How to Clean Your Storage Unit Quickly and Easily

Before diving into the cleanout, take a moment to set clear goals. Are you moving out of the unit entirely, or are you looking to declutter and reorganize your existing storage unit? Is it worth upgrading to a bigger storage unit or downsizing to a smaller one? Defining your objectives will keep you on track throughout the process.

Next, establish a realistic timeline based on the size of your unit, how much you have stored inside and when your lease ends. A small unit with only a few boxes may take a few hours, but larger spaces or units filled with furniture and bulky items may require a full day or even a weekend. If the task feels overwhelming, consider breaking it up over multiple days.

If your storage unit is packed or you’re pressed for time, don’t be shy to enlist help. Family, friends or professional organizers can make the process much faster and less stressful, especially if you need to do heavy lifting.

Having the right supplies on hand is priority number one before you do any actual cleaning. Start by gathering the basics: trash bags, cardboard boxes or plastic bins, markers and labels. You’ll also want cleaning supplies like a broom, dustpan and wipes to handle any dirt, dust or debris. 

If you’re moving out entirely, you should also stock up on plenty of cardboard boxes as well as rent a hand cart or dolly, especially if you’re not in a ground-floor storage unit. Some storage facilities offer these supplies for purchase in case you don’t want to make extra trips!

Lastly, don’t forget protective gear like gloves, especially if you haven’t accessed the unit in a while. Dust and grime can build up quickly in storage spaces, and gloves will keep your hands clean as you sort through everything.

Supplies Checklist

• Trash bags (heavy-duty for large or bulky items)
• Cardboard boxes or plastic storage bins (for sorting items to keep, donate, sell or discard)
• Markers and labels (for clearly marking boxes)
• Broom, dustpan, and cleaning wipes (for cleaning dust and dirt from floors and surfaces)
• Gloves (for handling dirty or dusty items)
• Tape (to seal boxes or label items)
• Dumpster rental (optional for large or bulky disposals)
• Protective mask (optional, especially if the unit is very dusty or dirty)
• Furniture dolly or hand truck (optional, for moving heavy items)
• Measuring tape (for reorganizing and ensuring proper fit for larger items)
• Shelving units (for reorganizing and maximizing vertical space)
• Plastic sheeting or tarps (to protect items during cleanout or if the storage environment is dusty)

Now that you have your supplies ready, it’s time to start sorting through the items in your storage unit. Begin by focusing on one section at a time rather than trying to tackle the entire unit at once. Sort items into four categories:

1. Keep: These are items you plan to hold onto, whether they remain in storage or are moved elsewhere. Be selective and only keep what you truly need or use. This is a great opportunity to take inventory of your items — you may realize you already own something you were thinking about buying.
2. Donate: Anything in good condition that you no longer need but could benefit someone else goes in this pile. Many charities accept donations for household goods, clothing and even furniture.
3. Sell: If you have valuable items you no longer need, consider selling them online or at a yard sale. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace or local buy/sell/trade groups are great options for making some extra cash. You can keep these in your storage unit until you’re ready to make the exchange with a buyer.
4. Discard: This pile is for anything that’s broken, damaged beyond repair or entirely unusable. Don’t just toss everything in the trash — be mindful of how you dispose of items that need special handling, such as electronics or hazardous materials.

Once you’ve sorted your belongings, it’s time to get rid of anything you no longer need.

For larger cleanouts, especially if you’re downsizing or moving out of the unit completely, consider renting a dumpster. This is especially useful for bulky items, broken furniture or anything that can’t easily be tossed into a standard trash bin. A small dumpster can often be rented for a day or weekend, which makes disposal much more convenient. Platforms like TaskRabbit also offer junk removal pickup and services that can save you time by taking bags of used clothes or other items to thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army.

For the items you’re donating, research local charities or donation centers that accept the types of goods you have. Many organizations will even pick up large furniture or household goods for free. If you’re selling items, make sure to take photos and list them on online platforms, giving yourself a deadline for when to have everything sold to avoid cluttering your space again.

When you’re throwing things out, check up on any local regulations for waste disposal. There may be special rules for disposing of things like electronics and paint.

With most of your items now sorted and removed, you can focus on cleaning out the unit itself. Start by sweeping the floor to remove dust, dirt and any debris. If there are any shelves or bins inside the unit, wipe them down with a cloth and spray to remove dust and grime.

Cleaning as you go will make the final stages of your project much smoother, ensuring that your storage unit is fresh and ready for the next phase, whether that’s reorganizing or moving out entirely.

If you plan to keep some items in the storage unit or move them into a bigger/smaller unit, this is the perfect time to reorganize and maximize your space. Use shelving units or stackable storage bins to take advantage of vertical space, freeing up the floor for larger items. Clear, labeled bins make it way easier to find what you need without having to dig through piles of boxes.

As you place items back in the unit, think strategically about the layout. Accessibility is key — you don’t want to block a path to items in the back of the unit. Store items you’ll need to access more frequently closer to the front of the unit, while seasonal or rarely used items can be placed farther back. Make sure everything is clearly labeled so you can quickly identify what’s inside each box or bin.

After cleaning and reorganizing your storage unit, take one last walkthrough to double-check that everything is in order. Make sure that all items you plan to discard, donate or sell have been removed from the space and that any items you plan to keep are clearly labeled and organized. If you rented a dumpster, hired a junk removal service or enlisted help, confirm that you’ve gotten all the i’s and crossed the t’s. If you’re moving out of the storage unit, make sure you’ve followed any checkout policies and procedures provided by the facility.

Ready to clean out your storage unit or enjoy the benefits of a freshly organized space? Explore more tips at the SmartStop blog.