Many times when people have a self storage unit, they do not visit it too often, that’s why you can find a real mess once you go back to check it.
In some other cases, like someone inherited the unit or won it by auction, it’s perfectly normal to find chaos inside it, that’s why we prepared this blog entry for you, to teach how to clean up your storage unit.
As you may know, in the market you’ll find large and small storage units and for what we’re about to do, we really hope you are using a large one. That could make things much easier. If you want to know which mistakes to avoid when choosing a storage company, read our blog.
Now, let’s clean up your storage unit step by step.
1. Planning.
Before even starting, a good planning could be good for you and the process.
Schedule when you’re taking time off your agenda to go to your storage unit and block it so you don’t get interrumpted.
Try to remember what’s in the unit and think ahead what you’re planning to do with those things.
2. What’s in there? Inventory.
Now that you’re actually there, start for taking everything out and fill an inventory to keep record of every last thing in there.
When you’re first using a storage company, it’s our recommendation to write down everything you’re keeping there. If in your case that ship has already sailed and nobody listed what’s inside the unit, you now should write everything you see around. Being aware of everything that is in there is a key point for a successful storage cleaning.
At this point you’ll know if cleaning up the unit can or can’t be a job for one. Ask your friends and family for help, if necessary. Tell them which day you’re going to clean and how much time available they should have to assist you.
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3. Make some space.
When starting to organize, make sure you free a zone where you can easily and safely move. Create a way to move in and out of the storage unit and set a zone just to open boxes and check what you have.
Organizing your space could help you finish this task in a shorter time.
A good way to go would be to empty the whole storage unit, do your inventory outside and start organizing everything back in.
4. What are you doing with that?
As you’re organizing, you should be deciding what to do with all the stuff you find. The emotional attachment starts to be a factor that could make you keep more things than you should probably do, but that’s something that almost all of us must deal with. Challenge yourself to really keep just what’s needed. It’d save you time for the next time you decide to clean up your self storage unit.
So, are you going to sell it? Give it away? Keep it in there? Take it home? Is that useful? Is that broken? Broken beyond repair?
Those are some of the most important questions to ask yourself in this process.
5. Now, focus on the labor and get it done.
Yes, it could be a long activity to do, but it can be way longer if you do not focus on getting the job done in the time that you set for this.
The more you postpone finishing this chore, the harder it’ll become.
6. And the last part.
First, take all the trash out of your unit and pack your vehicle with everything you’re planning to move from there, either if you plan to sell it or keep it at home or somewhere else.
Now, if you’re donating some stuff, you could search for a local donation center and schedule a free pickup.
Close the unit when everything is in place and don’t forget to keep the list of what’s left in there for next time.
You’ve successfully cleaned up your self storage unit.
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