Many families could attest to the fact that their attics have various treasures and rarely-seen items. If you are preparing for a move, or you are in fall cleaning mode, it might be a challenge to decide which possessions should stay (or be packed) or go (be discarded). Here are a few tips to help you make that decision.
1. Family Heirlooms
Family albums, wedding dresses, trophies, etc. are often important sentimental items that should remain in your possession. If you are downsizing your home or just need more attic space, consider storing these heirlooms until you wish to see them again.
2. Furniture
Whether you inherited Aunt Catherine’s antique sewing table or you just have extra furniture from an estate sale, you need to decide which items are worth selling, donating or keeping. Consider that if you are moving into a larger home, this furniture may come in handy.
3. Seasonal Clothing
Depending on where you plan to move, you may not need seasonal clothing. If you are moving from Chicago to Orlando, it might be a good idea to sell or donate your snowsuit. And if Little Johnny’s goose down jacket from 3rd grade is still in your attic and he is away at college, you might want to consider donating it.
4. Holiday Decorations
Most families store the holiday items in the attic. And while most of us have good intentions to check all belongings before the holiday season and pack them away in an organized fashion, it doesn’t always happen. Now is a good time to check for damage such as blown bulbs, strands of lights that don’t work, broken ornaments, etc. and purge them. Pack the decorations you want to keep (or move) carefully and secure the fragile items with some bubble wrap or tissue paper. Note: if you have Grace’s first ornament from pre-school and you don’t want it damaged, include it with your family heirloom collection and keep it stored away.
We hope these tips will help you decide which items in your attic should stay or go. And if you still have some things you can’t decide on yet, please contact us for storage solutions. 1-800-PACK-RAT - The simplest way to store or move your stuff.