My Local Storage Wars

Today I decided to go to my first storage unit auction. It wasn't on the agenda of my already full day. But, I got wind of it yesterday and decided I needed to go. I've thought about it for quite some time but the timing never was right. Upon arrival, I almost left the facility because there wasn't parking. Except, there was one hidden parking space left. I pulled in. It looked like a lot of people were there. I was intimidated and started to back out. After all, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I sucked it up. That parking spot was there.....for me.
I entered and signed in. I knew the facility manger so that was comforting. I've rented office warehouse space there before. I didn't see any of the famous storage wars people there. I can't imagine why they wouldn't be in our little town of 25,000. This auction was a silent auction so it was pretty low key. You have a form to enter the unit number and your bid. The facility manager collects the bids and awards the unit to the highest bidder. There were 9 units up for bid. If you win the unit, you put your own lock on it so make sure you bring your own locks. You have 48 hours to clear out the unit. That alone deterred me from bidding. I wasn't prepared for the frenzy that would ensue if I had to clear out a unit. My house is currently packed out with furniture I'm working on or waiting to ship. And my studio bonus room is ripped apart as we have started the floor project that was one of my New Years goals.
The first few units were basically bags of clothes. One went for $2. You could probably rack up selling those at a yard sale. There were several that looked interesting. The pros there brought their own flashlights to shine in and see better. You're not allowed to touch anything or go inside. One unit had a treadmill, a leather sectional, a sofa and love seat and much more. It went for $252. Another had a dining table and chairs that I could have worked miracles on, but it also had many school desks and boxes of inventory of something unknown. It went for $186. Another unit had a washer and dryer and a big flatscreen tv. But did they work? That one went for $504. Of course all of these units had a ton of "junk" as well. I wasn't prepared to deal with that.
It was an enjoyable hour or so. I feel more knowlegable about the process now and look forward to attending one with a plan. Storage Wars, here I come! Have you attended one of these? I would love to hear about your experience.