Thinking of doing some attic cleaning along with your yearly spring ritual? Best practices go a long way towards a more effortless cleaning.
Here are our 5 tips to help you effectively maintain your attic to keep it in tip-top condition all year long.
1) Wear Protective Clothing
Attics can be rife with various dangers and health risks, so it’s best to protect yourself before going in. Wear protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt, shoes, gloves and a face mask to shield yourself from possible mould, rodent waste, splinters and other hazards. You’ll also need a flashlight, some markers and a small trash bin.
2) Do a Methodical Arrangement
For complete attic maintenance, you will need to categorise. You can use a simple method such as labelling boxes with numbers for sorting, or dividing the room into four parts so everything can be arranged and decluttered. Don’t move the boxes and the heavy things as it’s better to leave them as is (unless you have a helper).
Get a clipboard and a few paper so you can keep on top of things. You can then tick off the numbered boxes as you go, or cross out the sections of the room once you’ve sorted out the mess.
3) Start Sorting and Decluttering
Divide every item in the attic into three groups – the ones you’ll keep, the ones you’ll throw out and the ones you’re uncertain of.
Throw out items that are broken and those who no longer have a use. I.e. Old mattresses, busted lights, furniture that’s missing a leg etc. Keep the ones that are valuable or have sentimental value. I.e. Antiques, photographs, clothes etc. If you’re unsure if you should throw it or keep it, put it in the “uncertain” pile.
Discard unwanted items into trash bins or in a box for collecting later on. You can ask for help on heavy things that you can’t carry alone.
4) Clean Up Afterwards
Once you’re done with the sorting, then it’s time to clean up your attic. Prepare a bucket of soapy water and some rags for the floor and the walls, a roll of tissue and disposable gloves.
Be careful when cleaning up vermin droppings as they are a health risk. The same goes for any visible mold, mildew and dust. Alternately, you can use a portable vacuum or a broom to clear out the cobwebs, dust and dirt. Wipe down furniture with a wet rag or cloth.
You may also want to check your attic’s integrity and ensure that there aren’t any holes or leaks in the insulation. Conduct repairs or hire a professional as necessary.
5) Call The Experts For Help
Call the professionals when you’re dealing with pests such as rats, mice and bats residing in your attic.
If you find that your attic is filled with oversized junk that is too difficult to tackle alone, then call in the rubbish removal specialists. Not only can they help you, but they will take care of it all for you. You will be able to sit back and relax while our team of professionals attend to the task. Paul’s Rubbish Removal will be able to safely remove any rubbish from your attic quickly and easily.
