Importance of decluttering your long-term storage in NYC
If you are using one of the storage units then you already know the importance of decluttering your long-term storage. Every once in a while, you should do a spring cleaning in order to keep your storage environment healthy and your items in a good shape. It might take a while to clean your long term storage NYC so we will give you a few tips and tricks on how to do it right. The key is in maintaining it so you won’t have to do this all the time. Let’s cover this one together.
What is the purpose of your storage unit?
People use extra space storage NYC for different purposes. Depending on the way you use your unit you will take an adequate approach. If you are using your unit as regular storage for boxes and furniture, then you might have a bit more work to do. On the other hand, if you are supporting your business out of storage, then you are probably visiting regularly and maintaining hygiene. But again, it is all individual and unique to each user. So, evaluate your situation and take the right approach. Decluttering your long-term storage won’t be hard at all if you already cleaned it from time to time. But if you locked it and forgot about it for months or more, then there is a hard task ahead of you. Nevertheless, we will make sure it is completed adequately.
Out with the old in with the new
The first step is to figure out if there are items inside the unit that should be removed. Usually, people get this idea when there is a need to put more items from their homes into the unit. And if you are in this situation, you must make more space inside the unit. And now when you are about to declutter and downsize your unit, it is a perfect time to reorganize and create more space. So, shuffle through all your items inside the unit. Clean each box, get rid of all the dust, read labels, compare everything with your inventory list, etc. Remind yourself what your unit holds and decide if there is anything you can get rid of.
There is surely a piece of furniture you can donate or even some seasonal items and old clothing you can finally get rid of. Yes, we are aware of the emotional aspect of it all. But remember, by removing items from storage you will bring the old ones from your home and make more space to purchase new ones and bring them to your house. Splendid news, right? Hence, contact one of the storage companies that pick up and organize the whole deal. Let the professionals relocate items to and from the unit cheaply and safely.
By decluttering your long-term storage unit you will keep your items in a good shape
After sitting inside the unit for months, your items will gather dust, moisture, or even mold. Hopefully, you rented a climate-controlled storage unit and it won’t come to that. But you can’t escape from the dust and the more items you have, the harder will be to clean it all. And this is another reason why it is important to declutter your unit and get rid of the unnecessary hoard. If you stockpile all kinds of items inside, you will cramp up the space and even attract mice, rodents, and other pests.
Of course, this depends on the type of unit you have and the level of hygiene you are maintaining. But the bottom line is if you have many items, and you stack them together in a way you can’t take two steps inside your unit, you will endanger the whole batch. And usually, those kinds of units are rarely visited by their owners and often neglected. In some situations even abandoned. Do not let this happen and clean your items regularly.
How to do it properly?
As we already stipulated, this process is not so hard as it seems. You will inspect your storage and shuffle through your belongings. While doing that, you should clean each box and piece of furniture. Use regular home-friendly chemicals and remember not to leave them inside the unit. Simply because there are laws that prohibit certain items inside the unit. Here is a quick list:
- Chemicals
- Hazardous materials
- Flammable liquids
- Perishables
- Gunpowder
- Animals
Follow those rules and use everyday chemicals, a duster, broom, air moisturizer, scented baggies, and similar eco-friendly products. Presumably, you had your boxes covered with a sheet or a tarp so you should take it outside and smash the dust away. Let the fresh air in and in the meantime, take the items that will be removed from the unit outside. After you are done decluttering your long-term storage, lock it down and wait for the pickup. Or if you are driving yourself, load the vehicle and hit the road.
Do you need more space?
If you realize that after decluttering you haven’t gained any additional space, you should consider swapping to a slightly bigger storage unit. You can easily obtain self storage first month free deal at the local storage unit provider. Check out your local offers on the internet and guided by your budget and your preset requisites, make the final decision. And do not be disheartened by the situation because this can happen to anyone. You decluttered your unit the best way you could. It is clean and shiny but you still lack space. What can you do than expand or stick with what you have? Your decision entirely.
Do you need help when decluttering your long-term storage?
Last tip of the day. Remember that you shouldn’t do this alone. You can always ask your spouse, friend, relative, or neighbor to assist you. It will be easier and more fun to do it with someone. And much faster as well. And as we said earlier, professional help wouldn’t hurt either. Call one of your local pickup companies to transport all your items cheaply. They know the area and have all the tools, vehicles, and experience to do it right. Think about it. And for the items, if you do not know how to get rid of them, organize a pre-move garage sale. If you are moving that is. Or any kind of yard sale, especially if you have quite a few items to display. It is an extremely popular way to make great use of your items and earn a buck or two.
Decluttering your long-term storage is easy with a proper plan and a bit of effort. Now you are ready to do it and we are sure you will do it successfully. Just remember that you do not have to do it alone. Seek help from a friend or from a local storage and pickup company. Good luck and stay safe.