Packing for long term storage

We have a lot of stuff we don't use regularly, but for one reason or another can't/won't get rid of it. Like the Christmas tree and baby stuff. We've got loads of roof space, so we're thinking of making sure it's nice and clean and storing stuff up there.

Is there anything we should know to make sure things don't get ruined? I don't want them to get musty and mouldy, or filled with mouse poop. Is there anything we can put in the boxes to help things stay "fresh"? And is there any reason a roof space isn't a good idea for storage? I don't know if that's a fire risk or anything.

Great thread!
We are thinking of doing the same thing in our roof.
Would love to hear any tips, or things to avoid.

I put dried lavender in with anything made from fabric to help keep bugs away.
If you are concerned that things could get wet (eg roof leak). Then put garbage bags if putting into cardboard boxes.
If using tubs, go good quality, especially if stacking on each other. Those lids can crack and the mice get in (I lost 7 metres of silk to mice :cry:)

Remember to either write on boxes/tubs or log in a document. I track in a spreadsheet, box number and what is in it. Not just generic, but some reasonable details. Make is easy when you want to find something in particular. You don't want to search through 3 boxes of clothes, when you can go straight to the box with the winter jackets.

Great idea about the tracking!

I'm pretty sure we don't have leaks, but was worried about packing in plastic because it'll get hot up there, what if stuff gets 'sweaty'?

Bags could get sweaty, but I think the tubs have some breathabilty.
You could always put some items up there and keep an eye on them before putting everything up there.

I don't know much about roof spaces here but I always wondered why they are so under utilized here. In the UK most houses have 'lofts' set up for storage (if haven't been converted). My mum is always saying she is surprised the house hasn't collapsed the weight of stuff up there.

Make sure where you are thinking of storing has enough support. We put some boxes in our roof (over the garage), not a lot, and not heavy (I was able to pass to dh for putting there), and one day we noticed a large bulge in the ceiling. We fixed it before collapsing, but it came as a shock.

Be careful of lighting etc and where you place things, especially if you have down lights as you could create a fire hazard. DH got some planks of wood to place over the roof beans to create some safe space that was well supported.
We stored lots of baby stuff in the roof between babies. We sealed most things in garbage bags or storage boxes and it was all fine. I didn't put any clothes up there though

Remember it's up there when you move house!!

I would be getting good qual sealed tubs, not boxes. Boxes are mansions for critters. Also, think about what you're storing & whether it might degrade as a result of extremes of heat/cold. For eg, you shouldn't be keeping photos & negatives up there.

Also, think about the weight. It's not safe to store heavy items in high places (greater risk of dropping it in yourself).

PS stuff shouldn't get sweaty unless it's damp/humid when you pack it

We just use stackable tubs.

Don't put any food there (eg: a 10kg bag of rice brings mice to the attic like jugs of milk bring boys to the yard).

Don't put any wine or negatives up there (it gets hot and cold like a Katy Perry song).

Don't have anything inviting and cosy out loose (sleeping bags, etc).

While we dont use our roof space, i have everything in our house stored andmouse proof, i use tubs for our everyday linen eg towels etc.. and stuff that eillbe stored for 6+months eg babycloths and winter dooners etc in vaccum bags, these you have to watch, they are great to stop the mould and sweat rtc but not rodent proof. Plus depending on the qualitiy some arent actually air tight... i also have Lavender in all my tubs, i feel it gets rid of the stale smell and another level of rodent proof

I second making sure there is sufficient support for what you are storing, rooves in Australia are not generally designed for storage so don't have sufficient support.