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Tuesday, February 5, 2013

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.

17 comments:

  1. Sounds fun! I enjoy watching the show, it would be cool to go to one for real! Thanks for stopping by my blog from the Meet and Greet hop.

    I'm following back! Brie @ Breezy Pink Daisies

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    1. Brie,
      Thanks for stopping by! I love seeing all the cool stuff they find!

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  2. Thank you for taking us in with you! Sounds like an interesting endeavor. I agree that it could be a hassle to clean a unit out in 2 days when you have little knowledge of what's in there. Keep sharing your stories. I love to live vicariously through you ;-)

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    1. Maybe you can go with me next time! Two sets of eyes has to be better than one.

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  3. I've never been to one, but Hubby saw an episode or two of Storage Wars and he wants to try it. Thanks for sharing your first experience with us. If I decide to go, I'll take a flashlight! =0)
    ~Kim
    New GFC follower.
    http://2justByou.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to take a lock too! I'll be going for treasure next time and will have more to report!

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  4. What do you mean "junk"? Isn't that the best part of a storage war? I've wanted to go to one for so long but I resist! Thanks for the post....I may just get to one after all!

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    1. Old junky furniture, tools, etc. would be awesome. I'm talking old, gross plastic kids toys and containers of cheap Christmas decor! Ugh! I'm sure you could make something incredible with it though!

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    2. And then you would have to pay to dispose of it. UGH for sure. I have watched the show. Is nice to read what a average person sees in it.

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  5. Oh are these things that belonged to people who didn't pay? I have never heard of this before. Sounds like there are some real bargains to be had

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    1. Mostly people who don't pay. I look forward to the next one with some cool finds to report on!

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  6. My husband used to work for one of the largest storage companies in New York city. The auctioned lockers are usually from people who have either passed away or from customers who have failed to pay their bills. Don't expect to get amazing items like on Storage Wars. It's a television show and most of those "treasures" are planted to make the show more interesting. In 14 years of working for the company my husband never found any jewelry, guns, boxes of money or anything of great value left behind. People keep those types of things in a safe deposit box not in a storage locker. But you could get lucky with some great old furniture! Good luck!
    Kim (new follower from the blog hop : )
    http://kimwagnerdesigns.blogspot.com/

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    1. Interesting to know! I pretty much am looking for furniture or things to upcycle. Thanks for following!

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  7. This would be super interesting and slightly terrifying! I love auctions but my heart rate is pounding by the end of them from trying to make cool headed decisions at a fast pace.
    -Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

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    1. I know what you mean Jamie. This one was different since it was silent. You had 5 minutes to look and write down the price. I cant wait for the next one so I can bid with confidence!

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  8. Wowza! I've never heard of storage wars or even auctioning storage units. I guess it does make sense though. Sounds almost like a treasure hunt. Good luck with yours.
    Found you through the Meet&Greet Blog Hop - following you now :)
    Claudia
    Photography @ ImagesByCW

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    1. Thanks Claudia fro stopping by and for all the follows! I do hope to find some awesome treasures on my next auction. Heading over to your blog now!

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