So Much Dust

I've become slightly obsessive-compulsive lately and I decided to try and focus that energy on something useful. So my latest project has been cleaning out our attic and trying to make it useful. The only thing practical up there is a weight bench (covered in stuff), a stationary bike (slowly being consumed by stuff), and a TV ( I think you know where this is going). My plan was to turn this mess of a storage room into a sort of fitness area but the whole mission is difficult because the people in my house are not helping. I don't mind that they are not assisting me in the physical process of moving things around, what annoys me is that they are impeding progress by not allowing me to throw things away. It's so frustrating that we have 4 old computers (including a Packard Bell-> Educate Yourself) and I can not throw them out because they might have "important information" on them and they may still work. First, there is nothing on those computers but the Sims and Dad's crappy first person shooter games. Second, we never bought anything online with credit cards until now and no one would freaking bother to try and get those computers to start up anyway. I wish I did not live with pack rats sometimes.
Another problem I'm having is that they don't understand why I'm cleaning out the attic in the first place. I honestly do not understand the question. What is so wrong with wanting somewhere to work out or read or whatever? The place was a mess and I probably could have thrown away a ton of crap without anyone ever noticing or realizing it. It's so hard to try and change things when people around you just dig in their heels because they don't want to be bothered. I never asked anyone for help so I don't see what the big deal is other than they can't just go upstairs and throw crap around anymore.

ugh