An attic is often a storage place for all sorts of things you don’t need often (or even ever) anymore. Of course, there are always some things lying around that you will continue to need from time to time, depending on the season. However, it often creeps into many people’s lives that there are a lot of items that never get used again. That’s when it’s time to clean up! When your attic is thoroughly cleaned out you will find that it offers a lot of peace of mind and you can find things much easier. It can be a big job to clean out an attic though. That’s why we provide useful tips on how best to go about it with a step-by-step plan!
Preparations
It is smart to set aside a whole day or afternoon to clean out your attic. After all, it can take a lot of time, and rushing often creates stress. Make a plan in advance and set a goal. Clearing a jam-packed attic in a short afternoon will not always work, so it is sometimes better to choose to tackle a smaller area first.
Supplies
- Garbage bags
- Storage boxes
- Cleaning supplies
- Any additional lighting
Attic clearance step-by-step plan
1. Get everything down
Often it is most convenient to get all your stuff downstairs first. Especially if your attic is very full of stuff, or if you have a low attic, it is a lot more comfortable to work in another room. When all the stuff is downstairs you can easily clean the attic.
2. Thorough cleaning
Clean the attic thoroughly. Start by removing the dust and then clean the floor thoroughly. Take your time with this because it may have been a long time since this was done! This is one of the few times you can reach the nooks and crannies well.
3. Sorting stuff
Next, it’s time to sort through the items. First, set aside the larger items that can go away. Next, take a trash bag in hand and throw in here the smaller items that can also go away. It is always wise to take a good look to see if there are any valuable items among them. You can sell these on Marketplace or Facebook, or give them away to family or friends. If you follow these steps, you will be left with only the items that can be returned to the attic.
4. Organize
Think carefully about an efficient arrangement of the things that remain. Make sure the right things are in the boxes together and use labels or tags. Transparent storage boxes are also very handy so you don’t have to open all the boxes to find what you are looking for.
5. Replace
Then it’s time to put all the stuff back in the attic. Start with the items you don’t need often and put them in the back of the attic. Then you can place the items you think you will need more often.
6. Disposal of old stuff
Always dispose of all items that can be discarded immediately. Take recyclable items to a collection point and take large items to the landfill.
Attic tidying tips
Invest in storage
Some products make storing stuff a lot nicer. Consider, for example, see-through storage boxes (so you can find what you’re looking for more easily) or shelving.
Provide good lighting
Good lighting in the attic is nice when you are cleaning up. In fact, many attics are not super well lit or have no/few windows. So make sure you have extra lighting. This way you can easily see everything. It can also prevent accidents.
Check regularly to see what can go away
This is, of course, for when you have first completely updated the attic. It is smart to regularly take a quick look to see if unnecessary items have accumulated in the attic. You can then throw these away in good time. This way you will prevent your attic from becoming a gathering place for stuff you don’t use.
Help with attic clearance
Hopefully you can move forward with this step-by-step plan and soon have a tidy attic again. Do you have so much stuff collected in your home that you’d rather enlist help? We would be happy to help! Please contact us for more information. Do you also have a cluttered shed? Then be sure to check out our article with steps for cleaning out your shed.
