Myths about Storage Auctions

Thanks to many popular reality television shows you may have the impression that every storage unit is a gold mine waiting to be discovered. Unfortunately this isn’t true. We at A1 Access storage in South Salt Lake want you to know some of the common myths that come along with storage unit auctions so you can know what they are really about.

Every Unit is Valuable

This is of course a myth. While you might get lucky occasionally, you shouldn’t go into a storage unit thinking you are going to find a gold mine. You might be able to find a few things you can sell for a profit in a storage auction but the reality TV shows make it look like it happens more often than it does.

It’s Impossible to see Inside a Storage Unit

Even though you aren’t allowed physically in the unit, you are allowed to look in it. This will give you a pretty good idea of the stuff that you will be bidding for. It is always a good idea to bring a flashlight so you can see all the way to the back of the unit.

All you need is a Credit Card

This is of course false. If you are going to be placing a bid on a unit you need to have cash in hand. Make sure you bring enough for sales tax and the cost of cleaning the unit as well. Check with the facility manager to see what the fees are.

You can keep Memorabilia

While you can keep what you buy in a storage unit auction, some facilities will ask you to return any personal memorabilia you find in the unit such as photo albums or family movies.
Storage Facilities rake in Profit from Auctions.

This is also not true. Storage facilities are required by law to only keep the amount that is overdue in rent and the costs of having the auction. The money generated over this amount is given to the tenant of the unit.

Take your Time Emptying out the Unit

It is standard with most auctions that you have until the end of the day to clean out the unit you purchased. Occasionally you can rent out the unit for a month or so to have time in emptying out the contents, you just have to check with the facility manager.

Now that you have a general idea of how storage units actually work you are ready to head to the next storage auction at A1 Access Storage in South Salt Lake. For more information regarding our storage units and the next auction date feel free to call our facility today.