Loft ladder

snipped-for-privacy@REMOVEbundy.co.uk laid this down on his screen :

They are almost all a double extension ladder so take up a good bit more than half their length when folded and pushed up into the loft space.

The only exceptions I've seen is a folding concertina type, which closes down almost to the shape of a box. My experience of these is that they do not instill much confidence in them as you climb them, because they do flex quite a bit.

They're all pretty much the same to be honest - get a decent make or buy from a reputable supplier.

You could use a triple ladder if saving a few more inches was vital. Eg

Agree - they're treacherously unstable when carrying anything

Have a look at