I have a tool that is much like a metal leaf rake but 4 sided in a pyramid shape.
From above[roof] I send it down the chimney and once down give it a good yank and the tines expand outward[spring loaded].
Pull it up, repeat as necessary, then empty the clean out.
2-1/2 stories of chimney and I get about 1 five gal bucket of soot as long as the wood is well seasoned.
