Storage options under eaves in boarded attic

[WobblyLondoner]

We are getting our attic properly boarded with a retractable ladder and intend to use it for storage. It's a large space but only one side is high enough to move around freely - the area on the right slopes down as it is below the eaves.

There's lots of scope for storage but I'm keen to think through how best to organise it before we just start shoving stuff in.

The sorts of things I have in mind are suitcases, out of season clothes, kitchen stuff we rarely use but don't want to get rid of, some bed linen (eg duvets for different seasons), my fabric and wool stash. Very keen we can quickly locate things there and we don't start to use it for things we'd otherwise donate. Oh - and we have moths...

Any advice welcome on storage options. Not massively keen on buying lots of plastic crates but that is clearly one option. I wondered too about some shelving to maximise the space under the eaves.

Thank you!

Well a damp attic with moths isn't the best of places to store a ton of fabric.

I would just buy plastic boxes with sealable lids and put some stuff inside (silica gel maybe or other stuff such as anti moth) to keep them dry. You can get stackable boxes so you don't need shelves.

If you are unwilling to spend the money on proper boxes you can use polythene bags and packing tape (I have done this before) but it is harder to get a good seal.

I wouldn't put any valuable clothes or clothes unpacked I cared about in the loft. At the best of times attics can be damp and subject to extreme temperatures. At worst they can leak rain water on your your stuff and feed your insect infestation.

And I wouldn't put unpacked clothes over electrics or light fittings either.

When you are getting the attic boarded, make you sure you get lighting installed in the eves area so your storage will be well lit.

And install a smoke alarm up there, ideally linked to the Alarms in the rest of your house.

Stick up a C02 alarm as well, if you have a flue that runs through the attic . They costs £15.