Tips for Decluttering Your Messy Storage Unit
Self-storage is meant to be a way to help you declutter and reorganize your home. It allows you to keep seldom-used items in a convenient location so that they’re not taking up storage space on your property. But what happens when that storage unit becomes cluttered and messy itself? If your storage unit is looking like a bit of a mess, keep reading to get tips on cleaning and reorganizing your 
storage in Metairie.
Put Time Aside
First and foremost, it’s important to be aware that cleaning and properly organizing an overcrowded storage unit can take a lot more time than you think. So, make sure you put aside a good chunk of time to get this job done. The last thing you want is to get halfway through reorganizing, then just have to shove everything back in the unit because you have somewhere else to be.
Depending on the size of your unit, you should plan to set aside at least several hours; for larger units, you may want to plan to spend a full day working on getting the unit properly organized. While it may seem like a lot of time to dedicate to reorganizing a storage space, it’s well worth the effort. Your items will be cleaner, are less likely to be damaged by improper storage, and will be a lot easier to access when you need them.
Pull Everything Out and Sort
The first step in this process will be to pull everything out of your unit and sort through your possessions. You should have three piles for all of your items—one for items that you’ll keep, one for things you’ll sell or donate, and one of the items that should be thrown away. While getting rid of your possessions can be difficult, it’s important to try to look at all of your items as objectively as possible. Is it really something you’ll be using again? If not, then why are you keeping it? How long will it sit in your storage unit before you even look at it again? Asking yourself these tough questions can make it a bit easier to part with things you’ve held onto for sentimental reasons.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with keeping a few items because of your emotional attachment to them; if your unit is simply filled with items that you never plan to use again, it’s time to part ways with at least some of them.
Put in Shelves
If your unit doesn’t already have shelves, consider purchasing from free-standing shelving units and putting them in. Shelving can make a huge difference in properly organizing your possessions. This way, you don’t have to stack boxes on top of each other, and they’ll be much easier to access.
Replace Old Boxes and Bins
If you have cardboard boxes or old storage bins that are falling apart, replace them with new ones. This will not only help your storage unit to look neater and more organized, but it will help to protect your items better than degrading cardboard.
Repack and Organize
Now it’s time to pack everything back up! Box similar items together and clearly label each box with the items that are placed inside. Place the boxes on the shelves with the labels facing outward. Be sure to leave a walkway in the center of your unit so that you can easily access the boxes on all sides of your storage unit, including the back.
If you’re looking for storage space, contact Affordable Self Storage to learn more about our units. We offer climate-controlled storage in Metairie, LA. We also offer FREE 24/7 access, and we do not require you to purchase insurance through us.
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