Packing an attic doesn't have to be difficult. Yes, it might be an awkward space that's usually filled with junk, but chances are it's not that bad. While going through your stuff and deciding what to get rid of should be the first step in every room of the house when packing, it's even more important when packing an attic.
Here are some tips on how to pack an attic for moving.
What things you'll find in an attic?
For families who have an attic, it's almost always used as extra storage space for rarely used items, family heirlooms, or seasonal clothing and decorations - sometimes it's not used at all. For the families who do use it as extra storage space, you'll need to figure out what you have up there before you can start packing an attic for a move. Certain items need extra care when packing and wrapping; just because they've been stored in the attic for a while doesn't mean that you shouldn't be careful when handling them. Following are some of the things you'll find in an attic, where you'll need to be very careful when packing and handling them.
Packing antiques and family heirlooms
If the temperature in your attic is regulated - meaning it doesn't get too hot or too cold - then it's a great place for storing your family heirlooms and antiques. Depending on the type of heirloom you have, it might not even matter if your attic's temperature isn't regulated. Either way, if you've got family heirlooms like photo albums, military uniforms, or antiques stored in your attic, it's best to be careful when bringing them downstairs for packing.
When packing an attic, it's best to sort through the items that you don't use very often. This will make your work easy and stay organized.
Be sure to use the appropriate packing materials when you're packing antiques. Here are some materials you'll need:
- Bubble wrap
- Unprinted newspaper
- Sturdy boxes
- A permanent marker
Here's how you can pack your antiques and heirlooms for moving:
- Wrap a layer of bubble wrap around each item and secure it with tape.
- Before placing it in the box, place a layer of crumpled newspaper at the bottom of the box. Then place the item inside the box.
- Fill any empty space around the item with unprinted newspaper to prevent it from shifting around during the move. Then close the box and seal it.
- Be sure to label it "fragile" so that it can be properly loaded and handled.
Packing seasonal clothing and decorations
When it comes to packing up the attic,
If you've been using the attic to store your seasonal clothing and decorations like winter sweaters and Halloween decorations - now's the time to go through all of it and decide what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of. (Ask yourself, do you really need to keep that oversized sweater with Christmas lights on it?) The less you have in the attic, the less you'll have to pack and move.
Here are some tips on how to pack and move your seasonal clothing and decorations:
- In order to pack your seasonal clothes, try using vacuum-sealed storage bags if they haven't already been stored air-tight. The bags will reduce the space the clothes take up and protect them from dirt, moisture, and bugs. Once you move into your new home, you'll be able to just toss them into your new attic as-is or store them in the closet.
- If you have clothes stored in a plastic storage container or plastic storage tub, make sure there is nothing else inside it that can damage the clothing. After that, tape up the drawers or container and load it onto the truck.
- For hanging clothes, it's best to keep them that way if possible. Purchase a wardrobe box and just transfer the hanging items as-is. Then close up the box and seal it. To get more information on packing clothing, read our guide How to pack clothes for moving.
- When packing up any holiday decorations, be sure that the boxes they're stored in sturdy boxes enough for the move. Over time, boxes can become weaker and less sturdy. It would be a shame to lose your collection of Christmas tree ornaments or Hanukah menorah because a box bottomed out.
Packing furniture in attic
When packing an attic, you might have an extra furniture that is stored in it and if you wish to bring it with you, make sure to pack it up properly so that it makes it to your new home unscathed.
The best way to pack furniture is to cover them in blankets and wrap them tightly when moving to protect them from dirt and dust. If you have tables or other large pieces of furniture in your attic, disassemble them before packing and moving if possible. This way, it will take up less space on the truck and will be easier to move.