The expert’s handbook on organising and cleaning your storage unit

Whether you’re using a storage unit to house excess furniture or to store your seasonal items, keeping it clean and organised is essential to ensure your belongings remain in good condition. It’s easy to neglect your storage unit – especially if you’re not accessing it regularly.

With our top tips, you can keep your storage unit looking and smelling fresh. Before you get started on the first step, take everything out of your storage unit.

Declutter

Remove any items you no longer need or want. You can decide to donate or throw away these items. This will make the cleaning process more manageable, and you’ll have more space to organise your remaining items. If you’re unsure whether to keep or dispose of an item, ask yourself if you’ve used it in the past year. If not, it’s time to let it go.

Organise

Organise the remaining items into categories. For example, group all your holiday decorations together or your sporting equipment. This will make it easier to find what you need when you access your storage unit. Consider using shelves, hooks or containers to maximise your space and keep your items neat. Containers are probably your best option because you can stack them and make use of vertical space, which is often forgotten about.

Clean

Start by sweeping the floor to remove any debris. Pay special attention to areas in your unit prone to dust and grime, such as corners and around the door. Mop the whole floor space and scrub the walls. Then wipe down your items with a damp cloth and disinfectant spray. Leave the door open and let your unit dry before packing anything back. The same goes for your items. This will ensure you don’t end up with a musky smell.

Protect your items

Before packing your items back and to ensure they remain in good condition, it’s essential to protect them from potential damage. Consider using plastic covers or furniture blankets to cover your items, especially if they’re sensitive to dust or moisture. If you’re storing electronics, remove the batteries to prevent damage from leaking acid.

If your items were already covered in protective layers, consider replacing these layers with new ones every six months.

Tips to remember:

• Avoid storing items in cardboard boxes. They are prone to moisture damage. Instead, use plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
• If you’re storing clothing, consider using mothballs or cedar blocks to deter insects.
• Label all your boxes and containers – so you know what’s inside them.

Now that you know how to clean and organise your storage unit, it’s time to put these tips into practice. If you’re looking for a safe and secure storage solution, consider storing with The Self Storage Centre. With a range of unit sizes and flexible rental options, we have a solution to suit your needs. Contact us today to learn more.