The environment of an attic is very much like a basement: cold, dark, and damp. In most homes, however, the attic is more difficult to access. Hence, you're best off using the attic for storing only lighter or smaller items, such as off-season clothing, empty luggage, holiday decorations, empty boxes from electronics equipment (e.g., computer, DVD player, fax machine), or sports equipment.

Use your attic for long-term storage solutions.

Considering Access

If you'll be using the attic as a storage area and will need to gain access to this space often, you might want to replace the basic access-panel entrance (which you may need a ladder to get to) with a pull-down staircase. Also, install a light switch or light pull-string near the entrance to the attic. You don't want to be climbing around in the dark. For information on pull-down staircases, visit any hardware or home-improvement store. You can also point your Web browser to the Louisville Ladder Web site (www.ladderpros.com) and click on Products — Attic Ladders.

Treat organizing your attic in almost exactly the same way you would handle the basement. In other words, know that you'll be storing your items in a non-climate-controlled environment (with potential hazards such as water, mildew, mold, insects, and/or rodents), and take the appropriate precautions. Airtight plastic storage containers are useful and economical — make sure they're clear so that you can see the contents, but don't forget to label them as well.

Tackling Clutter

Throughout the attic-organization process, be critical about items stored there. Because an attic is rarely climate controlled, items stored there can be easily damaged. You might want to ask yourself if the items up there are even needed — if you haven't thought about them for years, they might not be important enough to keep.

Here is a list of items that every home can do without:

• Old tools that don't work

• Luggage that is broken or cumbersome to use (especially if you've updated your luggage)

• Mildewed or damaged furniture

• College textbooks (in some cases, these could be useful, but in most fields the material becomes quickly obsolete)

• Old mattresses that are just collecting dust

• Appliances that no longer work or are rarely used

• Cassette tapes and VHS tapes if you only use a DVD/CD player

Be attentive to the things around you that are taking up precious space.

Although it can be painful to let certain items go, it is visually thrilling to see your home with less clutter. The FlyLady says that decluttering allows your home to breathe. Keep in mind that by decluttering you may be giving your home a great gift — the gift of fresh life.

Safe Storage

Unless you're using airtight containers, don't store paper-based items, such as photos, books, or other important documents, in the attic. Videotapes and audiocassettes, as well as any type of electronic equipment, won't do well in a potentially damp environment with extreme hot or cold temperatures.