Don’t Forget Your Furnace When Carrying out Your Attic Organization
A large attic without proper organization can make your storage space unusable, meaning you have to take up valuable space from other rooms in your home. To prevent this from happening, here are some great tips for organizing and decluttering your attic while still leaving room for your furnace.
Start by Figuring out Where Everything Will Go
The key to successful attic organization is assessing the situation before you get started. The first step is to look at the boxes and decide what each contains. The second step is to determine how much floor space you have, how much more you need, and how you’ll access all your stuff in storage.
Remove Everything From the Attic and Clean the Space
The attic is one of those places that seems to collect everything in the house, from old furniture to tools, papers, and books. When you clear out all this clutter, you’ll have more room to store things you need or want.
The best way to clean your attic is to dust it with a dusting mop or brush. You should also vacuum your attic regularly, making sure you use attachments that will reach the edges of the ceiling and walls.
You should also check for any signs of water damage and repair any leaks as soon as possible. This will prevent mold from developing in your attic and ensure that your belongings do not become damaged by moisture.
Declutter and Sort
See-through bins are a great way to make the most of your attic organization. They let you see what’s inside without opening them up, so you don’t have to waste time digging through your stuff just to find what you’re looking for.
What’s more, they help protect sensitive items from dust and moisture by keeping them out of direct contact with the air. If your attic gets hot in the summer or cold in winter, this can keep certain items from getting damaged over time.
Label the side of each box so that it’s visible when standing in front of it, rather than having to open it up. Stickers and a marker pen are ideal for labeling, or treat yourself to a label maker.
Use Shelves for Extra Storage Space
If you have an attic with limited space, putting up some shelves can help you use the available space better. You can stack things high, allowing more storage in a small area. This could be especially useful for large collections like kitchen pots and pans that you want to keep out of sight but accessible at the same time.
One thing you do need to consider – leaving enough space for an HVAC technician to carry out essential furnace maintenance.
What Not to Store in the Attic or Furnace Room
The attic and furnace room are often the most convenient places to store and organize your belongings. However, there are certain items that you should never place in these spaces.
Important papers
The attic isn’t the best place for storing important documents such as birth certificates or passports. Paper can become damaged by humidity over time. If possible, keep these documents in a fireproof safe.
Electronics
Electronics should only be stored in a temperature-controlled environment because extreme temperatures can damage the devices’ internal parts. Dust can also get into gadgets, causing a potential fire hazard.
Delicate fabrics
If not protected from moisture and dust, fabrics could get damaged by moths or mildew. You should also avoid storing them near heat sources like your furnace.
Paint and cleaning products
Flammable items such as paint and oil-based products should be kept in a separate, locked room or outside the house.
Stay Safe!
If your furnace is kept in your attic space, there are a few safety measures to consider.
The best way to avoid problems is to keep all combustibles away from the furnace. Furnaces can get extremely hot, so make sure that nothing obstructs the heat vent. For example, boxes or bags in front of or near the heat vent could block airflow and cause a fire.
Additionally, keep all storage boxes at least 30 inches away from your furnace or heating vents. Any closer and they may overheat, resulting in a fire.
For California or Nevada home furnace maintenance needs, contact the HVAC professionals at Sierra.
