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Organizing Attic Storage

by Jane
(Minnesota)

How often should I go through items stored in my attic?

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Feb 24, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Protecting Things Stored in Your Attic is Ideal
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Hi Jane,

Going through attic storage can be thought of as a pain in the neck, but really, it can be a lot of fun. Many people store things in the attic that are keepsakes and others store junk in the attic. You know, the "out of sight, out of mind" concept. :-)

If your attic storage is well organized and moth and mice proof, there is no need to go through it on a regular basis. However, if you don't know what is up there and it is cluttered, scattered or in cardboard boxes, the time to clean out and organize the attic is now.

When it comes to storage spaces, my concept is

  • If it's a keepsake, keep it


  • If you don't use it, sell it


  • By all means, organize and protect what you choose to keep.


    • Remember, items that are stored in an attic are prime candidates for destruction by mice and moths. Mice will chew through boxes and destroy the contents without you ever knowing that it's going on. It is very sad to come across a keepsake like a wedding gown or your child's first teddy bear - all chewed up. Don't let this happen to you!

    When organizing your attic, use stackable, plastic storage boxes with tight fitting lids. This will keep the mice out of your things. You can color coordinate your boxes and label them. For instance, Christmas decorations can be kept in red boxes, garden supplies in green, and camping supplies in brown. Keepsakes for your children can be kept in a box with their favorite color. This type of organization will make it easy to find items when you need them and protect them as well.

    Moths are also threats to fabric. Using moth balls or storing fabrics in cedar containers can protect them from these pesty things. If you use moth balls, I suggest changing them once a year.

    Have fun going down memory lane cleaning out and organizing your attic storage.

    - The Organizer

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