If you are like most people, your attic is probably one of the least visited places in your house. Perhaps you venture in there every now and then to retrieve seasonal decorations or stash away unused items that you don’t have room for anywhere else. Either way, your attic is probably piled high with boxes, furniture, seasonal clothing and other items you use infrequently.

With so much stuff piled into one space, this might be the last place you ever think about cleaning...which is all the more reason why it needs to be done! If you find yourself overwhelmed at the thought of cleaning your attic know that you’re not alone. However, with the right planning and preparation, you can accomplish this daunting task. Consider the following tips for turning this monumental task into a chore you can actually manage.

• ●Remove everything
• ●Sweep and vacuum your attic
• ●Sort and declutter your items
• ●Pack items and label boxes
• ●Create zones for your items

1. Remove Everything

The only way to truly clean your attic is to completely empty it out. Before you begin grabbing brooms and a vacuum, you need to first remove the contents of the space. Not only will this make it easier to sweep and clean every inch of the room, but it will allow you to declutter and get rid of unwanted items along the way. If you are worried about where to store all of your contents while you clean out your attic, a portable storage container can provide the perfect solution.

2. Sweep and Vacuum Your Attic

Once the room is completely empty, it's time to go in with your broom and vacuum. Since it has likely been years since you last cleaned your attic, there is bound to be a great deal of dust, dirt, and debris. Be sure to wipe off any dusty cobwebs as well as baseboards, window frames, and walls before sweeping the room. As you sweep, be cautious of nails, sharp pieces of wood, or any other items that could cause injury. You also want to pick these items with a dustpan to avoid damaging your vacuum. Once the room has had a good sweep, complete the process by running the vacuum over the floor.

Also read: Items You Should Never Store in Your Attic

3. Sort and Declutter

Now that you have worked so hard to clean the space, you certainly don’t want to cram everything back inside. Instead sort through each box and begin removing any unwanted items. This is the perfect time to declutter and set items aside for a yard sale or to be donated. There is no point in filling your attic with items that you don’t use. Once you have removed all unwanted items, sort the remaining items by category. For example, holiday decorations can go together while seasonal clothing can go in another pile.

4. Pack and Label Your Boxes

Chances are some of your items may have been in the same boxes for years and these boxes might not be holding up so well. Now is the perfect time to repack items into fresh boxes or containers. Be sure to use watertight containers  so your belongings will not be damaged from moisture or humidity. As you pack your items, be sure to label each box so you can easily find what you need.

5. Create Zones for Your Items

Once you have everything neatly packed and labeled, it’s time to start moving things back inside. Mark areas in the attic where everything will go, making sure to keep like items together. For example, all holiday decorations should be stored in one section while furniture and housewares could be stored in another. Be sure to leave space between sections so you can easily walk and move around inside the attic.