If you’re planning a loft conversion, you’ll need to completely clear out your attic space. The problem is that most attics are used to store the not-quite-junk that you often don’t know what to do with. You need it occasionally, or you’re emotionally attached to it, but there’s no space for it in your house or shed.
You’ve probably been meaning to go through it all – someday – but that day never comes around because there’s always something else to do so it becomes a case of out of sight, out of mind.
A loft conversion will force your hand, though! The not-quite-junk has to go somewhere, so here are a few tips to make the sifting process a bit less painful. You might even enjoy it…
The initial sorting process
The first thing you need to do is to sort your attic belongings into four different piles:
· Things you don’t need;
· Things you can sell or give to charity;
· Things you’re not sure about, and
· Things you definitely need.
This can be a tough process, so ask yourself a few questions about your belongings to work out which pile they should go into:
· What value – emotional or monetary – does it have?
· Does it take up lots of space that it doesn’t “justify”?
If you still need a particular item, then obviously keep it; however there may be some things that you use regularly that need an upgrade – camping or sporting equipment, for example. If you find a worn-out tent and you know you’re camping in six months, bin it and think about a new one later.
If you come across old clothes, think about whether you really need to hold onto them. Your wedding dress and your children’s first clothes are a must, but that bag of stained bibs? Not so much!
Can you sell anything?
It might be junk to you, but that bag of stained bibs, after a boil wash and bleach, could go to a new home. If you’re stuck for homes for items displaced by your loft conversion Enfield has a lot of “mum2mum” sale events. More valuable items could go on eBay, or even Freecycle if you don’t think they’ll sell. You’d be surprised though – things like old hockey sticks and shuttlecocks are always in demand, so give it a shot.
There’s other things that always sell well, like old vinyl albums and CDs. If you have rare or limited edition books or records, get them valued before you sell them. Otherwise, a yard sale or a trip to the charity shop might be the answer.
Then there’s the unsure pile. You can winnow it down further if you know how much storage space you’ll have in the new loft. Remember, some of your things will be returning, so make sure you factor in enough cupboard and under-eaves storage with your designer.
You should aim to have this de-cluttering spree at least a month before work starts so you have plenty of time to decide what to do with everything. It could be profitable and even fun!
