Decluttering your attic might sound like an overwhelming project to handle. In reality, it’s much easier to handle when it’s broken down into smaller, bite-sized pieces. If you try to clean out your entire attic in one day, you’ll wind up feeling overworked and overwhelmed. In order to smoothly and successfully clean out a cluttered attic, it’s important to become systematic and strategic in your planning. Consider these four easy steps to methodically declutter and clean your attic.
1. Create a Donation Pile
Oftentimes, the attic is the place that collects the things you think you’ll need one day. The reason you’ll place these items in the attic is because they have no working function in your current space. Instead of holding on to things and hoping that you’ll be able to use them someday, give them away.
Take it a step further and give them away to people who will use the items in a practical way. You can give these items away at local thrift stores or local homeless shelters. If you know churches that host clothing drives, donate clothes there. If you have a lot of valuable items that you know you’d like to make money from, take these items and sell them on eBay.
The only issue with eBay is that it can take a while to sell items. If you’d like to avoid the waiting process, spend a couple weekends selling items in a garage sale instead. Ask some of the neighbors if they’re interested in joining forces and split the profits. Whatever items fail to sell, give them away.
2. Create a Trash Pile
No matter how much you spruce some items up, they won’t sell. In this case, it is vital to start a trash pile as well. Throw away items that are worn down and don’t serve a purpose anymore. Try your best to be as eco-friendly as possible and recycle items as much as possible. Whatever doesn’t fit must go.
Oftentimes, people get stuck on keeping old sentimental items that really do belong in the trash. If it helps, consider starting in different areas of the room and collect the trash alone. When you make the decision to focus on one segment at a time, you do a better job of getting rid of the items at a faster pace.
3. Create a Storage Plan
One of the key components of creating a clean environment is making sure that each item has a home. If every item in the attic has an assigned space, it is much easier to keep tabs on things and keep things neat. If you have the financial margin to do so, purchase storage units, bookshelves and storage bins to keep things contained and organized.
Label the storage bins and units with the contents. This is helpful because if you ever need an item, you’ll be able to get to it without rummaging through a bunch of other bins. Once things are organized and labeled, it is less overwhelming and you’re more likely to maintain a system.
4. Clean Out
Once you’ve cleared the clutter away, it is important to actually clean. Get a broom and sweep the floors. Dust out any cobwebs that have collected. Use a cleaning solution and disinfectant wipes to clear out the areas. Use a single vacuum motor to get rid of dust and debris. Not only does it pick up the undetectable dirt beneath your feet, it is also great for improving the air quality in your attic.
These four steps may sound like a lot, but it’s best to break these steps down and consider doing one step a day. The more hands, the easier the work becomes. After breaking it all down, you’ll quickly how dramatically different your attic will look.
