How to Clean Out a Storage Unit (+ What It Costs in Denver)

Updated January 2025 • 8 min read • Denver Metro Guide

You've been paying $150/month for that storage unit. You haven't opened it in two years. Now you finally need to deal with it.

Whether you're moving, downsizing, inherited a unit, or just tired of the monthly bill, this guide covers everything: how to clean out a storage unit yourself, what it costs to hire someone, and when DIY isn't worth your time.

In This Guide

How Much Does Storage Unit Cleanout Cost?
7 Steps to Clean Out a Storage Unit Yourself
What Supplies You'll Need
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro: Which Makes Sense?
Storage Unit Cleanout Options in Denver
Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does Storage Unit Cleanout Cost?

Let's start with what everyone wants to know: the price.

Quick Answer

Professional storage unit cleanout in Denver costs $150–$600 for most units. Price depends on unit size, how full it is, and what's inside. A typical 10x10 unit runs $300–$500.

Denver Storage Unit Cleanout Pricing

5x5 Unit (Closet Size) $150 – $250

5x10 Unit (Walk-in Closet) $200 – $350

10x10 Unit (Small Bedroom) $300 – $500

10x15 Unit (Large Bedroom) $400 – $700

10x20 Unit (1-Car Garage) $500 – $900

10x30 Unit (2-Car Garage) $700 – $1,200+

What Affects the Price?

Volume: A half-empty 10x10 costs less than a packed 5x10. We price by how much stuff, not just square footage.
Contents: Furniture and boxes are easy. Hazardous materials, heavy appliances, or special disposal items cost more.
Location: Ground floor units are cheaper. Third floor with no elevator? That's extra.
Timeline: Same-day service may cost 10-20% more than scheduling ahead.

💡 Pro Tip: Many storage facilities charge fees if you don't clean out by your move-out date. Factor that into your decision — sometimes paying for professional cleanout is cheaper than another month's rent plus the hassle.

7 Steps to Clean Out a Storage Unit Yourself

If you've got time and a truck, here's how to do it right:

Scout the Unit First

Visit your unit before cleanout day. Take photos. Count boxes. Note large items. This tells you how long it'll take, what supplies you need, and whether you need help.

Gather Your Supplies

Don't show up empty-handed. You'll need trash bags, boxes, markers, tape, gloves, and a dolly. If the unit's been closed for years, bring a dust mask too.

Set Up Sorting Zones

Create four areas outside the unit: KEEP, SELL, DONATE, and TRASH. As you pull items out, they go directly into a zone. No "maybe" pile — that's how clutter follows you home.

Work Section by Section

Start at one side and work across. Empty one section completely before moving to the next. This prevents the "shuffle everything around but never finish" trap.

Be Ruthless About What You Keep

Ask yourself: Have I used this in 2 years? Would I buy it again today? If you forgot it existed, you don't need it. The goal is to leave with less than you came with.

Handle Each Category

Sell: List on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or hold a garage sale. Donate: Goodwill, Salvation Army, Habitat ReStore. Trash: Bag it and haul it to the dump, or call a junk removal company.

Clean and Close Out

Sweep the empty unit. Check corners for forgotten items. Remove your lock. Notify the facility you're done. Get confirmation in writing so you don't get charged another month.

What Supplies You'll Need

Storage Unit Cleanout Checklist

Heavy-duty trash bags (contractor bags work best)
Boxes or bins for sorting
Markers and labels
Packing tape
Work gloves
Dust mask (for dusty units)
Box cutter or scissors
Dolly or hand truck
Broom and dustpan
Truck or trailer (or access to one)
Water and snacks (it takes longer than you think)

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro: Which Makes Sense?

Here's the honest breakdown:

Factor	DIY	Hire a Pro
Cost	$50–$150 (dump fees, supplies, truck rental)	$150–$600
Time	4–8 hours (or multiple trips)	1–2 hours
Physical Labor	You do it all	They do it all
Truck Needed	Yes (rent or borrow)	No
Dump Trips	You handle disposal	They handle disposal
Same-Day	Depends on your schedule	Available

DIY Makes Sense When:

You have time (a full day or weekend)
You have access to a truck or trailer
The unit is small (5x5 or 5x10)
You want to sort through everything yourself
You're physically able to lift heavy items

Hiring a Pro Makes Sense When:

You're short on time
You don't have a truck
The unit is large or packed full
You're out of state or can't be there
There's heavy furniture or appliances
You just want it done without the hassle

💡 The Math: If you value your time at $30/hour, a 6-hour DIY cleanout "costs" $180 in time alone — before dump fees, gas, and truck rental. For many people, paying $300–$400 for professional cleanout is actually the cheaper option.

Don't Want to Deal With It?

We clean out storage units across Denver metro. Same-day service available. You don't lift a finger.

📞 (303) 324-6014 Get a Quote

Storage Unit Cleanout Options in Denver

Here's what's available in the Denver metro area:

1. Junk Removal Companies (Like Us)

Cost: $150–$600 depending on unit size

Best for: Full cleanouts when you want everything gone

We show up, clear out everything you don't want, and handle disposal. Same-day service available. You can be there to point out what to keep, or just give us access and we'll clear it all.

2. DIY with Dump Trips

Cost: $30–$60 per dump trip + truck rental ($50–$100)

Best for: Small units, people with time and a vehicle

Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site accepts most items. Expect 2–3 hours round trip per load. You'll need to sort, load, drive, unload, and repeat.

3. Dumpster Rental

Cost: $300–$500 for a 10-yard dumpster (3–5 days)

Best for: Large units with mostly trash

Works if the storage facility allows dumpster placement. You still do all the loading yourself.

4. Donation Pickup

Cost: Free (but limited)

Best for: Units with mostly usable furniture

Salvation Army and Habitat ReStore offer free pickup for furniture in good condition. But they won't take everything, and scheduling can take 1–2 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to clean out a storage unit?

DIY: 4–8 hours for a typical 10x10 unit, including sorting, loading, and dump trips. Professional cleanout: 1–2 hours. Larger units or packed units take longer.

Do I need to be there during the cleanout?

Not necessarily. If you want everything removed, you can give us access to the unit and we'll handle it. If you want to keep certain items, it's best to be there to point them out — or we can set them aside for you.

What if I find something valuable during cleanout?

We'll pause and let you know immediately. Your valuables are yours — we're just here to remove what you don't want. If you're not present, we can set aside anything that looks valuable or sentimental.

Can you clean out an inherited storage unit?

Yes. This is one of our most common requests. We work with families dealing with estates, downsizing parents' belongings, or cleaning out units from deceased relatives. We're respectful and thorough.

What items can't you take from a storage unit?

We can't take hazardous materials (chemicals, paint, solvents), ammunition, or anything illegal. Most household items, furniture, appliances, electronics, and general clutter are fine.

Do you offer discounts for multiple storage units?

Yes. If you have multiple units at the same facility, we offer bundled pricing that saves you money compared to booking each unit separately.

How fast can you clean out my storage unit?

Same-day service is available if you call before noon. Most cleanouts are completed within 1–2 hours of our arrival.

The Bottom Line

Cleaning out a storage unit doesn't have to be a nightmare.

If you have time and a truck, DIY is doable — follow the 7 steps above and you'll get through it. Budget a full day for a typical unit.

If you're short on time, don't have a truck, or just don't want to deal with it, professional cleanout runs $150–$600 for most units in Denver. We handle everything: lifting, loading, hauling, and disposal.

Either way, the goal is the same: stop paying rent on stuff you don't need.

Ready to Empty That Unit?

Same-day storage unit cleanout across Denver metro. $150+ depending on size. Free quotes.

📞 (303) 324-6014