I am always fascinated by people’s attics. To me, they say a lot about a person or a family. Attics hold those things that are considered treasures or necessary items, ones far away from daily living but perhaps close in thoughts.
When I was growing up in a small apartment in New York City, I would be in awe of the thought of an attic. Featured in many of my favorite children’s books and stories, attics were places of adventure, places to hide and play, and places where things happened. There was always something special to be discovered just inside an old truck, whether it was an actual object or a self discovery that was made.
Basements and garages were for ordinary stuff, while attics were for magical treasures.
When we purchased our current home last year, I was thrilled that it came with an attic. To tell the truth, I didn’t even go up inside of it on our first visit to view the house, partially because I was still recovering from the birth of our youngest child, and partially because I didn’t want to get my hopes up.
Although it is far from the space that I envisioned in the ideal attic (one can only stand up straight in the very middle, and I have added quite a few bumps on my head since moving in), it does have its charm. When an insulation company suggested that we fill the entire thing with foam, I protested loudly. Tom and I had created our own purposes for the attic, first as a means to store mostly our hand me down clothes, seasonal stuff and a few keepsakes, until the kids were grown; then later turn it in to a living space, complete with master suite and window’s walk. We’ll see.
This past Saturday, while the kids were napping or occupied, Tom and I organized the attic. Boxes and bins are stacked neatly and within easy access. I was so proud of our accomplishments, that I had to show this room off to friends who were seeing our home for the first time. And it is true that I do consider it a room of its own.
What’s in your attic?
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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