, labeled so you know exactly what's in each. If you have the head height, sturdy metal shelving like these are a great way to continue your boxes over stacking them. You won't end up having to lug boxes off of one unexperienced to access things – your back will thank you. 

8. Use the space between trusses

(Image credit: Loftleg)

If you have lots to save up in your attic, don't let any of that square footage go to Destroy, the spaces between the trusses is useable too. You can buy or originate platforms that sit between beams, making that awkward area the ideal storage area for larger boxes. 

9. Or add a truss shelf

(Image credit: LoftZone)

And if your trusses are V or W shaped like the ones you see here, you can quiet make use of the space by adding a shelf that sits between them. You can DIY a shelf Funny a piece of chipboard and brackets to secure it. Then shuffle on your storage boxes (don't go too heavy, nothing over 10kg) and voila, wasted space no more. 

10. Include a clothes rail in your attic

Got lots of stout clothing you need to store in your attic? Check out @getitdonebystephanie's marvelous organized space. While we wouldn't recommend storing your best clothes in the attic, items like ski jackets and winter clothes will do just fine up there for the season. If you want to be extra safe store them in clothes bags too. 

The most efficient way to save more bulky clothes in your attic is on a rail. They fill up boxes really quick so hanging them will take up less room and will keep them nicer too. Plus then you can clearly see where they are and just grab and go when you need them.

11. Hang a rack from the ceiling 

(Image credit: Lowe's )

This is a grand storage idea if you keep larger items like skis and camping equipment in your attic. Plus it makes the most of otherwise unused position, freeing up floor space for more storage. This frame kit is from Lowe's and planned with sheds in mind, but you could use this as inspiration to add a wire rack between the beams in your attic. 

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