Cleaning site Oh So Spotless recently revealed that 27% of people rank clutter as the most annoying mess in their homes. Having a free space gives you much more freedom in organizing your life, so how do you simplify this process to tackle a cluttered space more effectively?
Below, we offer attic decluttering tips to help you save time and make your attic more functional in the long term. Follow our guide to plan your attic cleanout efficiently and avoid some of the common mistakes people make when they start.
Inspect Your Attic and Address Structural Concerns
It may seem strange to start with this step, but at least take a quick look around your attic to ensure the items you plan to throw out are not currently hiding water damage or sagging beams, which can be more common in older Northeast homes.
You should also check for pest infestations, such as mice or termites, which may need professional removal to prevent their spread through the house. Then, contact a specialist if you need to perform extra maintenance as you organize your cleanout.
Once the space is safe, determine whether it is easily accessible if you want to move large items. Will you need to pass them out of an upstairs window, and where will you need to put a dumpster before removing items?
It is also a good idea to research local waste disposal regulations in the Delaware and Pennsylvania areas. However, a group like WRS Dumpster Rental can make your clearout process stress-free by offering tips on remaining compliant.
Finally, measure your driveway and access points to confirm if the space is appropriate for a roll-off dumpster. If not, research whether you need a permit to place a dumpster on a public street. Also, ensure that you clear a path for people to take items from your home to the dumpster to avoid damaging them.
Plan With Local Weather and Timing in Mind
Organizational consultant Becoming Minimalist confirmed that the average American home contains 300,000 items. You should not start clearing that out until you have chosen the right attic cleaning strategies. So, schedule your cleanout for a time when you know you will be free and the weather will not hamper your progress.
Then, ensure you define a clear goal for an easy attic cleanup. Are you intending to create a space in the attic? If so, how large so you have a clearly defined endpoint
Lastly, divide the cleanout process into smaller tasks. If you have others to help perform additional steps, even better, as you can then separate clearing through the different types of items you want to process.
Use Local Resources for Decluttering
While you will undoubtedly need a dumpster for a large number of items, also remember that not everything is trash. For example, the donation site Pickup Please reported that we never use 80% of the items we keep. If this is true for you, consider whether it would be better for you to take some of your items to consider other options for some of your items, such as:
- Donation
- Recycling
- Gifting
- Taking downstairs and using
Separate your goods into different boxes. For example, have a donation, recycle, and trash box. If you need to separate them further based on donation or recycling laws, do so.
Then, use your dumpster to dispose of any non-recyclable items quickly. You will then be unlikely to need more than one dumpster.
Handle Hazardous Materials as Per the Law
As you go through your items, you may find items that need specific disposal. These include things like:
- Paint
- Batteries
- Household chemicals
- Electronics
Research your local ordinances to discover if there are specific waste collection or disposal rules for these items. In Delaware, for example, the local city solid waste authority can help you dispose of batteries without violating regulations. If you have any specific questions, contact these groups for more information and to ensure you follow the rules.
Deep Clean Your Attic While Addressing Unexpected Issues
Nobody wants to find anything untoward in their attic, but most people store stuff in that room and never return. Under these circumstances, mold and pests can breed unfettered.
So, understand that a thorough attic clearout process should also mitigate problems such as mold or pests.
As you start to work through your attic, inspect the different areas, including:
- Corners
- Beams
- Insulation
- Stored items
If you find signs of mold, use moss-resistant cleaning products, such as bleaches, to treat the area and remove any growth. Then, consider more long-term solutions, such as dehumidifiers.
If you discover signs of pests, seal up any cracks or gaps in the attic and consult with a local pest professional for more information.
Organize What You Want to Keep by Access
Separate out items as you sort them to ensure peak efficient attic organization. Use a strict system of determining if you want to keep something, such as the Marie Kondo method, to determine if there are things you want to remain in your home or if they should go.
Then, use as many attic storage solutions as make sense to help you store the items both in the attic and other locations of your home, such as:
- Airtight containers
- Stackable bins
- Adjustable shelving units
- Chests
- Durable containers
You want to keep items off of the floor and, when storing items, create walkways to allow for easy access. Doing this will make it easier to quickly store things well, helping you with future storage efforts, too.
Use a dumpster to discard everything you don’t want with as little effort as possible. Doing this reduces the stress of disposal, making it less likely that you will keep items solely because of effort.
Simplify Your Whole Attic Cleanout Process
Starting an attic cleanout can be difficult. Many people fear starting because they are worried about how many items they have in the storage space. However, you can simplify everything by partnering with a group like WRS Dumpster Rental, which can take a lot of the stress off your hands.
Trust us for expert advice and reliable services tailored to Delaware and the larger Northeast region. Contact us today to learn more about your dumpster options.