Category Archives: Clear Out

Do You Have A Storage Unit? Do You Really Need It?

Okay people. Let’s start this conversation right now. No beating around the bush. Let’s just get right to it. There are only a few good reasons to have a storage unit and even those are limited.  Here they are:

  1. If you are remodeling and are using a storage unit to keep your furnishings clean and safe during the renovation.
  2. If you are moving and using it to store your things for a SHORT period of time until your new residence is ready.
  3. If you need it to keep inventory for your business.

That’s it. There’s really no other reason to have a storage unit for an extended period of time. Sorry but that’s the truth. 

 

As a Professional Organizer, I have to say that if you haven’t used it (whatever “it” is)  in 6 months to a year, chances are you won’t and don’t need it.  Further, having the option of putting things in storage enables and may even subconsciously tempt you to acquire more since there’s “somewhere” to put it. Finally, knowing what storage can wind up costing, I can assure you that it is not worth it. Just do the math!

Here are some questions for you to think about: 

  • If you’re storing things that you have no room for, how important can those things be?
  • Why don’t you have room for the items you’re storing?  
  • Can you get easily access the things you need that are in storage?
  • How long have you been storing these things?
  • When was the last time you went to retrieve something from storage and were able to find what you were looking for?
  • How much money are you spending on storage?

Here’s the facts:

  • Storage costs a lot of money!
  • People usually store things because they can’t decide what to do with those items. 
  • Most of the items that people store never find their way back into the homes of those that stored them.

So, before the weather starts heating up and it’s just too hot to even think about going through your storage units, let’s do this now, together! This is how we can help:

  • We will empty everything out of the unit so that you can see everything;
  • We will go through each and every box and/or item to determine what to keep, what to donate and what to toss;
  • We will facilitate each of these options;
  • We will do this in one day!

Sounds good right? So don’t put this off for another day.  Let’s do this!

Important Information About Clearing


When someone is moving, or has moved, most of the time there are many items that are no longer wanted or needed. Things that people don’t want to bring to their new home. Things that family and friends don’t want either.

Anyone who has moved knows (or should know) that the house, whether owned or rented, has to be “cleared” before the new owners/renters take possession.

“Clearing” a property means that the house/premises have to be COMPLETELY clear. Every cabinet, cupboard, closet, drawer and room has to be empty! More importantly, there is usually a dead-line as to when the house/premises has to be empty (ie, close of escrow).

So, what do you do with the things that you no longer need or want?

The obvious answer is to donate or try to sell those items that are no longer wanted or needed. Unfortunately some of those items can’t be sold or donated either. Here’s a short list of some items that can’t (or shouldn’t) be donated:
-Mattresses
-Box-springs
-Anything that is stained/soiled
-Things that are broken or missing pieces
-Magazines
-Old Textbooks

Those items that can’t be donated are deemed trash. Obviously you can throw those things in the trash. But:
1. What if there is so much trash that it won’t all fit in the trash bins?
2. What if there are certain items that are so big (think mattress) that they can’t fit in the trash?
3. What if it’s too big or too heavy and you can’t get it to the trash?

All good questions!
The answer is… call us for help. Organizing Concepts and Designs will facilitate the entire process and make sure that the premises are completely empty and we will do timely. We work with a multitude of resources to make sure that the house will be completely clear in time for the keys to be turned over to the new owners/renters. Some of our resources are:
1. Donation companies
2. Trash removal/hauling companies
3. Shredding Companies
4. Consignment Stores
5. Auction Houses
6. Art Dealers
7. Cleaning Services

*NOTE: It is important to know that clearing and cleaning are entirely different. Clearing is making sure the house is empty. Cleaning is making sure the house is clean.