If you’ve got a storage unit that’s been sitting there for months—or even years—it can feel like one of those things you just don’t want to deal with. Maybe you’ve put it off because you don’t have time. Maybe you’re not sure what’s even in there anymore. Or maybe you know it’s going to take more than one trip, and you’re not looking forward to it.

Either way, cleaning out a storage unit doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You just need to go in with a clear plan. Whether you’re closing the unit for good, moving to a new one, or just trying to clear out clutter, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

Let’s start from the beginning and take it one thing at a time.

Why are you clearing out your storage unit?

Before you dive in, get clear on why you’re doing this. The reason will shape how you go about it. Are you trying to save money and cancel your rental? Are you moving the contents somewhere else? Or do you want to downsize and only keep what you really need?

Once you know your goal, decisions become easier. If you’re trying to cut costs, you’ll need to empty the space entirely. If you’re just reorganising, you might only need to clear out a portion of it. Knowing what you’re aiming for will help you stay focused while you’re sorting through everything.

When should you start?

Start as soon as you can. The longer you leave it, the bigger the task will seem. You might think you’ll need an entire weekend, but if you break it up into shorter sessions, it’s easier to manage—and you’re less likely to burn out halfway through.

If you’ve got a deadline, like your rental agreement ending, work backwards. Give yourself time to go through everything properly. Rushing it might mean you end up keeping things you don’t need or getting rid of things you later regret.

If you can, aim to clear the unit over two or three visits. That gives you time to sort, move, and clean without feeling rushed.

What should you bring with you?

Before you head over, make a quick list. You don’t want to get there and realise you’ve forgotten something important. What you’ll need depends on what’s in the unit, but here’s a good place to start:

• Gloves (you’ll probably be lifting dusty or heavy items)
• Bin bags or heavy-duty rubbish sacks
• Cleaning supplies (wipes, spray, cloths)
• A torch or headlamp (some units aren’t well-lit inside)
• Boxes or plastic tubs (for sorting or repacking items)
• A pad and pen or phone to take notes
• A basic toolkit (for dismantling furniture or opening containers)

If you’re planning to get rid of bulky items, make sure you’ve booked a van or arranged help. You don’t want to move everything twice.

How should you begin?

When you first open the unit, don’t start moving things around straight away. Take a few minutes to have a look. Try to see what’s where, and work out if there’s any clear order to it. Were things packed in categories? Is there anything fragile or valuable that needs to be handled first?

Then, make a simple plan. You could divide the unit into sections and tackle one at a time. Or you could pull everything out, sort it, and only put back what you’re keeping. It depends on the space you’ve got outside and how much time you have.

The main thing is to avoid jumping from one area to another. Stick with one section at a time so you don’t lose track of what you’ve done.

How do you sort through everything?

This is where things can take time. Start by picking up each item and asking yourself one simple question: Do I still need this?

Be honest. If you didn’t remember it was there, you probably don’t need it.

As you sort, try to create three clear groups:

• Keep – Things you still use, need, or want to store
• Donate or sell – Things in good condition that someone else could use
• Bin – Anything broken, damaged, or clearly no longer needed

Be strict, but don’t rush. If you’re unsure about something, set it aside in a “maybe” pile. Come back to it at the end and make a final call. Most people find that the longer they sort, the easier it gets.

What’s the best way to handle large items?

If you’ve got furniture, appliances, or anything bulky, decide first whether you’ll be keeping it, selling it, or getting rid of it.

For items you’re keeping, check whether they’ll fit in the space you’re moving them to. Measure them if you’re not sure. There’s no point paying to store or move something that won’t fit in your home or office.

If you’re getting rid of large items:

• See if a local charity can collect them
• Check if your council offers bulk waste collection
• List them online if they’re in decent condition
• Book a man and van service if you need to

Don’t try to lift or move heavy things on your own. It’s not worth the risk of hurting yourself. Ask a friend for help or hire someone who can manage the job safely.

How do you decide what to keep?

This bit can be tough. Sometimes you hold onto things because you think you might need them later. Other times, it’s because there’s a memory attached.

Ask yourself a few things:

• Have you used it in the last year?
• Is it in good condition?
• Does it still serve a purpose for your life right now?
• Could you replace it easily if you needed to?

If you’re saying no to most of those, it might be time to let it go. Try not to keep things out of guilt or habit. If something’s been in storage for years and you haven’t missed it, you probably won’t miss it once it’s gone.

What should you do with stuff you want to sell or donate?

Once you’ve built up a “giveaway” or “sell” pile, don’t leave it hanging around. It’s easy to say you’ll deal with it later—but that’s how clutter builds back up.

If you’re donating, check local charities. Many have guidelines on what they can and can’t accept. Some offer free collection for furniture and large items.

If you’re selling, get photos and list items as soon as possible. Try local selling apps, Facebook Marketplace, or online auction sites. Just be realistic about value—used items usually don’t go for much unless they’re rare or in high demand.

Anything left over can go to a car boot sale or be bundled into a donation drop.

How do you clean the unit once it’s empty?

Once you’ve cleared everything out, give the unit a proper clean. Even if it wasn’t spotless when you rented it, it’s good to leave it tidy—especially if you want your deposit back.

Wipe down shelves, sweep the floor, and remove any dust, cobwebs or rubbish. If there were any spills or leaks, try to clean those up too.

Some units provide bins or skip access—check with the storage provider before leaving rubbish behind.

Take photos of the clean space just in case there’s any dispute later. It’s a small step that can save you hassle down the line.

What if you’re moving to a different unit?

If you’re not getting rid of everything, but just moving your things to another storage unit, follow the same steps: sort first, pack only what you’re keeping, and clean as you go.

But this time, think ahead about how to pack the new unit better.

• Place things you use more often near the front
• Stack boxes by weight (heavier at the bottom)
• Label everything clearly so you can find it later
• Leave a narrow path so you can get to items at the back

Use plastic tubs if you can—they’re more durable and protect better against damp or dust.

Try to group items by use or by room (kitchen, office, tools, etc.). That’ll make unpacking easier later, whenever that day comes.

What should you check before handing the unit back?

Before you walk away from your old unit, make sure you’ve:

• Removed everything you own
• Cleared any rubbish
• Wiped down surfaces and swept the floor
• Locked the unit and returned the key (if required)
• Notified the storage provider you’re finished

Some companies ask for written notice or a signed form when you vacate. Check your contract so you don’t miss anything. If you’re on a rolling rental, make sure they stop billing you after you’ve moved out.

What can you do to stop it filling up again?

Once you’ve cleaned out your unit, the last thing you want is to end up in the same position a few months down the line.

So take a moment to think about what led to the clutter in the first place. Was it lack of space? Holding onto things just in case? Not enough time to sort things properly?

Whatever it was, the best way to avoid it happening again is to be more intentional with what you store going forward. Only keep what you genuinely use or value. Check in on your storage every few months. If it’s filling up, it’s probably time for a clear-out again.

Final thoughts

Cleaning out a storage unit might not be fun—but it’s manageable when you take it step by step. You don’t have to rush. You don’t need to do it all at once. And you don’t have to keep things just because they’ve been there for a while.

Start with a clear goal. Bring the right gear. Be honest with what you keep. And clean up as you go. Once it’s done, you’ll feel lighter, clearer, and more in control of your space.

And if you’re getting rid of the unit completely? That’s one less bill to worry about every month—and that’s always a win.

Are you looking for a storage unit near Lancaster? Why not give Steeles Removals a shout? Contact us today for a quick chat!