The fastest way to empty a storage unit in Jacksonville is to go through it once for the things you want to keep, then have a junk removal crew load everything else in a single visit. That way you can stop paying rent on the unit as soon as possible instead of making repeated trips with a borrowed truck.
Quick answer: Check your move-out date and the facility’s vendor rules, pull out keepsakes and documents, set aside items to donate or sell, then book a crew to clear the rest so you can return the empty unit. If the unit is behind on rent, Florida’s self-storage law gives the facility a lien and a notice-and-sale process, so act before the payment deadline in any notice you receive. Cowford Can Co. clears storage units across Northeast Florida. Call or text (833) 586-5255.
Why storage unit cleanouts happen
Most of the storage cleanouts we are asked about fall into a few groups:
- Estate cleanouts: a loved one kept a unit for years, and the family needs to close it out. Our estate cleanout planning guide covers sorting and timing.
- After a move: the unit was meant to be temporary during a move or home sale and is now just costing money. Our moving cleanout guide helps decide what is worth keeping.
- Downsizing: furniture from a larger home that will never fit in the new one.
- Business storage: old files, fixtures, inventory or equipment.
Before cleanout day
1. Check the facility’s rules
Call the storage office and ask:
- What are the access hours, and do vendors need to be added to your account or gate list?
- Is there a loading area, elevator or cart we can use for interior or upper-floor units?
- Can items be left in the facility’s dumpster? (Usually not, and many facilities charge for leftovers.)
- What condition does the unit need to be in, and when is your move-out notice due?
2. Sort what stays
Go through the unit once before the crew arrives. Pull out:
- Photos, papers, IDs, tax records and anything with personal information
- Jewelry, collectibles and family keepsakes
- Items going to family or being sold
Mark keep items clearly or move them out first. Tape and labels are your friend.
3. Separate hazardous items
Storage units often hide old paint, gas cans, propane cylinders and pool chemicals. Most facilities prohibit storing these in the first place, and they cannot go in with general junk. In Duval County, take them to the city’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 2675 Commonwealth Ave., Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If the unit is behind on rent
Florida’s self-storage law gives the facility a lien on stored property for unpaid rent. Under Florida Statute 83.806, the facility must send written notice with an itemized claim and a payment deadline of at least 14 days, then advertise the sale for two consecutive weeks before it can sell the contents. The tenant can redeem the property by paying the lien and reasonable expenses before the sale.
If you are cleaning out a family member’s unit that is behind, talk to the facility early. Paying the balance and clearing the unit quickly is often easier than trying to recover items after a sale. This is general information, not legal advice.
What a storage unit cleanout includes
- Furniture, mattresses and appliances
- Boxes, bins and loose household items
- Exercise equipment, tools and yard equipment
- Business files and fixtures
- Leaving the unit empty so you can return it
Our crew loads everything from the unit into our truck, so you do not need to rent a truck, find helpers or make trips to a landfill. If you are not sure whether something can go, see what a junk removal company can take.
Storage unit cleanouts across Northeast Florida
Cowford Can Co. clears storage units at facilities throughout Duval, St. Johns, Clay and Nassau counties, including Jacksonville, Mandarin, the Southside, Orange Park, Fleming Island, Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine and Fernandina Beach. Units of every size, from small closets to large drive-up units, are common jobs. Learn more about our junk removal service and our estate cleanout service if the unit is part of a larger family cleanout.
How to get a fast quote
- Tell us the facility and unit size (for example, 10×10 or 10×20).
- Send a photo from the door showing how full it is.
- Note whether it is drive-up, interior or upstairs.
- Let us know your move-out deadline.
Ready to stop paying for storage? Call or text (833) 586-5255 or request a free quote. Cowford Can Co. works Monday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
FAQs
Do I need to be at the storage unit during the cleanout?
Usually someone needs to provide access, either by meeting the crew or by arranging access with the facility. Ask the office how they handle vendor access.
Can you clean out a storage unit in one trip?
Most standard units can be cleared in one visit. Very large or packed units may need more. Send a photo for an estimate.
Can I leave things in the facility’s dumpster?
Most facilities do not allow it and may charge for items left behind. Check your rental agreement.
What if there are items I want to donate?
Set them aside and let us know. Ask about donation options when you book.
Can you clear a unit for a family member who has passed away?
Yes. Make sure the person authorized on the account, or the estate’s representative, has arranged access with the facility before cleanout day.