How To Convert Your Attic into a Storage Room

Thinking of converting your attic into a home storage room? It’s one of the best ways to use underutilised space in your home, but where do you start? From weather-proofing your attic to creating a layout that actually maximises space, it’s no easy task to take on alone. But, with the right steps, your attic conversion can be easier than you think.

This guide will walk you through the process of converting your attic into a practical storage room. We’ll cover the dos and don’ts, safety considerations, and organisational tips to help you turn your attic into the perfect extension of your living space.

Can I Use the Attic for Storage?

Technically, yes. The attic can support storage but only for very light objects or equipment. Not all attics are made alike, so this also depends on how much space your attic has and the strength of your attic floor. Most residential attics can safely hold about 10-20kg per square metre, but this varies widely based on construction.

Another factor to take into consideration is the temperature of your attic. Most attics are not temperature-controlled and they can get colder than the rest of the house during winter months or very warm and humid around summertime. This is not ideal for storing temperature-sensitive items such as electronics or musical instruments.

However, if your attic ticks all the boxes, you can follow these simple steps to convert your attic into a smart and safe storage room. These steps are also good prep if you are thinking of converting your attic into a bedroom.

How to Convert Your Attic into a Storage Room Step by Step

Step 1: Declutter

The first step to an attic storage conversion is to clean it and get rid of unused or unwanted objects. Are you still hanging onto that old video cassette player? Maybe it’s finally time to let it go!

After a thorough cleaning, assess your attic space. Check the joist spacing and structural support to ensure it can handle weight. the next step is to insulate the space and build shelves for storage.

Step 2: Insulate Your Attic

Insulating your attic not only transforms an underutilised space into a safe storage area but it can also reduce your energy costs. Overall, it’s a wise decision if you plan on using the space to store anything or even as an extra room for guests.

Here’s how to get started, but remember, if you’re unsure about any steps, hiring a professional is always best.

Prepare Your Attic:

• Start from the area farthest from the entry.
• Roll out insulation, ensuring there are ventilation gaps near the eaves.
• Always wear protective gloves, masks, and goggles.
  

Make the Insulation Seamless

• Don’t allow gaps between rolls; keep butt joints tight.
• Lay insulation evenly across the floor space.
  
• Consider using moisture-resistant materials to prevent dampness.

 Add a Foil Top-Up Quilt

• Place a foil quilt over the initial layer for extra insulation.
• Secure it to rafters with a staple gun.

Seal With Foil Tape

• Use foil tape to seal all joints and edges. Proper sealing prevents heat loss.
  

Protect Your Water Storage

• If you have a water tank in the attic, wrap it with a cold water tank jacket to prevent freezing.
• Insulate any exposed pipes with semi-split pipe insulation, securing them with tape.

Step 3: Install Shelves 

While it’s easy to toss everything into your attic, using proper attic storage solutions like shelves can significantly improve organisation and overall access. Here’s how to streamline this process:

Assess the Attic Door

• Firstly, check if the attic hatch is large enough to fit pre-built shelves or if you’ll need to assemble them inside. Think about installing a folding ladder or a sliding ladder for convenient access to your attic storage space.
  

Plan Your Shelves

• If you’re building shelves, measure your attic and decide on the type. Suspended shelves often work well in attics, using the roof’s angle for support. For flooring, plywood or OSB (Oriented Strand Board) are good options. Attic flooring is crucial for creating a stable surface for storage and movement.
• Consider your time. If you have plenty, you can build from scratch. If not, buying pre-built shelves or hiring help might be better.

Step 4: Organise Your Space

Improve your attic organisation by storing similar small items — like holiday decorations or DIY tools — in attic storage containers, and clearly label each for quick identification.

Keep items you use more often near the entrance for easy access. Lastly, make the most of your shelving by placing heavier items on the lower shelves. This will improve stability and overall safety when you’re collecting things from your attic. Consider adding hanging rails or shoe racks to maximise vertical space.

What Can (& Can’t) You Store in an Attic?

The rule of thumb is you should store items that will not be damaged by extreme heat or cold. Things you can store include:

• • Holiday decorations
  • Extra kitchen supplies such as dish sets or ceramics 
  • Travel equipment
  • Hiking and camping equipment 
  • Tools needed for hobbies (craft supplies, etc.)
  • Clothes storage: Your attic can be an excellent spot for storing bulky clothes, clothing, bedding, sweaters, t-shirts, and blankets. Use clothes bags to protect them from dust and pests.

We cannot emphasise this enough: Do not store anything that can deteriorate over time if exposed to extreme heat or cold. Insulating your attic may help a bit, but it’s not a long-term solution.

Some of the items you should avoid storing in your attic are: 

• Old photographs 
• Electronics such as old laptops or tablets 
• Works of art like paintings 
• Food 
• Wood furniture or instruments

Are Attics Safe for Storage? Risks To Consider

The attic is not the best place to store your things. While it may provide a short-term solution for your storage needs, the attic can be exposed to extreme temperatures and creepy crawlies that can ruin your items.

Extreme Weather

The attic is usually the same temperature as the air outside the house, but without ventilation, it can reach up to 40-50 degrees Celsius in the heat of summer (it’s usually 15 to 20 degrees hotter than the outside).

During winter, the warm air in the attic can also lead to condensation. Because of the moisture that can accumulate in your insulation, it can dampen objects stored in the attic causing issues like mildew and mould.

Pests

Attics can be inviting to various pests such as rodents, insects, and birds. These uninvited guests can chew through boxes, ruin fabrics, and leave waste, which can lead to health hazards and significant damage to your items.

Structural Issues

The flooring of an attic is not always designed to bear significant weight. Overloading the attic with heavy items can risk structural damage or collapse, affecting not only your stored items but also the safety of your home.

So, what other options are there?

Alternative Attic Storage Solutions in Dublin

A good alternative to your attic is a storage unit. For furniture storage units, you are not limited to space as you can choose the size that you need. 

All our self-storage units are also safe and secure 24/7, and facilities like Nesta offer packing supplies and boxes. Instead of going through the trouble of insulating and building shelves for your attic, explore your storage unit options with nesta, a smart storage solution!