How to Get Rid of Storage Unit Stuff
It's easy to accumulate many material possessions as the years go by and run out of room for them all in your home. This is one reason why many people rent storage space. Still, even rental units can become cluttered and overwhelming if you continue adding more to them and don't assess the contents regularly.
Here are some tips for how to get rid of stuff in storage units and also tips for cleaning out a storage unit at the end of your rental term.
Benefits of Decluttering Your Rental
Excess clutter is a common source of anxiety and can make you feel like you don't have control over your own life. Renting a storage unit is a great way to eliminate clutter around your home, but it shouldn't necessarily be used to procrastinate or prolong dealing with your belongings for the long term. With a less cluttered storage unit, you can have peace of mind that you can find what you need quickly and easily. If you declutter your current unit, you may even be able to switch to a different-sized storage unit and save money on the monthly rent.
Take Inventory of What You Have
The first step to getting rid of storage unit stuff involves making a list of what is inside to assess the contents. Make a detailed list and take some photos so you can bring the right supplies to move items out later. Then, free up an area of the unit to use as a workspace and sort through what will stay and go.
Be in the Right Mood and Ask for Help
On decluttering day, make sure you are in the right state of mind to get rid of stuff and do not feel overly emotional or nostalgic. Plan ahead to have plenty of time to reorganize the unit and not feel rushed. It may also help to enlist the help of a friend or family member to keep you on track and provide a second opinion or emotional support. Alternatively, you could hire a professional organizer to help you make sense of an overpacked unit, an idea that is especially useful if you are cleaning out an estate.
Declutter Your Unit Periodically
It's wise to declutter your unit occasionally instead of waiting until it is time to move out of it entirely. By doing this, you will make the final process much more manageable and less overwhelming. At least once or twice per year, assess what's in your storage unit and aim to sort items into categories to keep, sell, donate, and throw away.
Hire a Junk Removal Company
If you have many items that need to come out of your storage unit and go into the trash, it may be helpful to hire a junk removal company to haul it all out. You might also choose this route if you cannot lift heavy items or need someone else to help you carry them. Although hiring a company to haul junk is an extra expense, it may be worth it since there are no dumpsters in the units, and you must arrange for your own trash removal.
Sell Items of Considerable Value
There may be items in your storage unit that you don’t want anymore but that someone else would pay good money for. You can remove potential sale items from your unit for easier access or leave them inside if you still have time left on your rental. You can post a listing online at Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, Nextdoor, or another platform. If you prefer to steer clear of virtual sales, you can host a garage sale, set up a booth at a flea market, sell clothing at vintage thrift shops, and put flyers on bulletin boards around town.
Consider Recycling and Donating
There may also be items in your storage unit that you can take to a recycling facility so they don't end up in a landfill. Recycling, reusing, and donating are eco-friendly options to feel good about. You can give items away on a local "Buy Nothing" group or donate them to a charity that can make use of them. Homeless and domestic violence shelters may be able to reuse your old furniture, while other charities can repurpose items for families who need them. Some charities even offer free donation pickup. Other donation options to consider are animal shelters, libraries, churches, local schools, Goodwill, and the Salvation Army.
Clean the Unit After Moving Out
If you decide that you no longer need your storage unit or your rental term ends, it's time to take these decluttering tips to the next level and clean it out for good. Cleaning out a storage unit involves removing all of your belongings and trash, sweeping it out, and leaving it behind in the same condition you first received it.
At Stop & Stor, we take great pride in how clean our units and buildings are, and we want to keep them that way so that future customers can have the same positive experience you had. Check the space for any debris, spills, or marks that may have happened while you were renting and clean those up as well. If you purchased your own lock for the unit, take it with you and settle your account with our staff on your way out. We don't require you to give advance notice of your move out. Your rental term ends on the last day of the month, and if you pay in advance for six months or a year, we'll reimburse you for any unused months.
If you have any further questions about renting a unit or our facilities or policies, check out the FAQ section of our website or contact us!
Established in 1980, Stop & Stor is a family owned and operated business that has become New York’s Self Storage Leader by offering cutting-edge facilities in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.
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