Tip #1: Invest in some nice knee pads (gel foam inside/hard plastic outside). Huge upgrade from the ones I had from "back in the day". Your knees will thank you. (keep them by the pull down ladder)
Tip #2: throw away twice as much as you think you should. (everything you drag up there... you'll have to drag down)
Tip #3: make good walkways (ok crawlways) and keep them clear or you won't be able to get to or find anything (don't ask how I know this)
Good luck with the medical stuff.
Thanks for the kind words.