Constructing attic storage will help organize your entire house.
Creating well-planned attic storage will help you reduce clutter. Items you store in the basement or bedroom closets, for example, might go into attic space. By developing a detailed plan, you can figure store items for easy access. You don't want to pack items into attic storage without a plan for locating them. Go over home design books to get ideas for shelving or cabinetry that you find appealing. Does this Spark an idea?
Look for Wasted Space
Attic space provides interesting options. You can use areas under the eaves close to the attic floor to create shelves, for example. A sloping wall below shoulder height is a good place to put a hanging rod for winter coats in plastic zippered bags. Design the storage space around clothing, furniture or tools you will store there.
Make Necessary Repairs
Check the attic for needed repairs. Roof leaks, plumbing leaks and electrical problems will need attention. Exposed wires running along attic floor rafters and water stains on wood indicate these issues need corrective measures. Weak floor joists will need replacing right away.
Correct Risky Problems
Examine all safety issues. Birds building nests too close to wiring can signal a possible fire risk. Cover all outside vents with screening to keep birds out. Rats can get into attic space and chew insulation off wires as well. You will need to build secure storage areas, so that clothes will not touch wiring, for example. An attic needs proper ventilation and insulation for year-round storage, too, according to Bob Vila. Overheating of clothing, for example, can cause a house fire.
Create Easy Access
Plan attic access. You may need to widen attic stairs already in place. Or, you can install a pull-down set of ladder steps. It's much easier to complete the access before you start constructing new flooring, closets or shelving in the attic. You will need to carry lumber and plywood to the attic via the access stairs.
Devise a Clear Layout
A well-planned storage layout system is necessary. By building storage shelves, cabinets, upright closets and hanging sections, your attic will serve your needs well over time. Closets made of plywood and chests of drawers purchased at close-out sales will hold a lot of items. A detailed plan should include hanging space, shelves and some closeable doors. Some doors might have locks with keys, if you will store important paperwork there, for example.
Organize the Construction
An orderly building plan will help. Install the access stairs and begin framing the attic space. It helps to build solid flooring before you add closets or shelving. Being able to move about freely is important. You will need some work space on the floor below, but you will also need some room to store wood and building supplies in one corner of the attic.
Keep the Work Orderly
Complete one section at a time. Build a long row of shelves under eaves below knee level. Next, construct a couple of closets along an end wall. Hanging rod space might come last. Don't skip about, or you will feel stressed in completing the project. It may be uncomfortably cold or hot in the attic work space, so you want to finish the construction in manageable steps.
Tags: will need, attic space, attic storage, into attic, will help
