{"id":18445,"date":"2023-06-02T10:37:07","date_gmt":"2023-06-02T14:37:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.morningstarstorage.com\/?p=18445"},"modified":"2023-06-02T10:37:07","modified_gmt":"2023-06-02T14:37:07","slug":"keeping-your-storage-unit-clean-and-in-order","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.morningstarstorage.com\/storage-insights\/keeping-your-storage-unit-clean-and-in-order\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Keeping Your Storage Unit Clean and In Order All Year Round"},"content":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s nothing more frustrating than not being able to find something when you need it. This can be compounded when it comes to your storage unit, which, if not properly maintained from the first day, can start to look like a dumping ground for all of your not-for-everyday-use things.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But don\u2019t despair! Getting your storage unit cleaned up and reorganized isn\u2019t a futile project \u2014 with the right plan, and a little elbow grease, you\u2019ll be able to find everything you need at a moment’s notice. Here are a few tips to get you started.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Morningstar

Step One: Get Your Game Plan Going<\/b><\/h2>\n

One look in your overflowing storage unit and you might be ready to run for the hills! But it\u2019s time to make a game plan for the best way to tackle things little by little.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

First, set a timeline for this project. Can you dedicate a few hours, a few days, or work on things over the next month? Once you\u2019ve set a self-imposed deadline, it\u2019s time to take stock of everything in the unit.<\/span><\/p>\n

If it helps, write down a list of the things in the unit and categorize them visually so you can group like items as you go through each area. Breaking it down into smaller sections will help it to feel less overwhelming and will also help you to find things more easily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once your game plan is set, pick an area and get started!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Step Two: Lighten the Load<\/b><\/h2>\n

Make four individual piles and label them as <\/span>donations<\/b>, <\/span>keep<\/b>, <\/span>throw away<\/b>, and <\/span>sell<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Try to take any obvious trash out of the unit first to free up some room right from the start. Then, go section by section and put each thing in one of the piles. Once you\u2019ve finished this first area, go back to the \u201cKeep\u201d pile and move it into the spot you freed up. Don\u2019t worry about organizing it yet! That comes later.<\/span><\/p>\n

For now, focus on getting anything that isn\u2019t going to stay in the unit out of the way. It will either head for the dumpster or may move into your vehicle temporarily until you can sell or donate the items.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Step Three: Don\u2019t Be Afraid to Ask for Help<\/b><\/h2>\n

If things are getting a little too difficult to handle solo, it might be time to phone a friend. This is especially helpful if that friend has a larger vehicle that can help haul away anything you\u2019re not keeping in the storage unit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Involving other people is a great tool for motivation, as it makes you accountable for getting the job done and forces you to work within a specified timeline. Put on some music, roll up your sleeves, and get to work! You and your friend(s) can look forward to celebrating when the job is completed!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Step Four: Focus on the Floors<\/b><\/h2>\n

A tip that will help you to avoid overwhelm and will also allow you to find room to move around in the storage space is to continually keep the floors clean. Push boxes and furniture to the outer walls of the unit so you can access the area without any tripping hazards.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once an area has been cleared, take a broom and sweep the area clean. Do this incrementally around the unit so that by the end of this project the entire room has been cleaned from the ground, up! Use other cleaning supplies as needed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember, the cleaner the space is, the better kept your possessions will be while in storage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Step Five: Properly Label and Reorganize the Whole Unit<\/b><\/h2>\n

Now that you\u2019ve discarded and removed anything that isn\u2019t going to be housed in storage any longer and you\u2019ve cleaned the floors, it\u2019s time to move things back in the right way this time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have loose items, it\u2019s time to invest in clear bins and totes. This will allow you to easily see what\u2019s inside each box without needing to open and dig through things. For existing boxes, make sure they\u2019re properly labeled on the top and sides of the box for quick identification.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Group like items in the same area and designate specific \u201c<\/span>zones<\/span><\/a>\u201d for each. Here are some ideas for categorizing what goes in each \u201czone\u201d:<\/span><\/p>\n