How do you clear out an attic full of junk?

To clear out an attic full of junk, work in sections, sort everything into keep, donate, and haul. Be careful on the ladder and the joists.

Attics have a way of filling up over the years. They are the go-to destinations for holiday decorations, old furniture, boxes of paperwork, and things that went up there “for now” and never again saw the light of day. Clearing one out is satisfying. That doesn’t mean it’s easy, though.

You can break the job into smaller parts by working in sections. This is a lot easier than trying to empty the whole space at once. You can sort as you go into keep, donate, and haul piles. But be careful: attic access is often narrow and pull-down ladders tend to wobble. The flooring may be nothing more than joists and insulation, and if you’re very unlucky, you could wind up going through the ceiling. Plus, the heat can be unbearable even when it’s not that hot outside. Watch your footing and don’t carry anything heavy down on your own.

The hardest part is getting heavy items down safely. This is why many people have a junk removal crew do it for them. The Junkluggers of Wilmington handles attic cleanouts from start to finish. The crew can carry furniture, boxes, and clutter down and out in one visit. After pickup, we sort what we collect. Usable items are donated and rehomed. When that’s not possible, they’re recycled.

You’ll have a written on-site estimate before any work starts. If you’re in a rush, ask about same-day and next-day service. It’s often available.

Ready to reclaim the attic? Schedule your pickup online. The Junkluggers of Wilmington serves Wilmington, Leland, Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach, Hampstead, Shallotte, and Sunset Beach.