How to Make Attic Storage Containers Air Tight

Putting items into attic storage containers is a good way of ensuring that your items are preserved for a long time, without having to take them to a storage unit. On the downside, some attic storage containers can allow your perishables, such as books, clothes and shoes, to become damaged over time. Insect activity, or even larger animals such as mice, can force the lid open, and get into the items inside. In order to prevent your goods from being damaged, and also to preserve them for longer, an attic storage container can be made to be completely air-tight, and anyone with only basic home improvement tools can do it by following a few simple guidelines to getting the project completed quickly.

Step 1 - Load up the Containers

The first thing you will have to do is fill your containers full of items. Anything which you do not need immediate access to can go, from old text books to clothes that have been too tight since Christmas. Try and place the items into the container as tightly as possible, so that there is less movement within the container when you are taking it up to the attic. Also make sure not to put items which are very heavy into a container, as you won't be able to carry it up, and it might even damage your attic joist supports.

Step 2 - Insert Internal Lids

To make the inside of the containers as air tight as possible, you will need to place an internal lid over the mouth. These lids can be bought from cookery suppliers, or from craft stores, and fit tightly around the mouth of the container, much like a rubber band. You can also make your own internal lid by using some cling-film and a rubber band or a tie. Place the film over the opening in your container, stretch it tightly, so that there are no wrinkles in the material, and then attach it to the mouth using a rubber band.

Step 3 - Apply External Lid

Once this small lid has been fitted, you can apply the external one. If the lid is of the kind which has a depressor seal, then you may not need to include the internal seal, but should move ahead to the external one. Press the lid down onto the mouth of the container, and then force the handle down so that it forms a seal. You will be able to tell when the container has become air tight due to the pressure under your hands as the seal is formed. You may experience some resistance as you try and close the lid, but it should work out alright in the end. Once you have the seal formed, wrap the outside  of the container in duct tape, taking care to overlap the material as you go around the seal. Press it tightly into the side of the attic storage container.