Let’s talk about a situation I see all the time: You rent a storage unit thinking it’ll be “just for a few months.” Next thing you know, it’s five years later, and you're paying thousands each year to store stuff you forgot you even had.

Sound familiar?

If you’re ready to ditch the monthly bill and finally clean out your storage unit, this guide’s for you. I'll show you how to tackle a storage unit cleanout in Fort Lauderdale — and save yourself time, money, and a serious headache.

🧹 Step 1: Set a Realistic Timeline

Cleaning out a storage unit always takes longer than people think. Start by:

  • Blocking off a half-day or full-day
  • Bringing backup — even one extra set of hands helps
  • Having water and snacks — you’ll thank me later

If you’re short on time, you can always call in pros (like us) who specialize in junk removal in Fort Lauderdale for storage units.

📦 Step 2: Bring the Right Supplies

You’ll want:

  • Work gloves (things get dusty)
  • Trash bags (heavy-duty preferred)
  • A few empty boxes for sorting
  • A marker for labeling
  • A broom for a quick sweep at the end

Bonus points if you bring a folding table to help sort stuff without sitting on the ground.

🔍 Step 3: Triage Your Stuff Quickly

Here’s the system I always recommend:

  • Keep — Things you actively want and have space for
  • Sell — Items still valuable that you’re willing to post online
  • Donate — Usable goods you don’t personally need
  • Trash — Broken, outdated, or no longer useful stuff

Be ruthless. If you forgot it was there for three years… do you really need it?

Need help deciding where to donate? Check out our guide on where to donate furniture in Broward County.

🛻 Step 4: Decide How You’re Hauling the Junk

You’ve got options:

  • Self-haul — Rent a truck, make multiple trips, pay dump fees
  • Hire pros — We offer full-service storage unit cleanout in Fort Lauderdale — you point, we load

Most of the time, hiring help is cheaper (and a lot less frustrating) once you factor in truck rentals, labor, and dump costs.

♻️ Step 5: Think About Recycling and Donations

Before you send everything to the dump, know that Jack’s Junk Removal tries to donate and recycle as much as possible.

We regularly pull:

  • Usable furniture for donation
  • Electronics for recycling centers
  • Scrap metal (bed frames, shelving)
  • Clothes and linens for shelters

It’s part of our promise to keep junk out of Broward County landfills whenever possible.

🧠 Bonus Tip: Storage Auctions (and How to Avoid Them)

If you’re behind on payments, your storage unit can go up for auction (yes, like those TV shows). To avoid it:

  • Communicate with the facility manager
  • Pay off the balance or formally vacate the unit
  • Don’t leave abandoned junk behind — some places charge cleanup fees

We can help you clear out your storage unit fast in Fort Lauderdale if you’re on a deadline.

📍 Areas We Serve

Jack’s Junk Removal offers storage unit cleanout services all across Broward County, including:

  • Fort Lauderdale
  • Pembroke Pines
  • Hollywood
  • Plantation
  • Davie
  • Weston
  • Coral Springs
  • Cooper City

👍 Final Thoughts from Jack

Storage units are supposed to be a short-term solution — not a long-term burden.

If you’re ready to stop paying for stuff you don’t need, give us a call. Whether you need one truckload hauled or a full day of heavy lifting, Jack’s Junk Removal is ready to help you finish strong.

– Jack
Owner, Jack’s Junk Removal