03.21.2017

Attic Control

Many people say "out of sight, out of mind," but I've never quite agreed with that statement. Nothing is ever truly out of mind. It just lurks in the back waiting to be painfully brought into consciousness with the slightest triggering. Since we live in a "deal with it later" culture, what happens when we finally must face that with which we have put off- the errand that seems particularly daunting, the phone call we've been dreading for weeks, or the mess we've accumulated in a small space? Well, we can face the task with determination and vigor, knowing that putting it off longer will only add to the problem.

Take for example the much-neglected attic. It is the least trafficked spot in the house and the easiest to ignore. However, a disorganized attic can lead to frustration when you really need to find something and don't have a full day to sift through the mess. With spring-cleaning upon us, these tips can help you transform your headache into a sigh of relief.



Really? Do You Really Need it?

If something is housed in the attic and it hasn't seen the light of day in five years, is it really something you need to keep? Many items people hold on to are unnecessary. They keep them so they don't feel guilty about throwing/giving it away. However, one of the greatest joys of organizing is the feeling you get when you've made room for things that really matter. It is quite a cathartic experience.

Boxes on Boxes on Boxes

Once you have gotten rid of items that are no longer necessary, you must organize them into categories. One way is to put all items of similar use together- like newborn baby clothes in one box, Christmas ornaments in another, and handmade quilts also in their own storage container. Then, clearly label the boxes with whatever contents are inside. The more specific you are, the better. If space allows, put the storage boxes onto freestanding shelving that is available at any major hardware store (such as this Edsal freestanding shelving unit from Lowes). This helps eliminate the problem of toppling boxes when you need to get something from the bottom.



If a shelving unit is not an option, I recommend not storing more than two boxes on top of one another. Spread them out horizontally, rather than vertically. Also, be sure to put boxes of similar items near each other. If you have a bunch of Christmas decorations, they should be in the same area so things run smoothly come December.

Safety First

Finally, make sure that there are clear pathways in your attic. Do not leave loose items on the floor in your haste to find something, or put boxes in the way of easy mobility. There is nothing scarier than having to tiptoe around obstacles fifteen feet above ground. And I'm sure most of us have heard a cautionary tale of someone we know accidentally stepping through the ceiling. If you can't safely move about your attic, see step one and part with some unused items.

In conclusion, the attic does not need to be a space we are ashamed of. It should be a place we can store items that are not needed on a daily basis, but not a refuge of "stuff" we just don't want to deal with. Take that space that's out of control and turn it into attic control.