How to Do a Storage Unit Clean Out
Storage units are great life savers when your space is limited, but can become a financial burden when they are filled with items you don’t use. Getting rid of your clutter through storage unit clean out requires a little effort, but will help you save money on monthly fees.
The best way to get started with your storage unit clean out is to plan ahead.
1. Take Inventory
When you decide to clean out your storage unit, it’s important to start with an inventory of everything that is inside. This will ensure that you don’t forget any items in the process. Additionally, you will be able to clearly see what you have in the storage space and can better determine the best way to organize your belongings.
Creating an inventory can be as simple as using a notepad and pen or a free spreadsheet tool like Google Sheets. Write down every item that is in each box, including the box’s contents, size and any other important information. Having this list will also make the cleaning process much easier.
One of the most difficult parts of a storage clean out is sorting. While it may be tempting to take on all of the boxes at once, you’ll be more efficient if you work on one small area at a time. For example, if you’re going through clothing, start with the shoes and then move on to the sweaters. This will help you make a quick decision about what to keep, donate or sell.
Before you begin the cleaning process, it’s a good idea to get in the right mood. You’ll be spending a lot of time and effort working on the cleanout, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed or discouraged. Additionally, if you’re dealing with sentimental items, it’s important to give yourself some time to go through them at your own pace.
Once you’ve finished taking an inventory of your storage unit, it’s time to begin the cleanout. Once you’ve unloaded all of the items, sweep and mop the entire unit. This is especially important, as your storage facility will likely charge you a fee if the unit is not cleaned and emptied properly when you vacate. It’s also a good idea to take a picture of the empty unit with your phone as proof you’ve fully vacated the space. This will help if you ever need to retrieve any items from storage in the future. Lastly, you should remove the lock and notify the storage facility that the unit is vacant.
2. Organize
Whether you’re moving into a new storage unit or simply cleaning up the one you have now, it’s important to sort through everything and clean it out. A cluttered storage unit isn’t only an eyesore, but it can also make it hard to find items when you need them.
Once you’ve taken inventory, it’s time to start sorting through your belongings. Others recommends separating items into groups such as “keep,” “toss,” and “store/sell/donate.” You can even go further and include a second chance box if you’re having a hard time deciding what to do with an item. This allows you to keep the item for three to six months and revisit it at a later date to see if you still want to keep it.
When it comes to sorting, make sure you label your boxes clearly. It may seem like an extra step, but it’ll save you a lot of trouble when it comes to finding things in the future. Use a marker or even consider investing in a label maker to make it easy. Once you have all of your boxes sorted, create a map or list detailing where each box is located in your storage unit. This is especially helpful if you’ve been storing the same items in the same places for a long period of time.
It’s also a good idea to disassemble any large furniture or other bulky items before putting them back into storage, if possible. This will help free up more space and will also make it easier to lift and transport the items. You’ll thank yourself for this step when it comes to reassembling the items once you return them to the storage unit.
While it can be difficult to let go of items, doing so is essential to cleaning out your storage unit. By letting go of the items you no longer need, you’ll save money on storage fees and you’ll be able to feel lighter and happier. While emptying and cleaning your storage unit takes a lot of work, it’s well worth it in the end.
3. Remove
It’s important to sort through all the items in your storage unit and decide what you want to keep, donate, or throw away. This will help you clean out your storage space and also make sure that only the items you actually need or value are in there. Then, you can clean out the unit regularly to avoid overfilling it.
It is a good idea to visit the storage space a couple of weeks before your planned move-out date. Take inventory of all the items in there and take pictures to document what is in there. This will give you time to decide what you want to do with each item. If you want to sell the contents of your storage unit, you can use Facebook groups and other social media to find buyers. You can also attend auctions for abandoned or delinquent units to find people who are interested in buying your stuff.
If you aren’t selling your belongings, you can donate them to charities or other organizations that would be interested in the items. You can also try to recycle any items that you can’t sell or donate. It is a good idea to check with your local recycling centers to see what they accept and don’t accept.
When you are ready to vacate your storage space, you will need to notify the company that you have vacated your unit. You may be able to do this online or you might need to stop by the office and fill out a form. You will also need to remove your lock from the door. This will prevent the staff from being able to open your unit and will save you money, as you’ll be charged another month of rent if you leave a lock on your storage space.
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of removing all the junk from your storage space, you can hire Sgt Junk-It removal service to do it for you. The cost of this will vary depending on how much stuff you have and how big the items are.
4. Clean
If you’re storing items that don’t belong in your home or you don’t need, cleaning out your storage unit is a great way to get rid of these things. It’s also a good time to organize your belongings and clean up the items you do want to keep.
It’s important to know why you’re cleaning out your storage space and what your goals are before you get started. This will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the process.
The first step in cleaning out your storage unit is to take inventory. This is a critical step, especially if you’ve been renting the space for a while. Taking inventory will let you know what’s in the storage unit so you can make an informed decision about what to keep, sell or donate.
Start by putting everything into boxes, labelling them, and setting aside any items that are expensive or have sentimental value. This will make it easier for you to clean and organize your storage space and avoid wasting money or time.
After you’ve taken inventory, sort through the items to decide what to keep and what to get rid of. Organize the items by their type and condition. Keep in mind that items in storage for a long period of time tend to accumulate dust, which can damage them over time. This is why it’s crucial to store items properly and regularly clean out your storage unit before you move things back in.
Once you’ve sorted through the items, put them into four piles; keep, store, sell or donate, and trash. If you’re unsure about some of the items in the store, consider putting them into a second chance box. This will give you a chance to revisit them in the future when you might be ready to make a final decision.
Cleaning out your storage space may seem like an overwhelming task, but it’s actually a rewarding one. It’s a great opportunity to clear out the clutter, get your items in order and breathe some fresh air into your life. By following these tips, you can ensure that your storage space is cleaned out thoroughly and efficiently. It’s also a great idea to clean out your storage space on a regular basis to prevent it from getting messy again.
Storage units are great life savers when your space is limited, but can become a financial burden when they are filled with items you don’t use. Getting rid of your clutter through storage unit clean out requires a little effort, but will help you save money on monthly fees. The best way to get started…