Storage for lofts: Loft Storage Ideas and Solutions

Unused lofts are ideal for storage as they can keep your items safe and separate from the rest of the house. With this in mind, you may be looking for loft storage ideas to help create the perfect place in your home to store your belongings, be that on a long- or short-term basis.

When it comes to converted lofts such as loft bedrooms, loft storage isn’t always as simple as buying free-standing furniture and other one-size-fits-all solutions.  Lofts, by their very nature, are one of the most uniquely shaped rooms in the house, and while this can make some storage options difficult to implement, it also presents the opportunity for some more creative solutions.

To help you optimise the storage potential of your loft, we’ve put together this helpful guide.

When choosing loft space storage solutions, you’ll first need to consider the condition of your loft flooring. Most lofts have bare beams and may need flooring to be put in by way of boarding.

Boarding a loft for storage can help support the weight of boxes, bags, some furniture, and any other items you’re putting up there. However, simple boards aren’t always safe to walk around on, and may struggle to bear the weight of heavier items. For a safer storage space that gives you easier access to your items, you should consider a loft conversion for storage. Loft boards may also be ruled out depending on the thickness of your insulation, as squashing the insulation can reduce its effectiveness and even put pressure on the ceiling below.

If you’re only looking to store a few items in your loft, you could opt for loft storage stilts instead of boarding. Loft storage stilts attach to the beams and provide a platform on which to place a box, bag, or item. A loft storage stilt can be a cost-effective solution but strengthening your loft floor for storage is better suited to storing many items, or items that you need to access fairly regularly.

If you aren’t planning on converting your loft, you also won’t need to build a staircase. You can view our range of convenient loft ladders to find the perfect solution for your storage loft, allowing you to access your belongings with ease.

Loft storage rooms and building regulations

You may already know that you must follow building regulations and possibly obtain planning permission for loft conversions if you intend to use it as a bedroom, recreation room, or another liveable space. But does this apply to loft storage rooms?

You generally don’t need to apply for planning permission to board your loft, install a loft ladder, or even install roof windows and skylights. So, a simple storage loft probably won’t require planning permission.

However, you must not use this room for anything other than storage. If you intend to use the loft you create as a liveable space, you need to follow building regulations laid out by the government and enforced by your local council, which include installing new floor joists, fire safety measures, and soundproofing. You can find more information on building regulations on the Planning Portal website.

The good news is that these building regulations are cost-effective to implement and are included in the cost of your loft conversion. And, as a loft conversion may even increase the value of your property, it’s an option well worth considering.

If you’ve converted your loft and have subsequently decided to have eaves or under-stair storage, you may also be looking for more opportunities to store your belongings. Not only will the tips below help you maximise the potential of a loft storage room, but they may be of use to people looking for loft bedroom storage ideas too.

Deciding what you want to store

Packing things away and putting them into storage can free up room in the rest of your home, keeping clutter and mess to a minimum. It’s also a great way to hang onto seasonal or sentimental belongings that you don’t have use right now but might want to use again in the future. To declutter properly, you need to be selective about what you keep and what you give away, but with additional storage in your loft, you can keep more of your belongings safely and securely.

A good example, and perhaps the most common type of item to find stored in a loft, is Christmas decorations. Though they spend most of the year unused, it’s important that they are easily accessible during the festive period. So, a convenient loft conversion is ideal for storing goods like these. Other items you may want to store include winter coats, camping equipment, maternity wear, baby toys or clothes, and antiques.

Loft storage may even come in handy if you regularly sell online through resale apps and auction websites, as you can store, organise, and prepare your stock for delivery all in one place.

Storage container types

For long-term storage it’s always best to pack your items away in containers if you can, to keep out things like dust and mould. This also helps to make organising your belongings easier, as you can compartmentalise them depending on their qualities and label the containers so you can easily find what you need later.

When it comes to loft storage, boxes are the most common kind of container. Boxes with lids are ideal for protecting your belongings and you can even stack them into vertical space if you have room. However, loft storage bags are ideal for clothes storage, cuddly toys, and soft furnishings. This is because you can fill them and squeeze out the air, so that they lie flat and take up less space than a box.

Try to avoid cardboard boxes, paper bags, or biodegradable sacks, as these can disintegrate if left in storage for a long period of time and they may not protect your stored goods from things like moisture. Instead, look for plastic boxes with sealed lids and special storage bags that can help keep the elements at bay.

Wardrobes, cupboards, and cabinets

Loft storage cupboards can be custom-  made to fit the unique size and shape of your loft conversion, making the most of dead space and leaving more free surface area than if you were to add your own cabinets and wardrobes. If you do want to add free-standing furniture for storage, try measuring your eaves and finding units than can fit under the lowest sloping parts of your angled ceiling.

There may not be many opportunities to add wall shelving in your loft, but assuming your property is a standard shape, you may have at least one vertical wall to install shelves. The good news is that leaving your sloping walls free means that there is plenty of room for roof windows and skylights that can illuminate your loft and provide spectacular views.

The tips in this guide cover storage solutions and tips for loft bedrooms and other liveable spaces, as well as advice for getting the most out of loft conversions that are purely for storage purposes. Whether you’re making use of dead space under the eaves, under the stairs, or either side of the door, there are plenty of creative ways to save space when storing items in your loft.

At RW4Y, we can provide you with high-quality products for your loft conversion and other home improvement projects including roof windows, skylights, loft ladders, and much more. Our knowledge hub is full of tips and advice for loft conversions, extensions, and installing roof windows, so why not take a look or get in touch on 0333 600 9090.