Easy DIY Basement and Attic Projects That Will Keep Your Stuff Secure

Easy DIY Basement & Attic Storage Upgrades

Whether it’s boxes of family keepsakes, seasonal decorations, or out-of-season clothes, every homeowner needs a safe, reliable place to store their belongings. While you could rent a storage unit, the easiest and most affordable solution often starts right at home. Your basement or attic might seem like a cluttered afterthought — but with a little time, creativity, and a few budget-friendly upgrades, you can turn these spaces into organized, secure storage areas. Even if you’re new to DIY projects, there are simple, beginner-friendly ways to make the most of your unused space and keep your home feeling clean and clutter-free.

Install Shelving in Your Basement

Cost: $30 – $50
Time Commitment: 1 hour (plus purging and organizing)

It might seem easy to stack boxes in the basement and forget about them — but that approach can leave your belongings vulnerable to water leaks, flooding, and even mold damage. Instead, consider DIY basement storage options like installing sturdy wood shelving or a freestanding metal shelving unit. Both options will keep your boxes off the floor, protecting them from moisture and reducing the risk of damage.

Once your shelves are set up, take a few extra minutes to label your storage bins or boxes. A simple label on the front of each container makes it easy to find what you need without digging through piles of clutter. This small step can save you time and frustration down the road.

Waterproof Your Basement

Cost: $40 – 45 per gallon
Time Commitment: 2 hours to an afternoon, depending on size

Another way to reduce your risk of water damage is by waterproofing your basement walls. Even if you’ve raised your storage boxes off the floor, moisture can still seep in through porous concrete walls, putting your belongings at risk. A simple weekend basement storage DIY project can make a big difference in keeping your basement — and everything stored in it — dry.

One of the most effective ways to block out moisture is by applying a waterproofing paint, such as DryLok. This latex-based coating seals concrete walls and helps prevent water from leaking through. It typically costs $40 to $45 per gallon and can be applied in just a few hours or an afternoon, depending on the size of your basement. Keep in mind, DryLok has a gritty texture and leaves an off-white finish, so once it’s dry, you can easily paint over it with your favorite color to brighten up the space while you’re at it.

Waterproof Your Attic

Cost: $25 – $35 per gallon
Time Commitment: 2 hours to an afternoon, depending on the attic’s size

When utilizing your when considering attic storage DIY projects, it’s crucial to address potential moisture issues to safeguard your belongings. Beyond ensuring the roof is leak-free, a task best handled by professionals, you can take proactive steps to protect against humidity and minor moisture intrusion.​

Applying an oil-based waterproofing compound to the attic’s interior surfaces, such as wood and cement, can effectively seal out moisture. Products like linseed or tung oil penetrate deep into the wood, creating a durable, water-resistant finish. Alternatively, oil-based sealers like Seal-A-Cell can be used to enhance and protect wood surfaces.

Application Tips:

• Preparation: Ensure all surfaces are clean and dry before application.​
• Application Method: Use a brush rather than a roller to apply the compound, allowing for better control and coverage.​
• Coverage: Move slowly and cover every inch to ensure a thorough seal.​

Additionally, improving attic ventilation can help regulate temperature and humidity levels, further protecting your stored items from moisture-related damage.

DIY Attic Storage: Add Flooring (But Proceed with Caution)

Cost: Minimal – just the cost of lumber
Time Commitment: Minimal

If you’re looking for a quick and inexpensive way to create more attic storage space, laying down a few boards over the rafters might seem like an easy fix. But it’s important to proceed with caution.

Most modern attics aren’t designed to hold heavy weight. In many homes, the attic structure is built to support the roof, not heavy storage boxes. If your attic is only accessible through a narrow hatch or ladder, safely hauling large boxes up and down can also be a challenge.

That said, adding some basic flooring — like a few sturdy boards — can give you enough space to store lightweight items, such as seasonal decorations or old keepsakes. Just be careful not to overload the space, and avoid storing items that are sensitive to extreme heat, cold, or humidity. Attics are known for big temperature swings, which can easily damage electronics, photos, and other delicate belongings.

If your attic has a pull-down stairwell or dedicated stairway, you may be able to safely store a bit more. But it’s still a good idea to check your attic’s load limits and speak to a professional before attempting a bigger storage setup.

This guest post was provided by Cathie Ericson of SpareFoot and revised by the Modernize team.