These Unfinished Attic Storage Ideas Will Declutter Your Space

Stack Storage Bins

A large portion of an unfinished attic typically has low-slanted walls that can't accommodate shelves. Instead of wasting the space, stack storage bins on top of the other and slide them under the lowest part of the ceiling.

Keep bins with more frequently needed items on top for easy access, group similar things such as bins with holiday decor together, and add labels to quickly locate what you need.

Create a Path

While you want to maximize space and store as much as you can in an unfinished attic, make sure you leave a clear walking path so you can easily access and see what you need. An attic with low walls can already be a challenge to navigate, so this will help make the space more manageable.

Add Labels

An unfinished attic often has poor lighting, no heating or air conditioning, and limited ceiling height, which is why being able to find what you need quickly is key. Add clearly printed and appropriately sized labels to boxes and bins to easily identify the contents of each storage vessel.

Use Wreath Holders

If you are storing holiday decorations in your unfinished attic, use round plastic holders that are specifically designed for wreaths to keep your door decor in pristine condition. The holders usually have handy built-in handles so you can easily carry them down from the attic or hang them up and they have flat tops to allow for space-saving stacking.

Incorporate Shelving

If ceiling height allows, incorporate industrial shelving into your unfinished attic to get items off the floor and minimize clutter. Adjust shelf height to fit in storage bins or loose items and organize things by category to maintain a system.

Go With Lidded Bins

Lidded bins are an essential storage solution for an unfinished attic where the temperature may not be controlled and dust and bugs are an issue. Airtight lids will help prevent moisture damage, keep pests out, and stop dust from coming in. If the bins are opaque, make sure to add labels to the front part in order to easily navigate your attic storage.

Build Shelves

For a more permanent storage solution, add built-in wood shelves under slanted walls to maximize surface space. Slide larger bins and boxes under the shelves and use the tops of the shelves for smaller storage containers that contain fragile items or things you use on a more regular basis.

Bring in a Cabinet

If you store out-of-season shoes in an unfinished attic, bring in a storage cabinet with doors to neatly organize them. Stick labels onto shelf fronts to keep the cabinet tidy and make sure that any muddy boots or sneakers have been properly cleaned before being placed in the attic for storage.

Choose Clear Containers

To instantly spot what you're looking for in your unfinished attic, choose clear plastic storage containers. They keep contents easily visible and the plastic construction is durable for long periods of time.

Save Space

To store bulky out-of-season clothing in an unfinished attic safely and without taking up excessive space, consider utilizing vacuum-sealed bags. They come in various sizes and in addition to shrinking the physical volume of clothes or bedding, they help keep dust, pests, moisture, and odors out.

Group Like Items Together

For a clutter-free and organized unfinished attic, group similar items together in bins and boxes. For example, store all photo albums or sentimental toys in one container, which ensures you don't need to rummage through multiple boxes and make a mess when looking for something specific. It also makes future moves easier, as items are already neatly packed in categories that make sense.

Separate Holiday Decor

Keep holiday decor in separate storage containers and divide them by holiday. This way, you can simply grab every bin labeled "fall decor" when fall arrives. You'll be able to find all your pumpkins, autumnal dishes, and Halloween accents, instead of going through countless different bins to gather what you need.

Go for Built-In Handles

Many unfinished attics are not easy to access, whether you need to use pull-down stairs or a narrow staircase. To keep the attic space clutter-free and make carrying things down easier, use storage bins with built-in handles for convenience.

Choose Low-Height Storage

Because an unfinished attic typically has low-slanted walls in the majority of the space, choose low-height storage furniture or pieces whose height can be adjusted to fit the limited height of the ceiling.