There actually is a tool of choice for raking insulation. (We have a patent pending on this handy tool, which consists of a small garden rake duct taped to a longer pole for reaching into the high ceiling pockets.)
Other useful tools for this major clean-up project:
Proper attire is also necessary. Check out my nifty tyvek suit to keep the fiberglass particles off my skin and hair, and the breathing mask to keep them out of my lungs.
On humid summer days in the high 90's, sporting a tyvek suit and a face mask in a hot old house is not very enjoyable. However, as I feel the sweat running down my body inside the suit, I keep pretending that I'm actually enjoying a high end spa and sauna treatment (it doesn't work, it's just darn uncomfortable). Thankfully, the suits are disposable. On days like this, breaks and fluids are important.
A little water makes everything better.
There was a LOT of insulation - so many bags that we lost count.
But the end result was well worth it.
