December 14, 2016
If you are short on space in your home, you can consider storing your things in the attic. Here are a few tips that you need to know in order to store your things in the attic:
Have a Look at the Available Attic Space
The first thing that you need to do is have a look at the available space. If you want to store something heavy, it is recommended that you hire an expert so that they can see how sturdy the structure is. A lot of attics have weak ceilings and sloping walls, so seeking professional advice is the best way to go about.
Make Sure that the Floor Can Take the Weight
A lot of attic floors are made with thin plywood. In order to convert it in a storage area, you might have to install a new floor system.
Make the Necessary Repairs
You might need to make a few necessary repairs in order to fix the holes, leaks, cracks, and frayed wires. Scrutinize the place to look for damage, as sometimes rodents chew on the wire.
Get Storage Units
You need to install appropriate storage units in order to use the place. The best way to go about is to get shelves, rods, and ceiling hooks. It is recommended that you use light materials like plywood, plastic, or light metal.
Utilize the Nooks and Crannies
You should be utilizing all the nooks and crannies, especially if you are going to use the area as a play room. You can use the sloping wall as a bed nook and can build drawers that go under the furniture.
Explore Your Options
There are so many things that you can do in your unfinished attic. One great idea is to turn it into a walk in closet, where you can store your clothes, shoes, and other accessories.
Be Careful of What You Store There
You need to be careful about the things that you store in the attic. The thing is that the temperature and the humidity in the attic keeps changing, which can damage a few things. Here is a list of things that you should not store in the attic:
Flammable Products
Do not store products like chemicals, cleaning products, gasoline, kerosene, paints, propane, and turpentine should not be stored in the attic and it increases the risk of fire.
Candles
Candles can melt in the heat, so avoid storing them in the attic.
Delicate Fabrics
Delicate fabrics can get ruined due to problems like water damage, change in temperature, insect, and mice. Make sure that your expensive clothes are stored inside the house.
Electronics
Extreme heat and moisture can ruin the mechanism of the electronics.
Food
Food can rot in the attic, so it’s better to not store it there.
Important papers
Important document can get wet and discolored, so don’t store it in the attic.
If you are located in the Barrie area, you can contact Aaron Lillie, who will guide you more on the subject.