Cleaning the attic is most likely the last thing on your list of things to do. We usually don’t even think about that space, much less the state it is in. That is, at least until we have to find something we need that’s stored up there! That’s when the messy reality hits us like a cold shower!
Getting rid of any clutter is strenuous, but the attic is particularly draining and back-breaking. The stuff to be sorted is often connected with our past—for better or for worse—and the trek up and down the stairs, compounded by the airless and musty climate of the attic, just adds to the drudgery and toil. It certainly takes time and effort, and with our busy lives, it is much easier to just close the door, and resume our lives downstairs. Out of sight, out of mind. For many reasons, however, clearing and cleaning the attic—at least every two years—is very important.
It Can Save You Money.
Sorting through all the stuff in the attic gives you a chance to see what you have, so you don’t waste your money on buying things you already have. Does the phrase, “Oh, I didn’t even know we had a Christmas wreath like this,” sound familiar?
It Will Save You Time and Energy in the Long Run.
Organizing the attic paraphernalia into categories and placing them in labeled bins will save you much time and energy at those times when you need to find something you stored in the attic a while ago. Those clearly marked bins will make a potential two-hour rummage through the clutter, just a five-minute task!
It May Be a Necessary Emotional Journey.
Taking stock of all the objects from the past you’ve stored for ages in the attic, and tossing those that should have been tossed a long time ago, can be a cathartic experience. Your ex’s old skis could make a fabulous bonfire, for instance! On the other hand, sorting through your memorabilia can remind you of the many terrific experiences you’ve had in your life, and make you feel great!
It Will Save Those Truly Invaluable Items.
Attics are notorious for extreme heat. These conditions are not ideal for storing cherished photographs, collectibles or scrapbooks. An attic decluttering mission will give you an opportunity to identify these valuable possessions, and find a cooler place in your house to store them.
Attics can also be leaky. With even just a bit of water over time, mold and mildew can take possession of the place, and not only damage all your stored possessions, but spread all over the house. A good cleaning and decluttering every few months or so will prevent this from happening. Attics also attract bugs and chewing critters like mice and squirrels. Given a chance these pests can wreak much damage on all that stuff lying around uncovered and unprotected.
It Will Prevent a Potential Fire.
As any firefighter will tell you, keeping piles of paper and fabric materials in any space presents a fire hazard. Much more so in the attic, where temperatures can get very in the summer, and smoke detectors are seldom present.
It Will Prevent Potential Accidents.
Another danger in in a cluttered space is the risk of tripping and falling when you or a member of your family is up there, looking for something, or just playing hide-and-seek! That’s why it’s important to have a cleared attic space with lots of free space to move around in.
It Will Help You Help Others.
Going through all the things in the attic and sorting them into things you really do want to keep and things you don’t, gives you an opportunity to donate those items that you don’t need but still have some life in them to those who may need them.
It May Save Your Sanity.
Clearing out the attic regularly means it will be ready to go at a moment’s notice if and when your family decides to move. At least this space will not be the cause of your nervous breakdown during a relocation!
Admittedly, many of the items you’ll find your attic are just junk, stuff that you know you or anybody else would never use, including all kinds of broken furniture for which that day of fixing will never come, stuff with missing parts, and old papers and materials. The best way to deal with that irredeemable mess left after your attic decluttering is to call your local junk removal company. They’ll send a team that will trudge up to the attic, quickly remove all the garbage, and dispose of it in a responsible and environmentally friendly way.
