Attic Storage: Complete Guide
Your attic offers hundreds of square feet of storage potential—but extreme temperatures and access challenges require careful planning. Learn how to use this space safely.
Quick Answer
Attics are great for holiday decorations, luggage, and durable items in airtight plastic containers. Never store electronics, photos, candles, or anything heat-sensitive—attics can reach 150°F in summer.
⚠️ Attic Safety First
- • Walk only on joists or installed flooring—never step between them
- • Watch for nails protruding from roof
- • Use proper lighting (headlamp or work lights)
- • Don't block soffit vents or cover insulation
- • Check weight limits before storing heavy items
In This Guide
1. Assessing Your Attic
Before storing anything, evaluate your attic's suitability:
Check These First
- Flooring: Are there floor boards or just exposed joists? You need a solid walking surface.
- Access: Pull-down stairs, scuttle hole, or walk-in? This affects what you can store.
- Height: Can you stand? Crouch? Crawl only? Measure clearance.
- Insulation: Is it on the floor (common) or roof (finished attic)? Don't compress floor insulation.
- Ventilation: Are soffit vents and ridge vents clear? Blocking them causes moisture problems.
- Leaks: Look for water stains on rafters or sheathing. Fix any leaks before storing.
Temperature Reality
Attic temperatures can range from 150°F+ in summer to below freezing in winter.This extreme swing limits what you can safely store. If your attic is insulated at the roofline (not the floor), temperatures are more moderate.
2. Preparing Your Attic for Storage
Install Flooring
If your attic only has exposed joists:
- Plywood sheets: 1/2" or 3/4" plywood across joists. Most common DIY option.
- Attic flooring panels: Raised panels that don't compress insulation. $3-5/sq ft.
- OSB (oriented strand board): Cheaper than plywood, works fine for storage.
Add Lighting
- Battery-powered motion lights: Easy, no wiring
- Pull-chain bulb fixture: Simple installation
- LED shop lights: Bright, low heat
3. What to Store in Attics
Rule of thumb: If it can handle a hot car in summer and a cold garage in winter, it can probably go in the attic.
✅ Good for Attics
- • Holiday decorations (plastic, not candles)
- • Luggage and travel bags
- • Camping/outdoor gear
- • Seasonal clothing (in airtight containers)
- • Plastic storage bins
- • Sports equipment
- • Extra bedding (in sealed bags)
- • Books (in sealed containers)
❌ Never in Attics
- • Electronics (heat destroys circuits)
- • Photographs (curl, fade, stick together)
- • Candles (will melt)
- • Vinyl records (warp)
- • Paint/aerosols (fire hazard)
- • Wine (temperature swings)
- • Important documents
- • Leather goods (crack and dry)
4. What NOT to Store (Detailed)
- Anything irreplaceable: Family photos, heirlooms, documents—keep in climate control
- Wood furniture: Extreme temps cause warping, cracking
- Musical instruments: Wood and glue don't survive temperature swings
- Artwork: Canvas warps, paint cracks
- Food: Attracts pests, spoils quickly
- Makeup/cosmetics: Heat destroys formulations
- Batteries: Can leak or explode in heat
5. Organization Systems
Container Strategy
- Clear plastic bins: See contents, stackable, waterproof
- Same-size bins: Stack efficiently, maximize space
- Label everything: Top AND side labels so you can read them stacked
- Heavy items: Place on bottom, accessible areas
- Seasonal rotation: Put current season's items near the access point
Layout Tips
- Create a "main aisle" for access
- Group items by category (holiday, sports, seasonal)
- Keep frequently accessed items near the entrance
- Don't stack higher than you can safely reach
- Leave space around vents and HVAC equipment
6. Improving Attic Access
Pull-Down Stairs
$150-400 installed. Most common solution. Look for insulated doors.
Attic Lift
$500-2000. Motorized platform lifts heavy items. Great for frequent use.
Wider Opening
Consider enlarging a small scuttle hole for easier access to larger items.
Permanent Stairs
$2000+. If you use attic daily, consider fixed staircase (requires space below).
Need Climate-Controlled Storage?
For items that can't handle attic temperatures, find a storage unit nearby.
Find Storage Units Near You