When Your Storage Unit Becomes a Mystery Box: How a Professional Organizer Can Help

A client recently shared something I hear more often than you might think:

“I have things in two storage units from when we moved six months ago, and I don’t even remember what’s in there. What do I do?”

First of all—bravo for being honest about where things stand. When clients share those details early in the organizing process, it allows us to think strategically and practically about what’s best for you, your home, and your peace of mind.

Step 1: Get Fully Settled in Your Home

Before we even touch the storage units, the first step in professional home organizing is always to get fully unpacked in your living space. Let’s work with what you already have—the items you’re using and living with every day. This gives us a realistic picture of what’s actually essential and what might just be “extra.”

Once your home feels functional, comfortable, and organized, then we can turn our attention to those storage units with clarity.

Step 2: Ask Yourself—Do You Still Need That Storage Unit?

Sometimes, keeping a storage unit temporarily makes sense. Maybe it holds your holiday décor, seasonal clothing, or items related to a hobby or business that you simply haven’t needed yet. In those cases, it’s fine to keep the unit a little longer until you’ve cycled through a full year in your new home and experienced all four seasons.

But here’s a good rule of thumb from a professional organizer’s perspective:
If it’s been a year or more since your move—and you haven’t missed anything in that storage unit—it’s time to reassess.

Step 3: Decluttering and Decision-Making with Confidence

This is where a home organization professional can make a huge difference. Together, we can:

◈     Organize the storage unit so you can see exactly what’s there.

◈     Sort and categorize items into clear groups: keep, donate, sell, recycle, or discard.

◈     Help you make confident decisions about what fits your current lifestyle.

◈     Create a plan for completely clearing the unit, if that’s the next best step.

Many clients find that working with a professional organizer gives them permission to let go of what’s no longer serving them—and to finally close the chapter on that “just-in-case” storage space.

Step 4: What If You’re Doing It Yourself?

If you’re taking a DIY approach, start by paying attention to what you actually use every day in your home. Notice how well you’re living without whatever’s in storage. Most people discover that their daily life is already full and functional—and that realization is powerful.

When you realize you’ve been thriving without those stored items, it becomes easier to declutter, simplify, and free yourself from unnecessary physical (and mental) clutter.

Step 5: Celebrate Your Progress

Letting go of storage units isn’t just about saving money or space—it’s about creating alignment between your home and your life right now. When your belongings truly reflect who you are and how you live, everything feels lighter.

And if you find yourself loving that sense of lightness? That’s something to celebrate! Many people discover that living with less feels more peaceful, practical, and empowering than they ever expected.

Final Thoughts

Storage units can serve an important short-term purpose, but they often become a holding space for unmade decisions. By taking a thoughtful, organized approach—whether on your own or with a professional organizer’s guidance—you can reclaim your space, your clarity, and your peace of mind.

If you’re in a similar situation, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Reach out to a professional organizer who can help you develop a customized plan for storage unit cleanouts, decluttering, and home organization that fits your timeline and goals.

If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment. We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.

Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & small businesses in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go to pinkyjackson.com

Photo: Steve Johnson @steve_j