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Self Storage Unit Auctions

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Have you ever attended a self storage unit auction?

Self Storage Unit Auctions have gotten extremely popular in the last few years. Apparently we have a lot of "stuff" because self storage rental units are popping up all over the place.

Many online sellers use these auctions as a means to maintain stock for their online businesses. Just observing these auctions can be a lot of fun. Lets examine the steps of attending a mini storage unit auction.

If you are serious about making some serious cash at your first storage auction then your gonna need some help from a pro!

How to locate self storage unit auctions

Locating and attending your first auction

Storage rental units are all over the place! Even the most rural communities seem to have a self storage business. Honestly, when you start looking around for them you really never realized that their were so many out there. Check the listings in your phone book or just do a Google search by your address.

Contact each storage business and ask them if they have any upcoming auctions. If nobody in your local area is having an auction many have an email list you can join that will notify you of auctions in the future. Some even have their own websites that will keep you up to date.

What about the bidding process at self storage unit auctions???

How about a sneak peek before we start the bidding process.

The majority of self storage unit auctions will follow the following guidelines. Most rental unit owners/managers will allow you to look inside the unit before the bidding begins. You can't walk into the unit you can only step up to the door and peek inside. After everybody has gotten a quick look the bidding will begin.

Don't be nervous because these auctions are very informal. Most of the time the property manager will handle the duties of auctioneer. It's quite uncommon for a certified auctioneer to handle these storage unit auctions. The pace will usually be pretty slow and you will have time to consider if you want to bid.

Some storage businesses prefer a silent auction instead of the traditional method. I personally can't stand this method! It totally takes the rush out of the whole process. I believe some owners like it because it eliminates any headaches that might arise during a regular auction.

Learn how to cap your bidding at Self Storage Unit Auctions!

What happens when I win the auction?

If you prevail and win the self storage unit auction that you attend then your responsible for all of the contents inside the unit. Be prepared to pay immediately after the auction is over. Many rental storage properties won't accept checks so be prepared to pay in cash or with a credit/debit card. Oh, I almost forgot that some properties charge a refundable cleaning deposit for the winning bidder. They not only want you to empty the unit they want it swept out as well.

Learn all of the inside tricks of storage unit auctions from a PRO and make money selling your treasures!

Self Storage Unit Auctions

Have you ever won a storage unit auction? Tell me the best and worst auctions you have won!

  • Sep 14, 2011 @ 4:05 am | delete
    Business is never idle. It is the survival of the fittest out there, adapt or die. New or start up businesses require as low a cost base as possible. Self storage is one area this can be utilised to maximum effect. A new or start up business owner is able to rent the smallest space required, generally for a short period normally a month at a time. This means no commitment to long term leases on what would almost certainly be a much larger space than may be required for some time until the business is far more established. This saves on rent and of course rates, also electric water and insurance. New businesses can use the flexibility of self storage. If a business requires more space it is easy to just rent an additional unit. This makes any seasonal variations of the space requirements of a business easy to manage.
    seattle self storage
  • VoodooRULEs Aug 4, 2011 @ 7:58 pm | delete
    I haven't won one... I never knew about this until I read this lens. Thank you so much!
  • fairlandstorage May 25, 2011 @ 8:09 am | delete
    Great Lens. How true it is that we collect so much stuff that self storage units are springing up all over. I have never been to an auction but I have stopped by one that was selling the contents individually. Much junk but occasionally you'll find a gem in there.
  • KathyT Mar 31, 2011 @ 5:39 pm | delete
    I'm really glad I came across your lens... John & I do this as well. I just wrote a lens on our experience at one such auction (I hope you don't mind that I added your lens as a featured lens for others to refer to). Thank you so much!
    :) Kath
  • COUNTRYLUTHIER Mar 2, 2011 @ 2:28 pm | delete
    Awesome content there fellow squid. Forrest Gump loosely paraphased said it best. "Life is like a storage unit auction, you never know what you're gonna get.".
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Would you like to attend a self storage unit auction? My wife and I love them but you need to do your homework before you place your first bid. Learn everything... more »

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