Homes often contain spaces you forget to #declutter, says The Ethicalist. But those spots may be easy to handle because they hold the #stuff you rarely miss — things you use only for holidays and special occasions. Forgotten places may include the pantry, attic, garage and the space under the sink. Take a few hours (or a few days) to do a thorough editing of the junk in those areas, and you will feel refreshed. “Clean and clear spaces have a great impact on our mental health and make us feel happy,” says Sana Brohi, operator of a coaching business in Dubai. “When we have a sense of well-being and achievement, we function better.”
Tag: attic
Fall Is a Great Time to Start DIY Renovations
As the weather turns cooler, you may be loking for projects that can make your home more cozy. One that Family Handyman suggests is to finsh your attic. This formerly unused space could easily be turned into a cozy nook or extra bedroom — and the natural tendency for heat to rise will make the most of your energy dollars. Smaller improvement projects to pursue might include painting, installing a new backsplash, cleaning a closet, reorganizing your kitchen cabinets and prepping your mudroom or entryway for the sloppy winter season, the story says. #FallProjects
Use Bins to Organize Attic Storage
Plastic stacking bins are best for attic storage, says HowToCleanStuff.net, since they can keep stuff dry and free of pests. Use bins to store non-fabric items and label them whenever possible so that you can locate what you need, when you need it. “It’s not necessary to fill each container initially,” the blog says. “What is necessary is to categorize your storage containers so they can handle future growth.” Also, be sure to review what you have in attic storage each year, weeding out anything you aren’t using or don’t want and donating it to a charity such as ClothingDonations.org.
What Not to Store in an Unfinished Attic
When #storing extra stuff in the attic, remember that the area is subject to rapid changes in heat and humidity that can damage the things you want to store, Reader’s Digest says. Excess heat and humidity will ruin photos and fine art fast, as well as dry out wooden furniture and musical instruments. Books and electronics are also vulnerable to rapid changes in heat and humidity. Keep such items in a climate-controlled room or storage unit. To avoid fires, never put batteries, aerosol cans and other flammable items in the attic. Attics can easily be 40 degrees hotter than occupied areas of the home.
Is Your Attic Ready for Storage?
To prepare your attic for #storage, first make an assessment of its structural integrity, The Spruce says. Look for signs of leaks on the underside of the roof or interior condensation to ensure that your stored stuff will remain dry. Be aware that the attic may not already have joists and flooring capable of supporting your weight or that of your stuff; to avoid sticking your foot through the ceiling of a room below, you may need to install a plank or plywood platform that can support the weight of yourself your stuff. Then you may be able to install shelves and platforms to hold and store select items.