19 May 2025
Every storage operator has been there: a unit full of junk, trash, and mystery items. When money’s tight, and the thought of paying for a big cleanup feels overwhelming, it’s tempting to just walk away. But hold up — before you drop big bucks on a full-scale overhaul, let’s talk smarter, cheaper ways to turn those unrentable units into profit. Here’s how to make your space work for you without draining your wallet.
First, get your life (and your units) together. Grab a spreadsheet (Google Sheets is a must — if you don’t know how to use it, we need to talk). Start tracking the essentials for each unit so you know exactly what you're dealing with.
What to track:
Before you start tossing stuff, think about consolidation. Combine the junk from several messy units into just one or two, then boom — you’ve got empty, rentable units ready to go. And here’s the best part: you don’t have to pay a penny for cleanup. Try these free (yes, free) solutions:
Not every unit needs a full makeover. A little TLC goes a long way. Here’s how to make those spaces shine without breaking the bank:
Get creative. Not every unit has to be traditional storage. Repurpose some of those problem units for niche purposes that attract new tenants:
You’ve cleaned up, fixed up, and rented out those unrentable units. But what’s stopping this from happening again? Preventive measures are key to keeping things running smoothly.
Turning unrentable units into profit doesn’t require a big budget or major renovations. By getting organized, thinking outside the box, and using low-cost solutions, you can transform those neglected spaces into valuable rental opportunities. Just remember: this is a band-aid, not a replacement for regular maintenance. Invest in your property’s long-term health, and those “problem” units will be a thing of the past.
A little hustle, some creativity, and smart strategy? That’s the key to making it happen.
Megan Graham is a District Manager at Atomic Storage Group, where she oversees multiple portfolios of self-storage facilities across the United States. With over a decade of hands-on operational experience—from the front lines to senior management—Megan brings a grounded, realistic approach to third-party management, revenue strategy, and storage consulting. She works closely with property owners to align operations with their long-term goals, whether that means maximizing value for a future sale or building lasting community connections for sustained income. Megan doesn’t promote storage as “passive income”—she delivers honest insights and measurable results.
