Do it yourself SpaceLift attic storage is pretty simple. It requires only basic carpentry and minor electrical skills. First, let’s answer six basic questions. One, can you frame a rectangular opening in your attic floor (aka garage ceiling)? Two, are your attic floor joists 4 to 14 inches deep? Three, is your attic floor no more than 15 feet above the home or garage floor below? Four, do you have an attic floor or attic flooring system over some part of your attic? Five, is your attic a rafter or truss system that will support weight of you and your storage items? Six, is 110 – 120VAC electrical service available to your attic? Yes? Then you are on your way to enjoying the convenience of a SpaceLift attic storage lift.

In most cases, answers are all “yes.” If you’re not confident, this job can be done by any competent handy person with basic carpentry and electrical skills. Or if you wish, hire one of our SpaceLift Products dealers and installers located across the U.S.A.

If you have any doubts about your attic construction and capacity for storage, first consult a structural engineer.

FREE Do It Yourself SpaceLift Attic Storage Resources

Your next step is to consult the SpaceLift Products Page. There you can review the installation requirements and framed opening dimensions.

Our website has numerous free do it yourself SpaceLift attic storage resources:

• Site Guide offers advice on where to locate your attic lift.
• Install Manual goes through every installation step.
• Installation Videos demonstrate key components of the process.
  • Eight brief videos walk you through every step.
• Downloadable RFA Files you can open in a CAD program, for the more computer savvy DIYers, or your architect.
• Operations Manual for when the install is done.

Choosing a Location for Your SpaceLift

First and foremost, your SpaceLift carries cargo only. No people allowed. Think of it as a dumbwaiter. Like your own mini freight elevator. So while you’re improving attic access for storage items, you also need access for people. Pull-down attic stairs are the most common. Sometimes, older homes have regular stairs. Or you may have a narrow staircase. A simple hatch and extension ladder will do. Once your SpaceLift attic lift is installed, you no longer need carry storage items on the ladder. Lift instead!

Unlike competitors, a SpaceLift attic lift is designed to fit neatly between attic floor joists. No part of the unit protrudes up into your attic. This makes it a lot easier to move around your attic. Our carrying platform is easy to load and unload. No bars or chains are in your way.

Even so, we recommend at least four feet ceiling clearance above the lift. No sense banging your head! In fact, installing your SpaceLift where you have the most ceiling height makes the most sense. Take advantage of one of our lift’s best features: no vertical stacking limit. When considering location, think of putting your fill size artificial Christmas tree, or pop-up tent, or ski bag upright on the lift.

Again, our Do It Yourself SpaceLift attic storage Siting Guide offers more advice.

Making the Cut

If you’re like most do it yourselfers, cutting into your home or garage ceiling can be intimidating. Relax! First, you should know our SpaceLift comes with a white cover. Second, your ceiling cut is less than the size of the cover. So it makes a neat appearance. Some customers, like Bill T. even take the time to trim the ceiling opening. Bill used some moulding for a truly finished look. Read Bill’s letter and see his do it yourself SpaceLift attic storage install.

In most cases, our recommendation is to make the cut from the attic floor side. First, you can even lay the SpaceLift box between the attic floor joists to be sure.

A Note about Basements

Far and away, most of our do it yourself SpaceLift attic storage installs are for attics. But if you use basement storage, and are tired of lugging up and down the stairs, our lift works just as well for basements. You simply install the lift in your home floor with a trap door covering.

Do it Yourself SpaceLift Attic Storage Done in a Day

Most do it yourself SpaceLift attic storage installations take half a day or less. Once the unit is physically in place, there are a few simple steps to set up operation. Our programmable lifts make for easy set up.

Then say goodbye to the old household storage hassle on your stairs or attic ladder. The low-profile SpaceLift design is ideal for moving seasonal storage and holiday decorations in and out of your attic space. Up to 24 cubic foot capacity (and 200 pounds per trip) allows you to move more stuff in less time. Consult with your contractor and organize you life. You can do it.