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• The Importance of Cleaning Out Your Storage Unit

The Importance of Cleaning Out Your Storage Unit

24 March 2021

Whether you need storage for a short or long time, it is essential to ensure that your storage unit is always clean. The fact is, if you let a mess pile up, it will be harder to clean in the future, and your items will be more susceptible to damage, dust, and dirt. Therefore, it’s a brilliant idea to hire a cleaning service provider like DFY Cleaner if you own a storage unit. Booking a cleaning company specializes in cleaning storage units will undoubtedly help you achieve the best results!

There are several reasons why it’s vital to clean out your storage unit, and in this article, we have the top ones. Check out below to know more!

Cleaning Will Eliminate the Risk of Pests 

Pests such as cockroaches, termites, flies and rats love to dwell in places that are filthy. They thrive and breed in such conditions and will sabotage the safety of your site. Among the areas that these pests like to stay are in storage units. Storage units contain a lot of unused items and furniture where these pests can hide and nest; it’s also usually low in human movement, so they’re comfortable running around. Pests in your storage unit can pose a significant risk. They can gnaw on your furniture and destroy it. Termites can even eat your wooden-items which will result in irreversible damage. Furthermore, pest stains and droppings can discolor your furniture if it isn’t cleaned up right away. So if you want to avoid such things from happening, regularly clean your storage unit! 

Aside from cleaning your storage unit, here are some other ways to pest-proof it to stop any chances of pest infestation. Taking preventive measures to avoid an infestation is better than spending thousands of dollars. It isn’t even that hard! It just requires you the right amount of effort and time.

Repair Any Cracks on The Walls

Whether you find a massive crack or even just a small one, it’s vital that you hurriedly seal off any cavities that are on your wall. Pests such as roaches and termites can get into the tiniest crack or hole without difficulty squeezing into it.

Sealing off these cracks can help eliminate pests’ chances of entering your storage unit and infesting your furniture. Not only is this tip cost-effective, but it’ll also save you from spending much money on a pest control service provider.

Utilizing Plastic Containers Rather Than Cardboard Boxes

If you own a storage unit facility, suggesting to your tenants to use plastic containers to store their furniture and other items will save you the stress of having pests. Cardboard is a favourite snack for problems such as termites, so it’s common for storage units to encounter termite infestations.

Although this option can be a bit more costly, it is a wiser choice in the long run. It helps pest-proof your area and, at the same time, protect those items your tenants are storing because plastic is much more durable compared to cardboard boxes.

Regularly Apply Essential Oil and Cotton Balls as a Repellent

This may be surprising to some, but essential oils can help pest-proof your storage unit. Various essential oils are commonly used to repel pests, such as eucalyptus, lemongrass, and peppermint. All you need to do is pour a few drops of your chosen essential oil into some cotton balls and place them in the corners of your room. You may also put it on areas you suspect pests to hide.

When the pesky little creature smells the balls with essential oil, it won’t like the odour and will get out of your storage unit

Cleaning Will Stop the Growth of Molds and Mildew 

It may come as a surprise to many, but your furniture can actually develop molds and mildew. These bacteria thrive in moist areas, and if your storage unit isn’t properly ventilated and maintained, it can increase the chances of them growing. Mildew and molds are dangerous, especially when they’re inhaled, so if you’re frequently visiting your storage unit, you may be unconsciously inhaling them. 

In order to combat these bacteria, practicing a regular cleaning routine will surely help. By organizing your furniture to implement good ventilation, dusting your items and cleaning your floors and walls, you’re sure to stop these organisms from growing. Also, be sure to double-check your storage unit for leaks or moisture since it can trigger mildew and molds.To further minimise the risk of molds and mildew in your storage unit, consider renting one with climate control. Here are some items that are best kept in a climate-controlled storage unit.

Cleaning Will Cut Down on Excessive Clutter 

Our storage unit is where we store all the things we don’t need or don’t use anymore. As a result, furniture and items can store up as the year passes by, especially when you don’t regularly clean up and organize. These things can take a lot of space and may even cause  dangerous accidents. However, if you take the time to clean your storage unit, it’ll allow you to quickly identify items that you actually need anymore and cut down on excessive clutter. Organizing and cleaning your storage unit can also enable you to make the most out of your area and make sure that everything you need is quickly accessible.

Cleaning Will Lower The Chance of Health Risks 

Your storage unit can quickly accumulate dirt, dust and debris since it’s usually clumped up with new things and furniture. When you visit your unit frequently and don’t take the time to clean it, you are exposing yourself to the risk of health problems. Spending time in the dust is similar to drinking unfiltered water for your body. It would be best if you remembered that nothing is more vital than your health.

Although you can’t entirely protect yourself from all the illness or disease out there, taking preventive measures such as cleaning can be taken to reduce your chances of falling sick.

Tips to Clean Your Storage Unit 

Now that you know the importance of maintaining a clean storage unit, it’s good to know what things you can do to help clean your storage unit. We’ve listed down the best and simple tips you can practice, so read on below! 

Take Inventory

If you inherited a unit or perhaps won one at an auction, you will want to check out what’s inside and take inventory of what you can see. It’s still worth making a list even if it’s your own items, and to categorize the items into what you need to get rid of, what you want to keep, and what is worth selling. You should be able to see most of the items in your unit, without having to use too much elbow grease, however, if you are dealing with a really cluttered unit, you may want to skip to step two and take inventory as you go. 

Make A Space For Sorting

You will want to arrange an indoor or outdoor space with enough room to start moving and sorting your stored items. Giving yourself a little bit of room to work will help you get started with processing the stuff and should help you find all the hidden gems stored away under boxes or in nooks and crannies.

If you have some larger items or have difficulty lifting and shifting heavy items, you may want to ask a friend to help or hire a man and van or removal service for some extra muscle.

Dispose of, Donate, Recycle & Store

Once you have completed your itinerary and you’ve scoured your unit for everything inside, you will want to start sorting it out and getting rid of what you don’t want to keep or sell. Usable items can be donated to local charities or thrift stores; you can find organizations in your area that may well collect donations.

You will want to make sure you sort out any rubbish into what can be recycled; it’s worth checking the local authority of your unit for what items should be recycled. When it comes to removing rubbish, you could consider hiring a skip bin for collection and removal if you have a lot to deal with. Once you have removed the unwanted items, you will be left with what you need to store or sell. 

Deep Clean

At this point, you should have a de-cluttered storage space that is most likely in need of a cleaning. Some storage units may well provide a cleaning service; if so, you can contact the storage manager to arrange cleaning. If not, you can either take care of it yourself or hire a deep cleaning company. Doing a thorough clean of your storage space will not only make it a more pleasant and safe place to store your items, but it can also help prevent pests such as rats and cockroaches, which can cause damage to your stored property. 

For store managers: keep your storage unit looking spic-and-span by thoroughly cleaning the unit. When the tenant moves out, hire a professional cleaner do the dirty work so that when someone new arrives in town, they can find a clean space for their belongings.

Store Your Items Correctly 

Take a bit of time to do some research and if necessary, buy the correct storage receptacles for your items. Some items may need to be temperature or humidity controlled, so purchasing the correct containers can help keep your items in good condition. Paper items or cardboard boxes can attract pests, so make sure you store them inside containers that can not be eaten or accessed by insects and rats.

For furniture or upholstered items, you will want to get dust covers that will protect them from accumulated dust or damage from the environment and can prevent them from becoming home to termites and roaches. If you’re looking to get rid of damaged furniture, hire a furniture rubbish removal company.

Don’t Forget Your Storage Unit

Now that your storage unit is clean and organized don’t let your hard work go to waste. Check in on your unit regularly, or if you are away, have someone trusted check in on it for you. Taking a visit to your unit once every one or two months will help you maintain your property, keep it clean and organized, and will alert you to any pest infestation, malfunctions with your unit, or any signs of break-in attempts. Don’t neglect your unit, a little bit of care will help give a longer life to your property. 

Cleaning out a storage unit needn’t be a nightmare. With a bit of planning, effort, and regular upkeep, you can have a safe, clean and efficient place to store your valuable possessions for as long as you need. Meanwhile, if you have yet to move your belongings into storage,  consider employing the help of a man and van company. We have partners in various areas around the UK, including London, Brighton, and many more.