5 Tips for Cleaning Out Your Storage Unit

August 12, 2021

Don’t waste any more time or money! Start cleaning out your storage unit on a quarterly or semiannual basis.

You may also need to clean out a storage unit won at auction.

Cleaning out your self storage unit when vacating can be just as tedious as moving.

5 Tips for Cleaning Out Your Storage Unit

1. Make a list.

  • Create categories to put items into as you go versus just writing them all down together.
  • Only inventory the items you plan to keep or sell.
  • If you plan to sell items, create a separate inventory for these items.

2. Get help from friends or family.

  • Plan for it to take all day!
  • Get more help than you think you’ll need.
  • Bring water and snacks to keep everyone hydrated and energized.

3. Set aside plenty of time for the day.

  • Confirm with the self storage facility what time you must be vacated or how soon an auctioned unit needs to be cleaned out.
  • Add a couple hours onto your expected timeframe.
  • Get it all done in one day. If you try to do this over a few days, you will waste more time than necessary.

4. Have a plan in place for sorting your items.

  • Keep . These are the items you’re keeping either to take come or to put back into the storage unit.
  • These are items that you no longer need or want but are in good enough shape to still be of use to someone.
  • Trash . These are items that are no longer useful and are broken belong in this pile.
  • Sell . These are the items that are worth selling. Whether you choose to have a garage sale or put things up on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or some other online marketplace, you want to be sure to know exactly what you must sell so you can take pictures and price the items. This can be especially important if you’re going through an auctioned storage unit.

5. Get Creative.

An extra storage unit can give you the extra space you need in the short-term.

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