Quick Answer
It can be okay to store some clothes in the attic, but there are risks of damage from heat, moisture, bugs, and rodents. The attic environment is generally not ideal for long-term clothing storage. Certain items like winter clothes or rarely worn special occasion outfits may be okay for seasonal attic storage if properly protected. Daily wear and valuable clothes are better kept in regular bedroom closets or dressers.
What are the risks of storing clothes in the attic?
There are several potential risks to be aware of when considering using your attic for clothing storage:
Heat
Attics get extremely hot in summer months due to their proximity to the roof and lack of climate control. Most attics regularly reach over 100°F in summer. This heat can damage and warp delicate fabrics and cause colors to fade prematurely.
Moisture & Mildew
Attics are prone to moisture build up due to condensation and roof leaks. Dampness promotes mold and mildew growth which can stain and deteriorate clothing.
Pests
Dark attics often harbor bugs like moths, carpet beetles, silverfish, and cockroaches. These pests feast on natural fabrics and can put holes in clothing. Rodents also nest in attics and will shred fabrics to use for nest building.
Dust & Dirt
Attics collect dust and dirt which can soil clean folded clothes stacked in boxes. Grimy environments also rub dirt into fabrics causing wear and stains over time.
What types of clothes are safer to store in the attic?
While the attic is higher risk, some clothing is safer to store there than others:
Cold Weather Clothing
Jackets, coats, sweaters, and other cold weather gear intended for winter are less prone to heat damage. Since they won’t be needed in summer, they can stay protected in the attic until it gets cold again.
Formalwear
Gowns, tuxedos, suits, and other items worn infrequently for formal occasions can potentially stay cleaner and less wrinkled in attic storage vs. a crowded closet. Just clean before wearing again.
Out of Season Clothing
Clothes worn at specific times annually like swimsuits, Halloween costumes, or ugly Christmas sweaters could be kept in well-sealed attic storage until their season returns.
Tips for safer attic clothing storage
If you need extra space and decide the attic is the best storage spot for some clothes, here are some tips to minimize the risks:
Use air tight plastic bins
Pack clothing tightly in plastic bins with tight sealing lids to protect from pests, dust, dirt, moisture, and light damage. Clear labeled bins help you see contents.
Clean before storing
Wash and fully dry clothing before storage to avoid trapping dirt, bugs, or mildew. For delicate formalwear, dry clean first.
Hang up coats & dresses
Rather than folding, hang fancy coats, dresses, and suits on rolling garment racks. This prevents creases and maintains their shape better.
Get rid of bugs & rodents
Inspect for signs of bugs and rodents before use. Install preventive measures like traps, moth balls, or cedar blocks. Seal any entry points.
Add moisture absorbers
Place desiccant moisture absorber packs in bins and replace them 2-3 times per year. Dehumidifiers can also help regulate attic humidity.
Check periodically for issues
Inspect attic storage bins once or twice a year for any moisture, mold, pests or other problems that require action.
Clothing you should never store in the attic
Some clothing is too fragile or valuable to risk attic damage:
Daily wear favorites
Your most worn everyday clothes need to be easily accessible in bedroom dressers or closets, not hidden away in the attic.
Delicate fabrics
Avoid storing silks, chiffon, satin, lace, or any fabric prone to snagging or tearing in an unfinished attic.
Expensive designer items
Protect your investment in pricey designer clothing by keeping it in optimal bedroom closet conditions.
Frequently dry cleaned items
Clothes needing special laundering like dry cleaning are high maintenance for attic storage.
Irreplaceable items
Cherished memorabilia clothes with sentimental value deserve closet space, not risky attic conditions.
Heirlooms & vintage
Antique gowns, fur coats, and other fragile heirlooms require climate controlled conditions, not attic storage.
Best attic storage practices
If you do decide storing some clothes in the attic makes sense for your situation, follow these best practices:
Group clothing by type
Sort clothes into bins or storage units by type like sweaters, pants, suits, gowns, coats, etc for easier access.
Label containers clearly
Use a marker to label bin contents on the outside so you know what’s inside without unstacking to dig through.
Rotate seasonal storage
Swap out fall/winter clothes stored in the attic with lightweight spring/summer clothes in season.
Clean attic before use
Clean cobwebs, dust, and dirt before storing clean clothes. Fix any roof leaks.
Place plastic under boxes
Line attic floor with plastic sheeting before placing storage bins to protect from moisture.
Hang rather than fold
Where possible, hang clothing on racks vs. folding in bins to minimize wrinkles and creasing damage.
Get adequate insurance
Make sure your homeowners insurance policy has enough coverage for stored clothing in case of disasters like fire, floods, or storms.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about storing clothes in the attic:
How long can clothes be stored in the attic?
Most clothing can safely remain stored in airtight bins in the attic for 1-2 years as long as you take proper protective precautions. Check periodically for any signs of damage.
What’s the ideal attic temperature for storing clothes?
Ideally, the attic should remain under 85°F to avoid heat damage to delicate fabrics. Consider adding an attic fan, ventilation, or insulation if it gets hotter.
Should attic stored clothes be washed before wearing again?
Yes, after prolonged attic storage, clothing should be laundered before wearing to remove any dust, dirt, or bugs that might have accumulated even in sealed bins.
Can you store shoes in the attic?
Shoes are generally durable enough to store safely in the attic as long as they are clean and in shoe boxes or bins. Avoid patent leather or delicate fabrics.
What are signs of attic damage to stored clothes?
Look for stains, foul musty odors, visible mold or mildew growth, holes, tears, fabric disintegration, warped shapes, drawing, or lost color.
Conclusion
The attic can work for some seasonal clothes storage needs as long as you take precautions against heat, pests, dust, and moisture damage. Critical daily wear and special delicate items are better kept in bedroom closets and dressers. Follow best practices like sealed bins, temperature control, and regular inspections if using your attic for clothing storage. With the right preparations, you can safely free up bedroom closet space by moving some clothes to the attic.
