Renting a storage unit can be a smart solution during major life transitions—like moving, downsizing, or handling an estate. But what starts as a temporary fix often turns into a long-term expense. Months pass, then years, and before you know it, you’re spending hundreds (even thousands) of dollars on storing items you haven’t looked at in ages.
At G&S Junk Removal, we help Los Angeles residents take back control of their clutter—and their money—by offering fast, efficient, and respectful storage unit cleanouts. If you’re tired of paying for space you don’t use, here’s what you need to know.
The Hidden Cost of Clutter
According to the Self Storage Association, over 10% of U.S. households rent storage units. Many spend anywhere from $100 to $300 a month. Multiply that over a year or more, and the cost quickly adds up. But the real expense isn’t just the money—it’s the mental and emotional toll of avoiding the clutter.
Many people:
Can’t remember what’s in the unit
Feel guilty about not dealing with it
Avoid visits because of the stress
Keep paying simply to delay the decision-making
This cycle keeps people stuck, both financially and emotionally. A cleanout can break that cycle.
Why People Keep Paying for Storage They Don’t Need
There are a few common reasons why people continue to pay for storage even when they no longer need the items inside:
Sentimental attachment: Items belonged to loved ones or represent past life stages.
Overwhelm: The thought of sorting through everything feels exhausting.
Uncertainty: People don’t know what to keep, donate, sell, or toss.
Lack of time or help: Busy schedules or no one to assist makes it easy to procrastinate.
These are real and valid reasons—but they don’t have to hold you back. With the right support, it’s possible to clear the unit and feel better for it.
What a Storage Unit Cleanout Looks Like
At G&S Junk Removal, our goal is to make your cleanout simple and stress-free. Here’s how we help:
Schedule a visit: We meet you at the storage facility.
Sort & Separate: You can guide us through what to keep, donate, or remove—or let us handle everything if you’ve already sorted.
Lift & Load: We do all the heavy lifting and loading.
Responsible Disposal: Usable items are donated, recyclables are sorted, and the rest is disposed of responsibly.
Clean Sweep: We leave the unit clean and empty, ready to close out or re-purpose.
Real-Life Reasons to Let It Go
Here are a few examples of when a cleanout makes a lot of sense:
Downsizing after retirement: Holding onto extra furniture or household goods that won’t fit in the new space.
Clearing out an estate: Storage units often become overflow spaces during estate settlements.
Closing a business: Leftover office furniture or supplies from a previous venture.
Moving cross-country: It’s usually cheaper to sell and rebuy than to move and store.
In each case, holding onto the items out of guilt or habit ends up costing more than it’s worth.
Emotional Clutter vs. Useful Belongings
Many people keep storage units because they’re emotionally attached to what’s inside. But here’s the hard truth: if something has been sitting in a dark unit for years, it’s probably not playing an important role in your life.
Ask yourself:
When was the last time I needed this?
Would I buy this again if I saw it today?
Am I keeping this out of guilt, fear, or obligation?
Letting go doesn’t mean throwing everything away—it means choosing what really matters. And when you’re ready, our team is here to help, judgment-free.
How Junk Removal Saves You Money Long-Term
Stopping the monthly drain of a storage unit frees up your budget for things that matter—whether that’s home improvement, debt repayment, or just more breathing room financially. Many of our clients tell us the sense of relief is even more valuable than the savings.
Even better? We often help recover some value by identifying items that can be donated (for tax receipts) or sold.
Final Thoughts
If your storage unit has turned into a money pit—or a guilt trap—it might be time to finally clear it out. With help from G&S Junk Removal, the process is fast, respectful, and freeing.
Let’s stop paying for clutter. Let’s take back your space, your money, and your peace of mind.