If you’re ready to declutter and organize your attic for a more meaningful use of the space, here are the best tips to get the job done.
Attics can become the most cluttered and unorganized spaces in your home – and rightfully so.
They are typically used to store items that are considered keepsakes or rarely used at all. This can make them one of the biggest catch-all spaces in a home.
How to Easily Declutter and Organize Your Attic
Having an attic full of stuff can cause you to instantly become stressed and overwhelmed, so don’t try to tackle the entire space at one time.
Instead, consider decluttering 15-20 minute increments.
Use the steps below to make sure you’re making the most of your declutter and organizing times. The overall goal is to keep from making an even bigger mess and to see the project actually be completed.
Tip #1: Decide how you’ll go through the items.
Most attic spaces aren’t temperature controlled. They can be quite dusty, and may not have ceilings high enough for you to properly stand up.
For attics like these, you’ll need to decide how you want to go through the items.
The most ideal way is to bring the items down to you. This may require lots of traveling up and down a ladder or stairs of some sort, but it will need to be done.
This is also where breaking the task down comes in handy. If you have to do the breakdown method, make sure you have a space (downstairs) cleared out for the placing the things you bring from the attic.
Tip #2: Start with one section at a time.
Typically, we would advise you to clear an entire space before getting into the thicket of the decluttering process. However, for this particular space, you may need to take it in sections.
If you don’t have tons of stuff and can bring it all down, go for it! The idea of taking it in sections is so you don’t overwhelm yourself and you can take your time going through everything without feeling cramped for space.
Tip #3: Decide what to do with your stuff.
As you bring things down one section at a time, instantly decide what to do with it. Same as always, make yourself at least 3 piles: one for things that will return to the attic, another to donate and/or sell, and the last pile for things you want to throw away.
Don’t spend too much time pondering on each item and go with your first mind. Ask yourself if it’s sentimental. Are you keeping it for a particular reason? Is it a seasonal item that will be used again? Is it really important?
Answers to these questions will help you keep what needs to be kept and toss what needs to be let go.
Tip #4: Clean the area.
As you get each section decluttered, give it a good cleaning as you go. Attics can be pretty dusty and house little critters (like moths), so make sure you use a solution that will help you get rid of the dust and keep items from being ruined by any attic pests.
Tip #5: Choose storage solutions (if applicable).
The key to keeping an area decluttered is to keep it organized. Attics are the perfect place to put all types of storage solutions.
From vacuum seal bags and totes to bins and shelving units, decide on a few that will help your attic stay decluttered and organized.
You may find a new use for the space with it cleared out!
Tip #6: Follow through.
As you get sections cleared, cleaned, and you begin to replace the items that will stay in that space, keep going and don’t stop!
Even if you have to break the project down over the course of a few days, be intentional about getting the tasks done.
The moment you lose momentum may be the moment the entire project is stalled. Then you’ll be left with even a bigger mess. No bueno!
Decluttering, cleaning, and organizing your attic may seem like an impossible task, but it is absolutely necessary (especially if you plan on moving one day).
Attics can become a forgotten space with tons of stuff that you don’t need or don’t want anymore, but this doesn’t have to be the case for you.
Do one big declutter and organize for your attic and you’ll save yourself from being stressed later!
More on Decluttering
- How to Declutter Your Bookshelves
- How to Declutter Your Kid’s Room
- 5 Easy Steps to Declutter Your Garage
Michelle is a freelance writer, blogger, and author of several Amazon best-selling nonfiction books. Her work has appeared on sites such as Yes I Can Help You, JustinaFord, Mom For All Seasons, Christian Marriage Adventures, and Proverbs 31 Mentor. She has worked side-by-side with well-known business women such as Wendi Schenkel, Carla Du Pont and Dr. Radisha Brown. It is Michelle’s desire to make your words become a reality through her gift of writing. You can share her passion on her blog, The Healing Life, and acquire information about working with her at Michelle Huddleston Services.