Do you know what questions to ask a storage facility manager before a scheduled storage auction begins?
Bet you thought all you needed to do was drive up to the storage facility, park, and then blend in with the crowd. That’s what the cast members of Storage Wars do, but don’t forget, that’s a reality television series.
It’s not the real world.
There are some very basic questions you need to ask the storage facility manager, so get there early.
1. First call to make sure the number of storage units are still up for auction. Without notice, 5 units that were scheduled for auction could suddenly drop down to 1 unit or none. It happens time and time again.
2. Ask about the size of the storage units up for auctions. A 5×5 storage unit is only 25 sq. ft. Very small, maybe holds a few boxes and small furniture. A 10×10 storage unit however is 100 sq. ft and can hold up to two bedrooms. See the difference?
3. Ask if the units up for auction are indoors or outdoors. If it’s an indoor unit, make sure you have a way to move the merchandise, especially if the locker’s located on the second floor. Outdoor lockers are easier to load items onto a truck or trailer.
4. Ask if the storage facility is climate controlled. People who care about their stuff will pay a little extra to store their items in this type of facility. Also means you probably won’t run into any stinky lockers.
5. Ask about the cleaning deposit and sales tax. Deposit will be refunded to you after you clean out your locker. But you need to know the exact amount to bring the extra cash. Sales tax is monies you won’t recoup and you’ll need have on hand over and above what you pay for the unit(s) and the cleaning deposit.
6. Ask if you may have a little extra time to remove all of the merchandise. This is important if you bought a huge locker or several lockers.
7. Ask how long the unit was rented for. This will help you understand what may be stored inside. For instance, a locker rented for a year then defaulted; it’s probable you won’t find antiques. However, a locker rented for 5-10 years then defaulted, you may find collectibles.
8. Ask about the type of tenants who rented the lockers. Elderly folk. Middle-class couple. College student. Do you see how you immediately get an image in your head what could be inside that storage unit?
9. Ask about the average size of the crowd at that facility during storage auctions. Some storage facilities are more popular due to their location, others not so much. Day of the week or time of day of the auction may also affect how many people will show up to that facility.
10. Ask who the auctioneer will be at the storage auction. You may have a rapport with a few auctioneers and others may irk you. Or, you may find favoritism to certain bidders with some auctioneers.
Knowledge is power.
The more informed you are about the storage units sizes, average crowds, past tenants, cleaning deposit fee, sales tax, and so on; you will become more “selective” to which storage auctions you attend as to not waste your time.
Time is your more valuable asset.
Ask the storage facility manager as many questions as they are willing to answer to help you decide if that storage auction is worth your time and money.
Please leave your insightful opinion in the comment box below.