When #storing extra stuff in the attic, remember that the area is subject to rapid changes in heat and humidity that can damage the things you want to store, Reader’s Digest says. Excess heat and humidity will ruin photos and fine art fast, as well as dry out wooden furniture and musical instruments. Books and electronics are also vulnerable to rapid changes in heat and humidity. Keep such items in a climate-controlled room or storage unit. To avoid fires, never put batteries, aerosol cans and other flammable items in the attic. Attics can easily be 40 degrees hotter than occupied areas of the home.
Tag: home storage
Using Your Attic Space for Storage
Many people — especially those with older homes — use their attics for #storage. These areas offer an out-of-the-way place to keep extra stuff. Therein lies a problem, however: Once stored in the attic, stuff is out of sight and out of mind. Attics can turn into a jumble as you hastily put things there or conduct a frantic search for a single, specific item; and stuff can then turn into a fire hazard and attract pests. To safely use your attic for storage, SpaceWise says, first clear out the entire space, trash anything that’s no longer useable and donate the stuff you don’t want to an organization such as ClothingDonations.org.
Purge, Organize and Store Extra Stuff
If your space is stuffed to the gills with junk, a ruthless purge is the first step to a new, more #organized you, says Living Well Spending Less. “If you don’t love something, if it’s broken, if it doesn’t fit, or if you don’t use it, get rid of it!” Then, make an assessment of your storage space: Does it have room for a new set of storage shelves, hooks or bins? Deep-clean the area and invest in a uniform set of bins or boxes; then, reassemble the space, grouping all like items together. “Once you’ve organized your storage space, commit to keeping it intact,” the story says, and you’ll be able to find things when you need them while keeping #clutter to a minimum.
DIY Projects That Maximize Storage Space
If you’re handy with tools, there’s no reason to let #clutter get the best of you. The DIY Network suggests 20 clever projects that can help homeowners cut the #clutter and maximize storage space, including under-stair drawers and nooks, built-in bookshelves, bicycle wall racks, drawer organizers, and crafting and study stations. “If there’s a nook or cranny not being used, then there’s plenty of room to expand,” the story says — and all you’ll need to complete most projects is a few pieces of wood and basic tools such as a drill and screwdriver.
Streamline Storage in the Kitchen
While #decluttering is important, you may need to keep a wide variety of stuff in certain areas of the home. If you or someone in your family cooks on a regular basis, the kitchen is one area that may house hundreds of items; keep them organized so they can’t become #clutter. Reader’s Digest suggests investing in easy-stacking food containers, extra shelves and catch-all industrial bins to make the most of the space in your kitchen and pantry. Stack items to take advantage of vertical space above the refrigerator, the story adds, and “zone” its interior to organize foodstuffs and avoid spoilage.