The best attic storage tips, plus 20 real-life attic storage ideas you’ve got to see!
Ah, the attic. The dusty, scary space where memories and discarded furniture go to die. If you can relate, this post is going to change your life! Or…at least your attic storage. Same thing, basically.
Whether you have a tiny attic or a generously sized one (lucky!), the space can be one of the toughest to utilize fully. The sloping walls and short ceiling is a design challenge for sure, but thankfully it’s one that can be cracked!
If you’ve ever struggled with knowing what the heck to do with your attic, keep on reading, friend. I’ll show you the way!
Attic Storage Tips & Tricks
Here are some smart tips to get you started on your attic adventure.
- Survey the space. Dress for success (somewhere between a bikini and a hazmat suit) and mosey on up to your attic to survey your space. You will want to dress to protect yourself against any wayward insulation (itchy) or nails (ouch)! Be sure to bring a camera with a good flash so that you can take pictures; you’ll also want measuring tape and a way to jot down dimensions.
- Be prepared. It’s not just a boy scout motto – (or Scar’s Lion King solo) – you definitely want to be prepared before embarking on any attic renovations. We’ve all seen the classic ‘fail’ scene in movies with those preventable attic-falls. You’ll want someone knowledgeable in construction to let you know if your floor joists are prepared to support the increase in foot traffic and weight (storage).
- Consider the temperature. Before retiring items to the attic space, consider if it can withstand (possible) extreme heat or extreme cold. Speaking from experience, I’ve had some wayward Christmas candles melt and ruin an entire box of holiday decor. Even items that won’t “melt” can be weakened or broken by the heat or cold.
- Watch your return on investment (ROI). Carefully plan how much money you will invest in any attic organization renovations; it’s important that you make your space work for you, but it’s also important not to “out spend” your neighborhood. Attic organization is a place where you will want to be strategic with your funds, as it isn’t as likely to have the same ROI as a kitchen or bathroom remodel.
- Never work alone. Yup, just like swimming, you never want to work in an attic alone. There are too many potential hazards to be caught working solo. So, grab a partner, put on some fun music and dance away in the attic (um, you know, once you’ve checked your floor joists for stability!)
Psst…did you know that you can actually finish decluttering fast? If your attic could use some pruning – you’ve got to check out helpful (and free) guide out and get the task done QUICK!
20 Real Home Attic Storage Ideas + Inspiration
These snapshots of a charmed attic life will make you swoon! Bring life, order, and utility to your attic with these fun organizational and reclaiming ideas. Ready to see some of the inspiring attic eye-candy? Check out these clever ideas.
Don’t forget! You can break your decluttering and organizing tasks down into simple, easy chunks here’s how to declutter in 5 minutes or less!
1. Home Office in an Attic | Beth Bryan Designs
Beth Bryan gives us a glimpse into organizational paradise with her custom make-over of unused attic space over her garage. I am now officially inspired to reclaim all of the hidden places in my home.
Custom built-in cabinets gather clutter, while custom cabinet doors keeps it all hidden and neat looking. This previously desolate attic space has been transformed into two useful living areas: a kid zone (toys nestled inside cabinets) as well as a home-office area that is as charming as it is efficient!
2. Attic Storage Ideas to Make of Your Unfinished Space | Rocket Home
Check out this delightful post by Rocket Homes on creating a hospitable, safe attic space. I love how the use of the shared color palette makes the small space seem like an artist’s haven.
My favorite “tip” in this article is to be sure to record everything that you store in the attic. Having an attic-inventory would help prevent buying seasonal duplicates! Yep, I may overindulge seasonally in my past purchasing history…
3. Sloped Ceiling Attic Storage Solution | House Logic
Yessss! House Logic shows how you can reclaim tight spaces like the sloped wall under the attic ceiling. The majority of the small area is enclosed with traditional rectangular-sized storage spaces.
But…I’ve always had a soft spot for awkward people and spaces, so I’m charmed by the way the small, awkward space at the top has become a refuge for wild animals. Corralling all of them into one space is both inclusive and efficient!
4. Attic with Clothing Storage | Shelterness
Shoe-lovers and clothes collectors will hear angels singing when they check out these ideas from Shelterness for transforming “walk-in” attic storage spaces into magazine-worthy walk-in closets.
Need more light? No need to add harsh overhead lighting – take advantage of your proximity to nature’s light and install some skylights or tube lighting (cheaper than skylights!).
5. @orderlyway
The row and rows of pure organization makes my heart swell with appreciation. Check out how all of the boxes are clear, which allows visual access to contents. I love how they are all neatly decked out with labels or symbols.
6. @the_house_of_fitz
This showcases custom-built shelves in a tight corner space. And—bonus!!!—the shelves are camouflaging some unsightly plumbing. Plumbing concealed and storage created.
Classic textbook example of a win, win.
7. @closetcity
I love a good storage island in a kitchen. This walk-in dressing room brings a little of that island feel to the attic space. At first glance, this image made me think of a small boutique. Such a fun idea to bring a little taste of boutique-living into the home with a stylish, well-appointed dressing room!
The use of white brightens up the space and makes the attic area feel larger than it is.
8. @ourlittlevictorianhouse
Custom built-ins not in your budget or wheelhouse? Good news! This instagram share by ourlittlevictorianhouse shows how the ubiquitous IKEA Malm dressers can be used side to side in a row to create the look of built-ins.
The use of white keeps it fresh and modern. Malm doors are easy to open without hardware, but if you wanted to add some bling and flair you could easily invest in some trendy hardware. I like the simplicity (and price point) of going hardware-free, though!
View this post on Instagram
9. Create a Wall of Drawer Storage | The Heathered Nest
First of all, I totally admit that I’m partial to this idea as this is from my own attic. But, I spent years searching for the ideal solution, and I was so freaking pumped when I finally figured it out! I know it may sound dramatic, but it’s true…this system has been life-changing! Watch and see what I mean.
10. @hybridfurniture
Have you, like the entire world, pivoted to working at home more recently? Reclaim attic storage space by transforming it into a workspace!
This Instagram shows how a tiny area under the attic’s slanted wall could easily be a two-person workstation. The pre-drilled hole just above the electric outlet will keep all of technology’s entanglements easily hidden away.
View this post on Instagram
11. Organize your Attic with Color-Coded Bins | Do It On a Dime
Check out this clever attic storage idea highlighted by Do it on a Dime. While this exact product is no longer available, a DIYer could create something similar using plywood.
I love how strategic color choices (color of plastic bins) were used to visually separate the spring, Christmas, winter, fall/Halloween, and summer accessories!
12. Add Tons of Storage on a Budget | James Koorey
Similar to the idea above, this DIY video will show you how to add 60 feet worth of storage for just $60!
It does require a bit of DIY ability, but as you’ll see in the video, it’s a project easy enough for a (teenaged) child!
13. Utilize Ceiling Space | Apartment Therapy
Unsure how to use the awkward, angled storage in your attic? Here’s a super smart idea – simply hang items from the roof! This frees up your floor space for even more items. Literally every square foot matters!
14. DIY Color Block Storage Lockers | Sugar & Cloth
Sugar and Cloth bought wooden cubbies from Amazon. They even came with the gold hooks! She brilliantly customized them with a color palette that is VERY easy on the eyes using chalk paint.
This storage idea is easy to adapt to attic organization as it could make use of the vertical space on the sloped attic-walls. I love how the colors are trendy – making the storage system seem grown up, not ‘childish’ like primary colors might convey.
It would be easy to take organizational advantage of the tall cubbies by stacking several clear, small storage containers within each cubby. And the hooks would be perfect for storing/hanging out of season wreaths, too! Gift wrapping supplies could easily take over a good section of these, too, as the larger cubby would allow for gift wrapping rolls to stand up, keeping the paper crinkle-free.
15. @getitdonebystephanie
Here is a brilliantly simple, budget-friendly attic storage idea that made smack my forehead and wonder why I didn’t think of this! Rather than try to find space for seasonal clothing under the bed or in your closet, why not grab an inexpensive rolling clothes cart, and hang jackets and other seasonal wares there?
16. Hinged Rafter Storage Bin | The Family Handyman
Use the empty space between your rafters with this hinged rafter bin found at The Family Handyman. The tutorial is pretty short, so it may require some DIY flair, but I could see modifying this concept and making it lighter weight (and perhaps easier) using plastic bins, or even a laundry basket with simple hooks installed in the rafter.
17. DIY Attic Stairs Dumbwaiter Idea | Instructables
Storing heavy items in an attic is not a good idea unless you’re sure that the structure can handle the weight. But if yours can, then creating a DIY dumbwaiter system can be a great way to haul those items up and down while saving your back!
Plus, it kind of makes you feel like you’re living in a modern Downton Abbey…maybe kinda sorta if you REALLY stretch your imagination.
18. Rafter Space Storage Shelving | The Family Handyman
Shown as #36 in this ideas roundup post, this rafter space shelving idea is a great one for people with level attic rafters. If your rafters are sloped, this could still work if you lower one side with some simple engineering, chain, even zip ties if you don’t plan to store anything heavy up top.
19. Holiday Decor Organizing Ideas in the Attic | Worthing Court
Lastly, do you lack a dedicated craft storage zone in your home? If so, definitely check out Suzy’s attic from Worthing Court. I especially love how she organizes and stores her wreaths and garlands.
So, there you have it! Are you ready to tackle the attic?
If you’re on the lookout for other storage and organizing ideas, be sure to check out these articles, too!
Feeling particularly inspired after seeing all these attic storage ideas? Keep the momentum going and continue decluttering around your home. It’s easy and can be done in just minutes – grab your free quickstart list to get started!
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