Attic Cleanouts: How to Safely Clear the Clutter

April 21, 2025

When was the last time you ventured into the upper reaches of your home? If you can’t remember the last time you braved the cobwebs and climbed into your attic, it might be time to schedule a professional attic cleanout. Over time, attics tend to collect dust, forgotten memories, and piles of unused junk. But with a little effort—and maybe a little vampire magic—you can reclaim this space for something truly fang-tastic!

Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy office nook, a walk-in closet, or the ultimate man cave, cleaning out your attic is the first step toward transformation. And lucky for you, Count Junkula is here to help clear out the clutter and unearth your attic's true potential.

Why an Attic Cleanout Is More Important Than You Think

Your attic isn’t just a dumping ground for forgotten holiday decorations and broken lamps. It's prime real estate! With proper cleanup and a little imagination, your attic can become:

A peaceful home office

A stylish loft or studio apartment

A dreamy walk-in closet

A game room or reading nook

Or even your very own Batcave!

But before you can renovate, you need to remove the junk. And that’s where Count Junkula swoops in!

Step One: Identify Your Attic Type

Before beginning your cleanout, it’s essential to know how your attic is accessed. There are two common types:

Fold-Out Ladder Access: Found in traditional homes, these ladders pull down from the ceiling. Just tug the string and ascend into the attic abyss.

Scuttle Attic Access: These don’t have a traditional door—just a cut-out panel in the ceiling. You’ll need a steady ladder to access this kind of attic.

No matter the access point, always prioritize safety when entering your attic space.

Be Aware of Bats in the Belfry

Count Junkula adores bats—but not everyone shares his enthusiasm. If you discover any winged visitors during your attic cleanout, contact a wildlife professional to safely and humanely remove them. Remember: bats are beneficial to the ecosystem, and some might even be related to the Count!ll definitely help things along, including:

What You’ll Need: Attic Cleanout Supplies Checklist

Cleaning out your attic can be dusty and messy. Make sure you’re prepared with the following:

Work clothes: Choose clothes you won’t mind getting dirty.

Work gloves: Protect your hands from grime, nails, and sharp edges.

Flashlights or work lanterns: Attics can be dark, and good lighting helps prevent accidents.

Broom and shop vacuum: Vacuum first to trap dust, then sweep for a deep clean.

Water bottle: Attics heat up fast—stay hydrated!

Count Junkula's Tip: Follow the five “P’s”: Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance

How to Organize Your Attic Declutter Like a Pro

To make your attic cleanout more efficient:

  1. Minimize up-and-down trips: Bring all supplies up at once.

  2. Remove all items from the attic first: This makes cleaning easier and gives you a fresh slate.

  3. Create “Keep” and “Junk” piles: Be ruthless with what stays and what goes.

  4. Dust and vacuum thoroughly: Start with the shop vac and finish with a broom.

  5. Inspect insulation and ventilation: Check for mold, mildew, and moisture. Cleanouts are a great time to spot energy inefficiencies.

Bonus Attic Maintenance Tips

While you’re up there, take a few extra moments to inspect:

Signs of leaks: Water stains, damp insulation, or mold growth may indicate roof issues.

Rodent or pest activity: Look for droppings or chewed boxes.


Ventilation and airflow: Proper airflow prevents heat and moisture buildup.

Time to Toss That Junk: Call Count Junkula for Attic Junk Removal

Once your attic is sparkling and sorted, you’ll likely have a mountain of junk you don’t want to drag back up. That’s where Count Junkula’s junk removal services come in!

Don’t let your attic treasures turn into trash. With one call, Count Junkula will arrive faster than you can say "fang-tastic cleanup!" Just load your junk into our dumpster or pile it by the curb—we’ll handle the rest.

Contact us now for a free estimate or ask about our dumpster rentals for DIY cleanouts. Let’s make that attic bootiful again!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is an attic cleanout?

    An attic cleanout is the process of uncluttering, organizing, and removing unwanted items from your attic space. This includes both hazardous materials like old paint cans, insulation, and asbestos as well as general clutter such as cardboard boxes, storage containers, and other debris.

  • Why should I have an attic cleanout?

    An attic cleanout is essential for ensuring the health and safety of your home. A cluttered and disorganized attic can harbor pests, create fire hazards, reduce air quality and even lead to structural damage if left unchecked. Regular cleanouts help you keep your space well-maintained and free of hazards.

  • How often should my attic be cleaned out?

    The frequency of your attic cleanouts will depend on how much clutter is accumulating and how often you use the space. If you’re regularly bringing items into your attic, it’s a good idea to schedule regular cleanouts throughout the year.

  • How can Count Junkula help with my attic cleanout?

    Count Junkula can handle all of your attic cleanout needs from start to finish. Our experienced technicians will assess the situation, remove unwanted items and help you organize remaining materials. 

  • What kind of items can be eliminated during an attic cleanout?

    Count Junkula can help with the removal of anything from your attic regardless of its size! 

  • What happens to the items removed during attic cleanouts?

    All of the items removed from your home during an attic cleanout are disposed of in accordance with applicable local regulations and laws. We recycle or donate items whenever possible, but will also dispose of them if necessary.