How To Reclaim Unused Unfinished Attic Space For Storage

My parents have some unfinished space next to a water heater in basically a closet at the top of their house. I wanted to provide them with some additional storage space for a few boxes that needed to get out of the way, so I came up with a solution that could be removed whenever necessary to grant access to the air ducts that were laying on the floor in this space.

First I measured the space available, then I took two 2×12’s and set them up vertically over the support beams next to the air duct so I could lay something on top and still have some empty space below to allow for air flow and protection for the duct.

I then made two platforms with some plywood and 2×4’s that could be carried up into the attic, placed, and removed when desired. They work and fit perfectly, and now allow for about 10 storage boxes to be stacked up in an otherwise unused space.