Manhattan Mini Storage Announces Winner of Self-Storage, Apartment-Cleaning Sweepstakes

New York self-storage operator Manhattan Mini Storage announced Ben Raffalli, 21, as the winner of its Extreme Apartment Makeover sweepstakes. Raffalli, who lives with two roommates in a cluttered apartment in Chelsea, N.Y., will receive free monthly apartment cleanings and complimentary use of a personal closet storage unit for one year.

Manhattan Mini launched the sweepstakes last September, which was open to anyone with a Facebook account. Users entered the contest simply by liking the companys Facebook page. The monthly apartment cleanings will be provided through a local service called Hipstermaid.

The storage unit is a 4-by-4-foot space that holds 15 to 20 medium-sized boxes, according to Manhattan Minis website. Units come with a hanging bar, making them good for seasonal items including clothing. Customers also use them to store small collectibles, books, CDs and personal papers, according to the company.

With three people in their early 20s, it does get a little bit messy, especially between two boys. We drive our other roommate a little crazy, said Raffalli, who is a student and aspiring actor studying musical theater. Also, we have a lot of furniture that the previous tenants had left that we dont necessarily want, so combined with all the stuff I have, this will really help us clear up some space in there. Im very, very excited to have won this!

Manhattan Mini is currently running another social media campaign on Twitter in which someone will win the use of a personal-closet unit for two months. To enter, users must tweet how the storage company can unclutter their lives and include Manhattan Minis Twitter handle (@ManhattanMini) in the message. Company officials will select their favorite tweet as the winner.

Manhattan Mini Storage has 17 locations throughout Manhattan. It is owned by Edison Properties, a family-owned business which also operates Edison ParkFast, a network of 40 garages and lots throughout Baltimore, New York City and Northeast New Jersey. Edison's properties include workspace offices, executive offices and pre-built suites, The Hippodrome office building, and The Ludlow, a luxury residential high-rise on the Lower East Side.