The Unused Space In Your House That Can Become A Storage Life Saver

No matter how much storage space you have in your home, chances are high that at some point it won't feel like enough anymore. At that point, it's probably best to declutter your home. But you can also use your unused attic rafter space as a storage life-saver with a little wire shelving.

There's a reason there are so many storage units in the U.S. (enough to hold the entire U.S. population at once). Even after decluttering, it's easy to continue accumulating stuff until you've run out of room again, whether it's clothes, sentimental clutter you're reluctant to get rid of, loved ones' belongings, hobby gear, or other items. But lugging your extra things to a storage unit isn't always the best solution — it's an added expense that makes it all too easy to forget how many things you really own. Instead, with a little effort, you can turn your unused attic into a storage unit in your own home, keeping your belongings easy to access and without spending a fortune.

Storing extra items in an attic may not seem like the most novel solution, but it can be tricky to convert an unfinished attic into usable space. These areas are often tight and narrow, so you have to use the right materials and plan the layout carefully. Otherwise, it'll be just like any other storage unit — a spot to be avoided.

By installing long wire closet shelves, like this 12-by-12-foot ClosetMaid universal wire shelf from Lowe's, you can take advantage of the unfinished rafters of your attic. This method not only increases the amount of usable storage space in the attic, but it also allows you to store items nice and neatly and off of the floor, so everything is easy to access as needed.

These shelves are available in a range of lengths so you can find the right fit for your specific attic, or you can use your own bolt cutters to cut them down to size. In addition to setting items on top of the shelf, use them to hang tools, clothing hangers, or other items. They come with built-in hanging rods. If necessary, you can also buy anchors to support extra weight.