Organizing? Don’t Forget your Attic & Basement.

If you’re the average American, your attic or basement is probably filled with stuff and it can be overwhelming to tackle. Find out what’s in your attic or basement and let go of the things you aren’t using or don’t need.

  1. Schedule a full day or two half-days. If that’s not enough, schedule again.
  2. Include family and friends who will encourage you toward your goal.
  3. Stream your favorite music and wear comfortable clothing.
  4. Call adult children and schedule a time for them to come and get their stuff. Call or send snapshots if they are out of town.
  5. Label every box you decide to keep. Mark general contents on two sides so you know what’s in it no matter how you position it. 

Attic Considerations

  1. If your attic is a crawl space or hard to get to, it’s okay to leave it empty.
  2. Don’t keep old photographs in an attic that isn’t climate controlled.
  3. Store the least-used stuff in your attic: holiday and seasonal items, old tax records, suitcases, etc.
  4. Cardboard boxes are fine for storage if your attic is well-ventilated, dry and critter-free. Plastic is preferable.

Basement Considerations

  1. Unfinished basements could mean dampness, mold and mildew. Use plastic storage boxes on pallets or shelves to keep them dry and safe from mice or other critters.
  2. If you have unpacked boxes from your last move (you know who you are), open each box and go through the contents. You could find family treasures or items you need.   
  3. If you are saving items for your children, ask them if they want it. Don’t be offended if they say “no” to your family antiques, china or their childhood memories. If they don’t want it, someone else will.
  4. If you still have items from cleaning out mom’s/dad’s/Aunt Gertrude’s house, it’s time to have family/friends over to take what they want, call an auctioneer, donate it, have a yard sale, or post it on Facebook Marketplace.  

Finally, nothing precious belongs in your attic or your basement. If you love it or want to keep it, honor it by using it or incorporating it into your home.

“The garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment of him who is naked; the shoes that you do not wear are the shoes of the one who is barefoot.” — St. Basil the Great

Vali G. Heist, M.Ed. is a Certified Professional Organizer® and Owner of The Clutter Crew. She is the author of Organize This! Practical Tips, Green Ideas, and Ruminations about your CRAP.