3 Quick Steps to Clean Out a Storage Unit—Your Ultimate Guide

If you are looking to get rid of unwanted items, then this is the article for you. We will teach you how to clean out a storage unit in 3 steps.

By South Rock Storage

October 15, 2022

Consider a storage unit clean-out if you want to declutter your unit, free up some extra space, or end your lease. Not only will this task free up some valuable space, but it can also be a great way to get rid of old items that you no longer use or need. Following these simple steps, you can make your storage unit as clean as possible and ready for your next move.

First: Prepare

If you are preparing to clean out a storage unit, there are a few things you will need to do to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible. Here are some tips on how to prepare for storage unit clean-outs:

Consider your emotional attachment to stuff

When cleaning out a storage unit, you must consider your emotional attachment to the items. "Stuff" can become a source of comfort and security in our lives, making it difficult to let go. Here are some tips for tackling storage unit clean-out:

Create a plan. Start by creating a list of everything you want to keep and what you need to get rid of. This will help you focus on what's important and decide what to keep.
Make sure your belongings are in good condition. Items that are damaged, outdated or unnecessary will likely be discarded first.
Get organized. Once you have a clear idea of what you want to keep and what needs to go, it's time to get organized!

Inventory

Doing an inventory will help you determine what needs to be cleaned out and eliminated. Knowing what is in the storage unit makes more efficient decisions regarding how much space to take up and how to organize the contents.

An inventory also allows you to plan for future needs. If you know that you will need more storage soon, preparations can be made before the purchase. You won't have to waste time looking for a storage unit that is already taken and filled with unwanted items.

Inventorying your storage unit will help declutter your life and free up valuable space. It's time-saving, too!

Get help from friends and family and set a day

There is no shame in admitting that you need help from friends and family to clean your storage unit. Most people feel more comfortable asking for help when they know a set day for the task. This way, they can control their emotions and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Having a plan will also make the process more efficient. Start by creating a list of everything you need to clear out – physical and digital items. Next, decide on a day when everyone can come over and help you get started. Arrange transportation if necessary, and be sure to let everyone know what time to arrive.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, take time for yourself after everyone leaves. Set up some organizers so that all your belongings are easily accessible, and work through one category at a time.

Needed supplies to clean out a storage unit

If you are ready for a storage clean-out, you will need the following supplies:

A garbage bag or large container to store all of the belongings that you remove from the storage unit
Tape measure
Broom or dustpan
Lysol disinfectant
Sponges or rags

Second: Clean Out a Storage Unit

When cleaning out a storage unit, it is essential to take care of all the items inside. Items such as clothes, furniture, and appliances can be damaged if they are not handled with care. Follow these steps to clean out a storage unit:

Make a list of all the items that need to be cleaned out. This will help you determine what needs to go first.
Sort through the items on your list and put them into categories.
Sweep debris off the floor and into a trash can or bag.
Remove all broken ornaments, pictures, and other pieces of furniture that may be dangerous.
Unpack any large boxes or furniture items and set them up where they will fit in the space available.

Be in the right mood to start decluttering

When cleaning out a storage unit, the right mood is essential. If stressed or angry, you're likely to make mistakes that could lead to more clutter. Here are some tips for getting into the right mindset:

Make a list of everything in the storage unit and what needs to be taken care of. This will help you prioritize your cleaning tasks and avoid putting off tasks requiring more attention until later.
Set realistic expectations for how much time it will take to declutter the storage unit. Don't expect to clean it all in one day or even a few days. Take your time and work systematically through the items, one by one.

How to get rid of things with sentimental value

When cleaning out a storage unit, deciding what to keep and discard can be challenging. There are bound to be sentimental items that have some meaning to you, but you may not want them taking up space in your new home.

Here are a few tips for getting rid of things with sentimental value without feeling guilty:

Make a list of the items and their corresponding values. This will help you weigh the importance of each item and make an informed decision about whether or not to keep it.
Consider donating or selling the items online or at a local swap meet. This will allow you to eliminate them without having them take up space in your home or impact your budget too much.
If you cannot sell or donate the item, consider shredding it or discarding it in a trashcan outside.

Sort stuff into categories like keep, sell, and toss.

When cleaning out a storage unit, it's vital to sort items into categories such as keep, sell, and toss. This will help you focus on what you need and make cleanup easier.

Here are some tips for sorting your storage unit:

Start by grouping similar items together. For example, if you have books and magazines, put them together in one category.
Look for items that you often use and can't live without. These are the things that you should keep.
Consider tossing any item that you don't use or can't store properly. Trying to keep something that won't fit or is just a hassle to deal with is not worth your time.
Make a list of the items you want to keep and place them in specific containers or boxes.

Stay on task and get the job done.

Once you've begun the clean-out process, one of the most helpful things you can do is to stay on task. Try to avoid distractions for yourself and anyone who may be helping you. Items could easily send you down a rabbit hole of memories, but staying on task helps ensure you get the job done as quickly as possible.

Third: Content Removal

Removing any content that you no longer want or could be hazardous when cleaning out a storage unit is essential. While your storage facility may have commercial garbage cans on-site, many prohibit dumping your personal junk there. So make sure you have a plan in place to remove your contents. There are many ways to do this, and the most effective depends on what the items are.

Many of the items you may be removing could be simple household items such as old magazines, newspapers, and clothes. These can be thrown away in your own trash bin, recycled, or hauled to the local dump.

If the storage unit contains materials that must be discarded using specific disposal safety protocols, professional help or hauling to a specialty dump may be necessary.

Creative ways to get rid of storage unit stuff.

Besides hauling your items to the trash, consider if they could be repurposed. Many communities rely upon charitable donations to help those in need. If the things you're discarding are in good shape, consider donating to a local thrift store or charitable group.

Local places in Wichita, KS, to donate your stuff to

When you're ready to eliminate all the clutter in your life and start fresh, consider donating your items to local charities. Here are a few places in Wichita, KS, where you can drop off your unwanted treasures:

Goodwill Industries of Kansas

It is a non-profit organization that provides employment, training, and support for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Their five store locations in Wichita, Kansas.

Goodwill Industries of Kansas accepts donations of clothing, shoes, and household items at its donation centers. Donations are tax-deductible; however, there are some items Goodwill Industries of Kansas cannot accept due to safety concerns or lack of demand from customers (for example mattresses). If you have any questions about whether your item is acceptable for donation, please contact the location nearest you for more information about their drop-off policies before dropping off your donation!

Union Rescue Mission

This organization located in N.Hillside, Wichita, KS provides meals, shelter, and services to people in need. They accept donations of clothing, shoes, and accessories. They do not accept electronics or computers, used mattresses, appliances, furniture, and opened or expired medication.

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

The five locations of DAV in Wichita, Kansas accept used clothing and household items to be distributed to veterans. They have a website where you can learn more about their mission and find a donation center in your area. You can also call or send them an email with any questions or concerns you may have about donating items.

Sell items from a storage unit.

If it's not going with you, not going to the trash, and isn't being donated, you could always consider selling your items from a storage unit clean-out. Whether it is something as simple as a yard sale or garage sale to taking your items to a consignment shop or pawn shop, the things you no longer want may still have a monetary value. The only thing to consider is if its possible value is worth your time trying to sell it.

Hire a junk removal company if necessary.

If you're in a hurry or don't have time to handle your clean-out, tapping a junk removal service is a popular choice. Here are a few reasons why:

They're trained to do it right. Junk removal companies have professional crews that are well-trained in storage unit clean-out service procedures. This means they will get your storage unit clean and trash hauled away in no time.
They're flexible. Junk removal companies know that not everyone is the same when getting rid of their stuff. They offer various removal services, from small moves to full container loads.
They have the equipment you need. Junk removal companies have the tools and equipment to clear your storage unit out quickly and easily - from big trucks to trailers and forklifts if necessary.

Final Thoughts

If you are in Wichita, Kansas, and looking for extra storage space, don't hesitate to contact South Rock Storage. We can help you find a storage unit that can hold all your items at a reasonable price!

Here are some reasons to choose South Rock Storage for self-storage in Wichita, KS:

Affordable
Convenient
Secure
Well-lit
Clean
Secure

South Rock Storage is a self-storage facility dedicated to providing our customers with an easy and worry-free experience. Whether you need extra space for overflow items or the perfect place to store essential documents, South Rock Storage can help.

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12 Storage Ideas to Maximize Your Space

Save money and maximize the space you have with these 12 brilliant self storage ideas. Make the most out of your unit while keeping costs low.

Self-storage can be a lifesaver when you're short on space. But did you know you can save even more money by following a few simple tips? Here are 12 self-storage ideas to help you make the most of your unit and keep costs low. How to Maximize Your Small Space 1. Declutter frequently. Decluttering is one of the best ways to help you keep control of your stuff. Try to eliminate things that haven't been used for six months, broken items, and things that don't make you happy anymore or take up space in your storage unit. Facebook Marketplace is an excellent resource for connecting with others who may be interested in your unwanted items. And since you can list items for sale at any time, it's a convenient way to declutter your home and make some extra cash. 2. Store seasonal items in a separate location. Seasonal items are a great candidate for a storage unit. Clothing, shoes, and accessories can easily be stored in your self-storage unit when you're not wearing them. Holiday decorations can also be stored in a separate space—just make sure it's somewhere that won't get too hot or humid! You don't want to ruin all your fun decorations by storing them in an area with poor ventilation. We highly recommend storing these items in a climate-controlled storage unit. Patio Furniture is another seasonal item that can be kept out of the way in a self-storage unit until you need it again. 3. Install furniture with built-in storage. There are several ways to maximize your space when it comes to furniture. For example, you can buy furniture with built-in storage. They have compartments that you can use for storing items or even a full-on drawer system. Plenty of online stores sell these types of pieces, so you can find something that suits your taste and requirements and the rest of your home decorating scheme. Another great idea is to buy furniture with multiple functions (i.e., it serves many purposes). For example, an ottoman could serve as an extra seat when needed but slide open to reveal an additional compartment where items can be stored securely inside. Another option would be buying a bench with drawers underneath for extra storage space; this will add some additional seating into the mix and give you somewhere safe to hide away all those random items floating around your house! 4. Invest in stackable furniture and closet organizers. Invest in stackable furniture. If you have a lot of stuff you'd like to store, but don't have the space for it, consider investing in some stackable furniture. These pieces are designed to be stacked on top of one another and can help save room by eliminating the need for additional shelves or drawers. Use closet organizers to keep things tidy. Another great way to maximize space is by getting creative with clothes hangers with closet organizers hanging from hooks on walls or rods within closets. Some even feature pockets where you can tuck your shoes away after using them, so they don't get in the way when hanging items from their hangers! 5. Add shelves or cabinets around the perimeter of your rooms. Here's a step-by-step guide to doing this: Measure the walls at their highest and lowest points, and then draw a triangle on the wall where your shelves will go. Cut along the lines, leaving enough room for all of your items (not too much space!). Install shelving according to instructions on its packaging, or consult with a professional if you're unsure how to do so safely before installation. Place items on shelves until they reach eye level from across most rooms—you want them hidden but still accessible! 6. Add under-bed storage bins. If your storage area has enough height, consider adding under-bed storage bins so you can store clothes, footwear, and linen. These are especially useful if you need to clear out some space during the off-season or when you're moving items around in preparation for a move. The benefit of these is that they're super easy to access—roll them out from underneath the bed frame. Clear plastic bins are best because they'll let light through and make it easier for you to see what's inside at a glance. Also, consider using them to store non-clothing items like toys or books that may have accumulated over time—you don't have room for all those things in your bedroom closet! 7. Buy or build a shoe rack or organizer. If you have a lot of shoes, consider building or buying a shoe rack or organizer. This can keep your shoes off the floor and in a visible location. Shoe racks are great for keeping shoes out of the way and in a protected environment. You can also store them in rooms that are temperature controlled, such as your basement or bedroom closet. Remember that moisture is not suitable for leather or suede material because it will rot over time. Therefore, avoid storing these types of shoes near any source of moisture (such as windows). 8. Make a space for your sports equipment outside. If you don't have room to store bikes or sports equipment inside, make a space for them outside. Keep your bike out of the rain. You can keep bicycles above ground level by hanging them on hooks (one every few feet) so they don't fall over. If you have a garage or carport, this is easy: hang the bike with its tires off the ground and leave it there until you need it again. Otherwise, place a cover over your bicycle when not in use to protect it from weather damage and dust accumulation. Lock up your bikes securely if possible—a chain, cable, or U-lock should work well. 9. Create a command center to organize mail, keys, and other small items. You may want to designate a specific area in your home for mail, keys, and other small items. A corkboard can be used for reminders and hooks for keys. A basket can be used for small items like pens, markers, or even more mail. Use a file box for bills and papers that need additional attention. Finally, use a small table or decorative box to house all the supplies needed to keep everything organized! 10. Find areas around your home for extra storage. If you have extra storage space above your door, you may want to consider adding shelves there. Stair risers are a great place to store books. You can also use the back of doors for hanging things, such as a shoe organizer or hangers. You can also find storage under the bed and behind cabinets if you're looking for more places to store items in your home. 11. Add dividers in deep drawers or cubby holes. You can also create dividers to help with organization in deep drawers. For example, if you have a drawer that is 10 inches deep but only contains two items, then it might be best to divide them into two sections. This way, one side can hold your scissors and tape dispenser, and the other can store pens, pencils, and other writing utensils. In addition to using shelving for storage solutions around the home (see #5), you may also want to consider getting some drawer organizers. These types of organizing systems come with dividers that keep contents organized while they sit in their designated space inside a cabinet or closet shelf. Some common uses include: Using shallow drawers as "junk drawers" where you place things like batteries that need easy access and aren't used often Use shallow drawers for things like silverware sets, so they don't get lost at the bottom of cabinets when stacked on top of each other. 12. Use self-storage for overflow items. If you have a lot of space at home but not enough money to get rid of it all at once, consider storing some valuables or furniture instead of throwing them out or donating them—you may be able to use them again someday! Self-storage is a great place to store those extra items you don't need around the house. Things like seasonal decorations, extra blankets, and electronic items you rarely use (like a VHS player) but want to keep can all be stored in self-storage while leaving room in your home for things you're using. If you're looking for places where you'll be able to access these things irregularly, consider renting a storage unit for a time that makes sense for your needs. For example: if there's an item that requires fairly frequent access (like camping gear), it probably isn't worth paying each month just so that it's available now and then. If you also have a hobby that requires storage space (like scrapbooking), consider using a self-storage unit to keep your materials organized and tidy. The benefits of renting a self-storage unit in Wichita, Kansas are as follows: You can declutter your home and free up space. You can keep your belongings safe and secure. You can have easy access to your things when you need them. It is a cost-effective way to store your items. Final Thoughts When it comes to organization, there are endless possibilities for tiny homes. With some creativity and elbow grease, you can turn your compact home into an organized oasis. Try out some tips above and see what works best for you! Contact South Rock Storage if you're looking for a reliable storage facility in Wichita, KS. We offer a variety of storage unit sizes to accommodate your needs—and we even have climate-controlled units available. Give us a call today or stop by our facility to learn more!

Portrait of adult man moving boxes into South Rock Storage

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How to Choose the Best Storage Unit Facility

There are many factors to consider when choosing a self storage facility. Here's how to find one that's right for you and your situation.

Your life, safely stored.

Book your unit today!

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FAQ

You have questions, we have answers.

When can I move in?

If there is a storage space available that meets your specific storage needs you can move in anytime.

How much notice needs to be given before I move out?

All contracts are month-to-month. However, we do require a 10 day notice before you move out.

What type of documentation do I need to provide in order to rent a space?

We require a government issued photo ID (example: driver’s license, state ID, or passport)

How do I make a payment?

VISA, MasterCard and Discover (credit / debit) are the preferred method of payment. We also accept checks or money orders.

Are there any items that I am not able to store?

Liquids, explosives, flammable liquids, toxic materials and perishables. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding a specific item.

Does there have to be someone to let me through the security gates?

No. At the time of signing you will be given your own security pass code that will allow you convenient access to your unit.

What forms of payment do you accept?

For your convenience, we suggest signing up for automatic payments – using your valid credit card (VISA, Mastercard, or Discover) or debit card. There is no additional charge for this convenience and it avoids late fees. We also have a drop box for after hour payments.

Do I need to sign a long-term lease?

No, we rent on a month-to-month basis unless the customer requests otherwise.

Do I need to bring my own lock?

No. As part of the Move In process, a INSET lock is included with the small admin fee. This type of lock is nearly impossible to breach – and only you will have a key for it. In addition, you may double lock the door, if you prefer.