The attic and basement are often overlooked when it comes to storage, but they offer ample space for keeping seasonal items, infrequently used possessions, and even valuables safe and out of the way. Knowing what to store in these spaces can maximize their potential while keeping your most-used rooms clutter-free. With some strategic planning, you can take advantage of every square foot your home has to offer.

Seasonal Decorations

The attic is the perfect place to store holiday décor and other seasonal items that you only use for a portion of the year. Packing them away makes room for everyday décor when they’re not in use. Consider storing the following in your attic:

Christmas decorations like trees, lights, ornaments, nativity scenes, etc. Place them in clearly labeled plastic bins to keep organized.
Halloween decorations such as fake cobwebs, jack-o’-lanterns, etc.
Thanksgiving decor like autumn wreaths, turkey-themed items, cornucopias, etc.
Patriotic decorations for Memorial Day, 4th of July, etc. like flags and red, white and blue banners.
Winter decor such as blankets, pillows and artwork with cooler color palettes that only suit the colder months.

Storing these bulky items overhead helps free up main living areas and closets during the “off” season. Just make sure to safely pack away delicate ornaments and decorations before hoisting anything up to the attic.

Infrequently Used Household Items

Anything you don’t use daily or weekly is a good attic or basement storage candidate. This gets these items out of the way so your most essential possessions can take priority in your home. Consider keeping these in your attic or basement:

Extra linens like sheets, towels, tablecloths, etc. that you only use when guests stay over.
Small kitchen appliances you use rarely like bread makers, panini presses, juicers, etc.
Craft supplies or hobby items like fabric, sewing machines, easels, etc.
Camping gear, sports equipment and kids’ toys that have been outgrown.
Pet supplies like crates, gates, scratching posts that are only needed occasionally.
Suitcases, duffle bags and travel items you don’t use daily.
Documents or memorabilia you want to keep but don’t need regular access to.

Categorize like items together in clear plastic totes or storage bins when possible, and label everything clearly for easy retrieval when needed.

Seasonal Clothing and Accessories

Bulky winter coats, hats, scarves, mittens and boots take up a lot of coveted closet space during warmer months. Make room for your spring and summer wardrobe by packing away cold weather gear you won’t be reaching for anytime soon. Other items to store include:

Sweaters, fleece tops, flannel pajamas and other cold weather apparel.
Heavy blankets, flannel sheets and electric heating pads.
Snow shovels, ice scrapers, tire chains and other winter auto accessories.
Rain boots, umbrellas and heavy water-resistant coats.

Rotate them back into your closets and drawers when weather turns cold again. Just don’t forget where you stored everything!

Long-Term Clutter Storage

Sometimes we all end up with items we can’t bear to part with, even though we don’t actually use them. This emotional clutter can quickly take over living spaces. Relocate these items to long-term storage to enjoy your home again:

Old electronics like laptops or cell phones you want to hang onto.
Sentimental knick-knacks, souvenirs or collectibles you can’t display.
Outdated home furnishings you want to keep “just in case”.
Extra furniture that won’t fit in your current home.
Precious items like photo albums or heirlooms you access rarely but want to keep.

Be realistic about how soon you’ll actually need these items again. If it’s longer than a year, the attic or basement is likely the best place for them.

Home Maintenance Supplies

Stock up on extra home supplies so you always have what’s needed for minor repairs and maintenance. Storing these materials in the basement or attic keeps them out of the way but close at hand for projects:

Spare lumber, drywall, siding, tiles and other building materials for repairs.
Nails, screws, picture hanging supplies, glue, duct tape, caulk, etc.
Paint, stain, brushes and drop cloths for touch-ups.
Gardening tools, soil, fertilizer, pots and gardening gloves.
Snow/ice melt, salt, shovels, etc. for winter weather.
Cleaning products, mops, brooms, vacuum bags and parts.

Organize by category and label storage bins and shelves clearly for quick retrieval. Leave room to stock up on any seasonal supplies you may need.

Home Office Supplies

For remote workers, the basement or attic can provide space for extra office storage. Keep these items tucked away but close at hand:

Extra printer paper, pens, notepads, envelopes and other paper supplies.
Outdated manuals, reference books or equipment you want to hold onto.
Extra electronics like chargers, keyboards, backup drives, etc.
Office furniture that won’t fit in your current workspace.
Old files, records or documents you need to reference occasionally.

This clears everyday work surfaces of clutter while keeping vital supplies easily accessible. Just be sure your storage spaces are properly insulated, ventilated and protected from moisture damage.

Tools and Hardware

Household tools and hardware supplies are essential, but don’t necessarily need to be stored in your living space. Keep these in the basement, attic, shed or garage:

Toolboxes, loose tools like hammers, wrenches, saws, etc.
Ladders, step stools, sawhorses and other large equipment.
Nails, screws, bolts, hooks, picture hanging supplies, etc.
Leftover wood, drywall, tiles, paint and other construction materials.
Outdoor tools like lawn mowers, snow blowers, rakes, etc. when not in season.

Organize tools on shelves, hooks or a workbench to keep them accessible. Store all chemicals safely out of reach of children.

Files and Documents

Don’t let paper clutter take over your home office or workspace. Store files, documents and other paperwork you need to keep but don’t use often in your attic or basement. You may want to keep these for tax purposes, personal records or reference:

Old tax returns, pay stubs, contracts and other financial records.
Manuals and warranties for appliances, electronics and home systems.
Vehicle records like registration, insurance, service invoices, etc.
Medical records that doctors may request like vaccination history.
Real estate paperwork from past home purchases or sales.
Family records like birth/marriage certificates, ancestry info, etc.

Use locking file cabinets and plastic storage bins to organize and protect sensitive paperwork from moisture, pests, mold, etc.

Extra Furniture

Furniture takes up a lot of visual space. Storing extras in your attic or basement makes room to showcase the pieces you actually use regularly in main living areas. Consider keeping these upstairs or downstairs:

Guest room beds, nightstands, dressers and other spare bedroom furniture.
Extra seating like folding chairs, ottomans and side tables for entertaining.
Old furniture you can’t bear to get rid of but that no longer matches your decor.
Large furniture items like armoires, buffets, china cabinets and hutches.
Unused dining sets, desks, entertainment centers, etc.

Disassemble items if possible. Cover with drop cloths and lift carefully when moving to prevent damage.

Out of Season Sports Gear

Avid athletes and outdoors enthusiasts often accumulate bulky sports equipment and gear. When not in use, these items can be stashed out of the way in basement or attic storage:

Winter sports equipment like skis, snowboards, helmets, snowshoes, etc.
Hiking gear, tents, sleeping bags and other camping equipment.
Fishing poles, tackleboxes, nets, kayaks, life jackets, etc.
Golf clubs, bags, shoes, carts and accessories.
Lacrosse sticks, footballs, soccer gear, tennis racquets and other sports equipment.

Properly packing gear keeps it protected from damage so it’s ready for use come next season. This also creates space for in-season items.

Memorabilia Storage

Treasured collections and family heirlooms deserve protected storage when not actively displayed. Store these fragile nostalgic items safely in attics or basements:

Antiques like clocks, furniture, china, silver, artwork etc.
Vintage clothing, handbags, hats and accessories.
Classic books, vinyl records, sports cards and other collections.
Military medals, badges and uniforms from relatives.
Wedding gowns, tuxedos, christening outfits and other formalwear.
Family photos, albums, letters, certificates and documents.

Use archival boxes, album sleeves and acid-free tissue to prevent deterioration. Climate control and pest management also help preserve these precious items.

Wine Storage

Wine collections deserve specialized storage conditions. Basements often provide ideal environments. Consider these tips:

Store bottles on their sides in wine racks at 55-60°F and 70% humidity.
Keep away from vibration, direct light and pests.
Separate reds, whites and sparkling wines.
Use a thermometer/hygrometer to monitor conditions.
Limit access and avoid repeatedly handling bottles.

Proper storage improves aging and prevents corks from drying out. It’s a great way for wine lovers to build their collections over time.

Important Documents

Essential documents deserve secure archival storage, especially if they are rarely needed. Protect them in fireproof home safes or file cabinets in basements or attics:

Birth certificates, social security cards, passports and other ID.
Vehicle titles, property deeds and other highly valued documents.
Insurance policies, contracts, stocks and bonds.
Wills, living wills and other estate planning paperwork.
Family photo albums, videos, journals or genealogy records.
Backup hard drives, thumb drives, CDs or files containing vital records.

Storing copies offsite or in fire/waterproof containers provides an extra layer of security.

Extra Pantry Supplies

Non-perishable food items can be stored safely in cool, dry basements to stock up on pantry essentials:

Canned goods like vegetables, beans, soups, etc. Check expiration dates and organize oldest in front.
Baking ingredients like flour, sugar, oil, spices, etc. Store in airtight containers.
Snacks like crackers, granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, popcorn, etc.
Bottled water and shelf-stable milk like soy, rice or almond milk.
Paper goods such as napkins, paper towels, toilet paper, etc.

Keep food in pest-proof containers and avoid storing near paints, chemicals or gasoline. Take inventory regularly and donate or toss expired items.

Appliances and Electronics

Bulky appliances and electronics that are used infrequently can be stored in basements, attics or garages:

Holiday appliances like roasters, turkey fryers, ice cream makers used seasonally.
Old microwaves, blenders, mixers and other kitchen gadgets you’ve upgraded.
Backup TVs, stereos, game systems, laptops and other electronics.
DVD players, speakers, printers, scanners and other accessories.
Outdated exercise equipment, fans, humidifiers and other bulky items.

Unplug electronics before storing and use surge protectors when plugging them back in. Keep appliances covered and protected from moisture, dust and pests.

Bulk Household Supplies

Maximize basement or garage space by buying household staples in bulk quantities. Stock up on necessities when they are on sale:

Toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, napkins
Laundry detergent, fabric softener, bleach
Cleaning supplies like disinfecting wipes, all-purpose spray
Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, dental floss
Aluminum foil, plastic wrap, storage bags and containers
Light bulbs, batteries, air filters and other replacement parts

Storing bulk items saves money and trips to the store. Just be sure to date containers and rotate new stock to the back.

Kids’ Off-Season Toys

Kids’ toys and activities often change with the seasons. Store outdoor toys and bulky items in colder months and bring out rainy day activities when weather keeps them inside:

Bikes, scooters, skateboards, roller skates
Water guns, water balloons, sprinklers, pool toys
Art supplies, craft kits, activity books
Puzzles, board games, building sets
Dress-up clothes, play tents, toy boxes

Rotate seasonal toys to keep kids engaged all year. Let them help pick out toys they are excited to use next season.

Off-Season Garden Supplies

Free up shed and garage space by moving these garden supplies to basement storage in winter:

Hoses, nozzles, watering cans and sprinklers
Hand tools like rakes, shovels, trowels, pruners
Wheelbarrows, lawn mowers, tillers
Fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides
Empty flower pots, trays, propagation kits
Garden decor like sculptures, chimes, banners

Clean supplies thoroughly before storing. Keep chemicals sealed and labeled properly to prevent leak hazards.

Valuables and Sentimental Items

Protect your most precious belongings by storing in secure areas like attics, basements or home safes:

Jewelry, watches, precious metals and gems
Cash, coins, stamps or other rare collectibles
Titles, deeds, birth certificates and sensitive paperwork
Photo albums, home videos, portable hard drives
Journals, keepsakes, heirlooms or antiques
Memorabilia like trophies, awards, souvenirs

Storing these priceless items safely preserves their condition and protects against damage or theft. Consider a safe deposit box for extremely valuable items.

What Not to Store

Some items don’t belong in attics or basements at all. Avoid storing:

Perishable foods that could spoil, attract pests or contaminate other items.
Flammable chemicals, gasoline, propane tanks, etc. which pose serious fire hazards.
Anything that emits fumes or odors that could permeate stored items.
Termite/pest infested items that could spread to other belongings
Wet, moldy or mildewed materials that can damage your home.
Items blocking access to important areas like electrical panels or HVAC systems.

Improperly storing hazardous, contaminated or infested materials creates risks. When in doubt, throw it out!

Tips for Organized Storage

Follow these simple tips for keeping attic and basement storage areas neatly organized:

Use transparent plastic bins so you can easily identify contents.
Label everything clearly so anyone can find what they need.
Store like items together, categorize bins thematically.
Maximize vertical space by installing shelves and racks.
Keep high demand items closest and seasonal items furthest away.
Leave adequate walkways and work space for moving around.
Add lighting so you can easily see stored items.
Clean and declutter at least once a year as seasons change.

Staying organized helps prevent “out of sight, out of mind” clutter from accumulating!

Maintaining Safe Attic and Basement Conditions

In addition to organizing your storage spaces properly, it’s also important to maintain safe conditions:

Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and mold.
Install dehumidifiers to control humidity levels.
Check for leaks around windows and foundations.
Seal cracks, holes or points of pest entry.
Use pest monitors and address any signs of termites, rodents, etc.
Install battery-powered smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
Have a professional inspect gas, water and electrical systems annually.
Clean gutters and downspouts to keep moisture away from the home.

Protecting your belongings starts with protecting the spaces they are stored in!

When to Consider External Storage

If your attic and basement are packed to capacity, offsite storage may be a better solution for some items, especially if they won’t be accessed anytime soon.

Rent storage units for extra furniture, seasonal items, memorabilia, etc.
Use climate-controlled facilities for delicate items like antiques.
Look for units with high security and pest control measures.
Opt for facilities with drive-up access for easy loading/unloading.
Make sure your homeowner’s insurance covers stored contents.

External storage allows you to declutter while keeping precious items protected. Just be selective about what you keep offsite.

Conclusion

The attic and basement offer convenient storage solutions for household items you want to keep out of your living space. By understanding what to store in these spaces, you can organize belongings more strategically throughout your home. Always focus on safety first by maintaining proper ventilation, climate control, lighting, cleanliness and pest prevention in storage areas. And remember to review stored contents regularly to purge unnecessary clutter. With mindful organization and optimization of these often forgotten square footage, you can reclaim room to better enjoy the rest of your home.

FAQs About Attic and Basement Storage

Here are some common questions about what to store in attics and basements:

What items should not be stored in an attic or basement?

Avoid storing anything perishable, flammable, or emitting fumes or

What To Store in the Attic and Basement