Your attic is probably full of things you haven't looked at in years — old suitcases, Christmas decorations taking up space 11 months of the year, and boxes of "might need someday" items. But what if it could be earning you money instead?
Renting out attic space for storage is one of the simplest side incomes available to Irish homeowners. Here's a realistic look at what you can earn, how it works, and whether it's worth it.
How Much Can You Realistically Earn?
Attic storage commands lower prices than garages (because of access limitations), but the income is still meaningful:
- Dublin: €50–€80/month (€600–€960/year)
- Cork / Galway / Limerick: €35–€60/month (€420–€720/year)
- Other towns and rural areas: €25–€45/month (€300–€540/year)
For a space that's currently earning you nothing and costing you nothing to maintain, even €400 a year is found money. That's a family day out every month, or a decent annual contribution to a holiday fund.
What Renters Are Looking For in Attic Storage
Not everyone needs ground-floor access. Many renters are storing items they rarely need to access — and for them, an attic is perfect. Common items stored in attics:
- Seasonal decorations (Christmas, Halloween)
- Off-season clothing and ski gear
- Archives and documents
- Sentimental items and family keepsakes
- Luggage and travel gear
- Books and collections
The key selling points for renters are: dry conditions, reasonable temperature stability, and security (locked hatch or dedicated access).
Is Your Attic Suitable?
Not every attic works. Here's what makes an attic suitable for renting:
- Fully floored. Renters need to walk safely and place boxes without risk of going through a ceiling. Partial flooring can work if the usable area is clearly defined.
- Dry and well-insulated. No leaks, no condensation pooling, and no signs of damp on the timbers.
- Accessible via a proper ladder or staircase. A pull-down ladder is fine; a wobbly stepladder is not.
- Adequate headroom. Renters need enough height to stand (or crouch comfortably) and place boxes.
- Lighting. Even a single bulb makes the difference between a usable space and a dark hole.
How to Set Up Your Attic Listing
- Clear your own items. Consolidate what's up there — you'll likely find half of it can be donated or binned. Move your items to one side and dedicate the rest to the renter.
- Measure the usable space. Length, width, and ceiling height at the peak. Quote the area in square metres or cubic metres.
- Take photos. Use a torch or flash to get clear shots. Show the access ladder, the floor, and the available space.
- List on Packhood.Create your listing, set your price, and describe the space honestly — including any limitations.
Access Arrangements
The most common setup: the renter drops off items once and picks them up when they're done (weeks or months later). Most attic storage bookings involve just 2–4 access events per year. This makes it incredibly low-effort for you as a host — you're essentially being paid to let someone's boxes sit in your attic.
Agree access arrangements upfront: how much notice is needed, and what hours work for you.
Tax Implications
Income from renting attic space is taxable in Ireland. It's classed as miscellaneous income and must be declared on your annual tax return. However, for amounts under €1,000/year, the administrative burden is minimal — you declare it on Form 12 (PAYE) or Form 11 (self-assessed) and pay your marginal rate on the net income after expenses.
The Bottom Line
Renting out your attic won't make you rich, but €400–€900 a year for essentially zero effort is hard to argue with. If your attic is dry, floored, and accessible, it's an asset you're currently getting nothing from. A 30-minute listing setup could pay for itself within the first month.
List your attic on Packhood and start earning from space you're not using.