How to Find Storage Units Up for Bid: 2025 Operator’s Guide
With the increasing popularity of TV shows like Storage Wars, storage unit auctions are getting more attention. As a self-storage owner, understanding how this process works can be incredibly beneficial for your business. Not only does it provide a way to clear out delinquent units, but it’s also a way to attract potential buyers to your facility.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to find storage units up for bid step by step. This should give you an insight into your potential customer’s mindset—a knowledge that can be useful for setting up your storage auctions.
How to Find Storage Units Up for Sale in 3 Steps
Finding your next storage unit for auction is straightforward and can be summarised in these three steps:
Research local self-storage facilities
Prepare adequately and attend the auction
Network with storage unit owners
Step 1: Research Local Self-Storage Facilities
To find storage units up for bid, start by reaching out to self-storage facilities in your area. Many facilities hold regular auctions to clear out delinquent units, providing opportunities for those looking to buy abandoned storage units. Call or email local storage businesses and inquire about their auction schedules.
Other ways to research local auctions are by utilising online resources and auction websites.
a. Utilise Online Resources
Many self-storage facilities maintain websites or social media pages where they announce upcoming auctions. These online platforms can be goldmines for those seeking good storage unit finds.
Regularly check facility websites and follow their social media accounts to stay informed about auction dates, times, and locations. Some facilities may even offer email newsletters or text alerts for registered users. Signing up for these notifications will ensure you never miss an opportunity to bid on storage units.
b. Explore Auction Listing Websites
To expand your search beyond individual facilities, consider using specialised websites and apps that aggregate storage auction listings. These platforms can be invaluable resources for finding storage units up for bid across multiple locations.
We recommend using the search tools on these websites to hunt for local auctions efficiently. Auction websites often provide detailed information about each auction, including unit sizes, preview times, and any special rules or regulations.
Once you’ve identified an auction location, the next step involves making plans to attend the auction.
Step 2: Prepare Adequately and Attend the Auction
Storage unit auctions are dicey and involve several moving parts, so you need to be sure you’re armed with the right knowledge to navigate with the process. With the right approach, you can make informed decisions and potentially secure valuable finds.
Here are the different steps to take to get you ready:
a. Research the Auction Rules
Before attending, make sure you understand the specific rules of the storage bid process. Each auction can have different guidelines regarding payment methods, bidding processes, or even the time you have to clear out the unit. Contact the auction organiser or check their website for detailed information so you aren’t caught off guard.
b. Set a Budget
Decide in advance how much you’re willing to spend. Auctions can be exciting, and it’s easy to get carried away in the heat of bidding. Setting a firm budget beforehand will help you avoid overspending. Remember to include potential costs for things like transportation, disposal of unwanted items, and any auction fees.
c. Gather Necessary Supplies
Prepare a kit of essentials to bring with you. This might include a flashlight for inspecting dark units, a padlock to secure your purchase, gloves for handling items, and a notebook to jot down notes or inventory items.
d. Dress Comfortably and Arrive Early
Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes, as you might be standing for long periods or need to move around quickly. Arriving early gives you the opportunity to register, get a good spot, and perhaps even chat with other bidders for additional tips.
e. Inspect the Units Carefully
During the auction, you’ll have a brief period to inspect the unit’s contents from the doorway. Use a flashlight to get a better view of the items in the back. Pay attention to visible items and consider their potential value. You usually cannot touch or move items during this stage, so look closely and be satisfied with the content before bidding.
f. Stay Focused During Bidding
When it’s time to bid on storage units, stay calm and stick to your budget. It’s easy to get swept up in the competitive atmosphere, but keeping your spending limit in mind will help you make sound decisions.
By following these steps, you can prepare adequately for a storage unit auction and increase your chances of finding something worthwhile. But that’s not all. To increase your chance of finding a good bargain in the future, you should work on building relationships with storage unit operators.
Step 3: Network With Storage Unit Owners
Networking with storage unit owners can be rewarding when you’re looking to find storage units up for bid. By building relationships directly with facility owners, you may gain access to exclusive opportunities and potentially bypass the competitive auction process.
Here’s how to effectively network and increase your chances of discovering valuable storage unit finds:
a. Attend Industry Events
One of the best ways to connect with self-storage owners is by attending industry events. These gatherings provide an ideal setting to meet potential sellers and learn about upcoming opportunities to buy abandoned storage units.
Here are some top recommendations:
Local self-storage association meetings
Regional or national storage conferences
Trade shows focused on the self-storage industry
At these events, be sure to introduce yourself as someone interested in bidding on storage units. Many facility owners may prefer private sales or direct bids, especially for units that haven’t been officially listed for auction yet.
b. Join Professional Associations
Becoming a member of professional associations in the self-storage industry can open doors to valuable networking opportunities. These organisations often host events, provide educational resources, and offer platforms for members to connect.
Here are some of our top suggestions:
Consider joining the Self Storage Association (SSA)
Look for state or regional self-storage associations within your country
Participate in online forums and discussion groups for industry professionals
By actively engaging in these communities, you’ll stay informed about industry trends and potentially hear about storage units up for bid before they’re publicly announced.
c. Leverage Social Media and Online Platforms
Networking extends beyond face-to-face interactions. Utilise social media and online platforms to connect with storage facility owners and stay updated on potential opportunities.
Consider the following recommendations:
Follow self-storage facilities and owners on LinkedIn
Join Facebook groups dedicated to storage auctions and facility management
Engage with industry professionals on Twitter or Instagram
When networking online, always maintain a professional demeanor and be respectful of other’s time and privacy. By implementing these networking strategies, you’ll be well-positioned to discover unique opportunities to buy used storage units and potentially uncover valuable storage unit finds.
As a self-storage owner, you can also hold auctions for abandoned units in your facility. While having a good knowledge of what the client expects (as explained above) is crucial to a successful auction, it’s equally important to understand how to set up and spread the word about the auction to potential clients—more info on this is below.
Best Practices for Self-Storage Owners Hosting Auctions
As a self-storage owner, hosting auctions can be an effective way to clear delinquent units in your facility and attract potential buyers.
Follow these best practices to ensure a successful auction with valuable storage unit finds:
A. Auction Preparation Tips
Before you start advertising your storage unit auction, it’s crucial to ensure everything is in place for a smooth experience. First, make sure you’ve followed all legal requirements for notifying delinquent renters. You must provide proper notice to tenants and allow them the opportunity to pay outstanding bills before going forward with the auction.
Once you’ve met the legal obligations, document the contents of each unit thoroughly.
This step serves two purposes:
Legal Protection: Proper documentation can help you avoid potential disputes later.
Marketing Material: High-quality photos or videos can attract more bidders interested in finding storage units up for bid.
Once you’re done making the necessary preparations, you can proceed to marketing your auctions.
B. Tips for Marketing Self-Storage Auctions
As noted in the steps above, buyers are more likely to use a mix of physical and online mediums when looking for storage unit auctions. Advertise your auction using multiple channels to maximise attendance and potential profits.
Some effective strategies include:
Listing on specialised websites for storage auctions
Posting on social media platforms
Placing ads in local newspapers
Contacting regular auction attendees directly
The more people who know about your auction, the higher your chances of attracting serious bidders for used storage units. Still, you need to be as transparent as possible while at it to ensure you stay on the good side of the law.
C. How to Ensure Auction Transparency
Transparency is key to hosting a successful auction and maintaining a positive reputation. Provide clear terms and conditions for bidders, including any fees, payment methods, and rules for unit inspection.
Consider creating a detailed information packet for potential bidders, which could include:
Auction schedule and procedures
Photos or descriptions of unit contents (if allowed by local laws)
Payment and removal deadlines
By following these best practices, you’ll not only increase your chances of successful auctions but also build a reputation as a fair and professional self-storage owner. This can lead to a loyal base of bidders eager to participate in future auctions, making it easier for you to manage delinquent units and maintain a profitable business.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Find Storage Units up for Sale near Me?
To find local storage units up for sale, start by checking online auction websites that list upcoming auctions by location. Additionally, contact local storage facilities directly to inquire about upcoming sales. Some facilities may also post auction notices in local newspapers or on bulletin boards. Joining social media groups focused on storage auctions in your area can also provide valuable leads and updates.
How to Bid on Local Storage Units?
To bid on local storage units, attend the auction in person or participate online via Zoom if available. Register in advance, either on-site or through an online platform. Pay attention during the lockers’ inspection period to assess the unit’s contents and boxes from the doorway.
When bidding starts, raise your hand or use the designated method to place bids, keeping your budget in mind. If you win a bid, be ready to pay immediately, by the end of the day, or whenever specified by the auction organisers.
How Do Storage Units Go up for Auction?
Storage units are auctioned when tenants default on payments or abandon them. Once a tenant fails to pay, the facility tries to contact them. If unsuccessful, the unit is scheduled for auction after a legally mandated waiting period.
The auction aims to recover lost rental fees by selling the unit’s contents to the highest bidder. Notices are usually posted online or at the facility, outlining auction details and terms.
Conclusion
As a self-storage owner, understanding how to find storage units up for bid can help you understand the intricacies of managing your own self-storage auctions more effectively. Stay informed about local laws, maintain clear communication with tenants, and always conduct auctions ethically. When attending an auction, the thrill of uncovering hidden treasures can be exciting, but it’s crucial to approach these auctions with respect for the previous owners.
Don’t hesitate to contact us at Unwired Logic for consultations on how you can improve your facility’s efficiency with digital transformation and self-storage technology.
