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    Attic + Basement Clearout

    The hardest spaces. Slow + safe.

    Safety first

    • NEVER do attic alone — heat exhaustion + falls common.
    • Wear N95 mask — dust, mold, asbestos, rodent droppings.
    • Sturdy closed-toe shoes — nails common.
    • Work in cool times (early AM in summer).
    • Bring water + take 15-min breaks.
    • Solid attic ladder + helper at base.
    • If you feel dizzy — STOP.

    Hire help when

    • Mobility issues.
    • Heavy items (furniture, boxes 30+ lbs).
    • Spaces with mold, pests, asbestos.
    • Suspected hoarding situation.
    • Need to be done in 1 weekend.
    • Get 2 quotes from junk haulers.

    Junk hauling services

    • 1-800-Got-Junk — most popular. $250-800.
    • College Hunks Hauling Junk — competitor.
    • Junk King — recycles more.
    • Local hauler — search Google. Often half the price.
    • BAGSTER bag — $30 buy + $150 pickup. DIY pace.
    • Roll-off dumpster — $400-700/week.

    Sort categories

    • Keep — actively used / true sentiment.
    • Family/heirs — text photos, see who wants.
    • Sell — Facebook Marketplace, garage sale.
    • Donate — Goodwill, Salvation Army.
    • Recycle — paper, electronics, metal.
    • Trash — broken, moldy, unusable.
    • 4 boxes labeled, work one box at a time.

    Special items

    • Paint, chemicals — Hazardous waste day at town landfill (free).
    • Electronics — Best Buy, Staples free recycling.
    • Old computers — wipe drive first / drill holes.
    • Mattresses — Bye Bye Mattress recycle program.
    • Tires — accept at local Discount Tire $5.
    • Asbestos — DON'T disturb. Hire abatement specialist.

    Reward yourself

    Each box cleared = a small reward. Reorganized space = peace of mind. Many seniors find unexpected items: WWII letters, old jewelry, savings bonds. Search before tossing anything that looks valuable. Antique appraiser visit if many old items ($50-100).