Is Your Storage Unit Clean?

For people with storage units, they want their rented space to be as clean as possible. This is not only to protect their belongings but also to ensure they don’t bring any filth home with them. At Clifton Rt. 46 Storage, we rent storage units to people throughout the Clifton, New Jersey, area. Here, we discuss how to keep your storage unit clean and what to look for in a storage facility.

How You Can Keep Your Storage Unit Clean

Dust and grime happen, especially on items that don’t move for long periods. While dust won’t necessarily ruin your items, you’ll still want to be careful with linens, clothes, and other items. Follow these tips from the team at Clifton Rt. 46 Storage:

Clean Your Items Before Storing

As you start decluttering your home, clean any items you’re planning to store. Items that are dirty or dusty before they go into your storage unit can cause other items to become messy, as well.

Use Plastic Bins

Plastic bins are a great option for long-term storage. They are sturdier and stronger than cardboard boxes and offer more protection against moisture, dirt, and pests. Additionally, plastic boxes make it easier for you to stay organized and keep track of your belongings, as they are oftentimes transparent and easy to label.

Keep Large Items Covered

You should keep your large items, such as furniture and electronics, covered. This helps to minimize dust and offers an additional layer of protection. We recommend using a sheet or waterproof tarp.

Store Items on Shelves

While it may be tempting to stack boxes on the floor, your items will be cleaner if you store them on shelves or pallets. Floors can get dusty, dirty, and wet. If a minor leak occurs in your storage unit, the shelves and pallets will help reduce the amount of water damage and mold.

Don’t Store Food or Other Prohibited Items

Storing food in your storage unit attracts pests, such as bugs and mice. Additionally, if food expires, it can cause an unpleasant odor. Store your food in your pantry at home and leave space in your unit for nonperishable items.

Other items you shouldn’t store in your storage unit include:

• Living things
• Flammable materials
• Radioactive or toxic materials
• Firearms or ammunition
• Illegal items

Clean Your Unit Regularly

You don’t need to clean your storage unit as frequently as your home, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Visit your unit once a month or every other month to tidy up. You can leave cleaning supplies inside your car for convenience. If you have an outdoor unit, leave the door open while cleaning to let in some fresh air.

While you’re there, you can also declutter to make room for new items. We also suggest rotating out seasonal items, using them for your holidays, and then cleaning again before returning to storage.

Make Sure the Facility Is a Good Fit

While it is your responsibility to keep your storage unit and belongings clean, you also want to choose a facility that prioritizes cleanliness. Before you sign a contract, there are two things you should do to see if your facility takes the proper precautions to prevent filth, including:

Check Policies

Every storage facility has policies in place for its renters. At Clifton Rt. 46 Storage, we make cleanliness a priority by prohibiting the following:

• Smoking and alcohol use on the premises
• Living in your storage unit
• Working on cars, motorcycles, crafts, and other hobbies
• Flammable materials, hazardous substances, and perishables
• Plants and animals

We also encourage our renters to clean up after themselves and discourage littering.

Request a Tour

A tour allows you to inspect the facility before you lease a unit. You can check for signs of water damage, bugs, and other pests. You can also inspect the available units for any structural damage, which may lead to damage down the road. During your tour, take note of trash receptacles and how much debris is lying around. A worn-down facility may not be the best place to store your belongings if you want them to be clean.

Store Your Belongings with Clifton Rt. 46 Storage

Your belongings are important to you and at Clifton Rt. 46 Storage, they’re important to us, too. Our secure storage facility in Clifton, New Jersey, is family-owned and operated, so we understand how valuable your memories are. We pride ourselves on our commitment to providing clean storage units and security features to keep your items safe. To learn more, contact us today.