Yes, I was going to suggest putting med-length or short hanging over the bottom step. Then you can put shoes on the floor under the other parts. That top step will be pretty out of reach, so maybe get a large lidded plastic bin and put, say, your off-season bedding up there (big duvet in summer or light quilt in winter, say), or other stuff you don't need to get to frequently. Next step down, boxes of shoes or smaller bins with things like scarves or bangle bracelets.

Bottom shelf, on the door side, could be a place to stand your hamper, or you could put boots there. Good wall to put a few hoooks for belts or purses too.

I suppose you could store out of season bedding on the steps. I had these in a condo and hated them, over time, due to difficulty in accessing items. You could mount hangers above the second step to hang out of season purses, put baskets with winter scarves, etc. on the step if you'll rarely need attic access. Installing two tier coated shelves on the steps will give additional storage, if you need it.

Can you relocate the attic access to the hallway, preferably where you can have pull-down stairs?

@Sammy I'm not sure... but I don't envision using the attic often.. if ever... but I'm new to this ownership thing so who knows lol

Regarding the step areas, don’t block them just in case you have to get access for maintenance reasons. You could put a back on each step ( which are easy enough to remove) . If you can’t this closet for your clothing etc. then you could put baskets of your shoes, belts & accessories etc. and purses. Or, other option is to store on each step also baskets with seasonal house decor for Autumn, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. .

Back: basket ( sorry dear on iPad) :o