Storage unit auctions happen at three main places: the facility itself, online auction platforms, and local auctioneers who specialize in storage liquidation.
The facility where the unit is located almost always holds the first auction. The storage company posts a notice on the unit itself and sends a certified letter to the renter's last known address at least 30 days before the sale. You can find upcoming auctions by calling facilities directly, visiting their websites, or checking the notices posted on the property. Some facilities list auctions on their homepages; others require you to ask staff in person or by phone.
If the facility auction does not sell the unit, or if you miss it, online platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay sometimes list storage auctions. Specialized auction sites such as StorageTreasures, Auction.com, and Bid4Assets also post storage unit sales. These platforms typically show photos, location, and opening bid amounts. Local newspapers and legal notice sections sometimes publish auction schedules as well, though this is less common than it once was.
Key Takeaways
- Call or visit the storage facility directly to learn when auctions are scheduled, since most facilities do not advertise widely online.
- Auctions must be announced at least 30 days in advance by law in most states, giving you time to plan if you know where to look.
- Online platforms like StorageTreasures and Auction.com list storage sales, but facility auctions are usually cheaper and happen first.
- Bring cash or a cashier's check on auction day, because most facilities do not accept credit cards and require payment when ready after you win.
- Inspect the unit before bidding if the facility allows it, since you buy the contents as-is with no refunds or returns.
How to find auctions at the storage facility itself
The storage facility is your best source because it holds the auction first and usually charges the lowest fees. Call the facility and ask the manager when the next auction is scheduled. Many facilities have a regular auction day each month—often the first Saturday or a weekday morning. Ask whether you can view the unit before bidding and what payment methods they accept.
Visit the facility in person and look for posted notices on the gate, office door, or individual unit doors. These notices must include the unit number, the auction date and time, and a description of what is inside. Write down the details and return on auction day with cash. Some facilities email auction schedules to anyone who signs up on their website, so check whether that option exists.
Using online auction platforms to find storage sales
StorageTreasures is the largest dedicated storage auction website. You can search by state and city, see photos of the unit interior, and place bids online before the auction date. The site charges a buyer's fee on top of your winning bid, usually between 10 and 15 percent. Auction.com and Bid4Assets also list storage units alongside other types of auctions, though their inventory varies by region.
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist sometimes have storage auctions posted by facilities or independent auctioneers, but listings are scattered and disappear quickly. Search for "storage auction" plus your city name. These platforms rarely charge a buyer's fee, but you still pay the facility's fees and must bring cash to the auction. eBay has a small storage auction section, though it is less active than the dedicated platforms.
What to expect on auction day
Arrive early to inspect the unit if the facility allows it. You will have a few minutes to look inside, but you cannot open boxes or move items. The auctioneer will open the unit door and describe what is visible. Bidding usually starts at a low opening bid set by the facility—often $50 to $200—and goes up from there. The highest bidder wins and must pay when ready.
Bring a cashier's check or cash. Most facilities do not accept credit cards, and some require payment before you leave the property. Ask the facility in advance what forms of payment they take. You will also need to sign a contract stating you accept the unit contents as-is, with no refunds or returns. Plan to remove everything from the unit within 24 to 48 hours, or you will be charged a daily holding fee.
Fees and costs you will encounter
The winning bid is only part of what you pay. Storage facilities charge a buyer's premium or administrative fee, usually 10 to 20 percent of your bid. Online platforms add another 10 to 15 percent. If you hire a moving company to haul items away, that is a separate cost. Some facilities charge a daily holding fee if you do not remove the unit contents within the allowed time.
The total cost can add up quickly. A unit you bid $300 on might cost $360 to $420 after facility fees and platform fees. Factor in removal and disposal costs before you bid. Many people bid on units hoping to find valuable items, but most storage auctions contain used furniture, clothing, and household goods that sell for less than you paid.
How to search by location and timing
Start with the storage facilities in your area. Search online for "storage units near me" and call each one to ask about their auction schedule. Write down the names, phone numbers, and auction dates. Many facilities auction on the same day each month, so once you know the schedule, you can plan ahead.
Set up alerts on StorageTreasures and Auction.com for your state or city. These sites send email notifications when new auctions are posted. Check Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace weekly, since postings do not stay live long. Local legal notice sections in newspapers sometimes list auctions, though you may need to visit the newspaper office or call to ask about upcoming sales.
What happens if you cannot attend in person
Online platforms like StorageTreasures allow you to bid remotely before the auction date. You place your bid online, and if you win, you arrange payment and removal through the facility. Some facilities also accept phone bids if you call before the auction starts, though this is less common. Ask the facility whether remote bidding is an option.
If you win a remote bid, you will still need to arrange removal within the time limit. Some facilities offer removal services for an additional fee, or you can hire a moving company. Remote bidding is convenient, but you cannot inspect the unit in person, so the risk is higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay anything to bid at a storage auction?
No. Bidding is free. You only pay if you win. However, you must bring cash or a cashier's check to pay when ready after winning, and you will owe the facility's buyer's premium or administrative fee on top of your winning bid amount.
Can I look inside the unit before I bid?
Most facilities allow a brief inspection a few minutes before the auction starts. You can look inside but cannot open boxes or move items. Some facilities do not allow any inspection, so ask when you call to confirm the auction details.
What if I win but cannot remove the items right away?
You must remove everything within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the facility's rules. If you do not, the facility charges a daily holding fee, usually $10 to $25 per day. Ask the facility about their removal important date and holding fee policy before you bid.
Are online auction sites cheaper than facility auctions?
Not necessarily. Online platforms charge buyer's fees on top of your bid, which can be 10 to 15 percent. Facility auctions also charge fees, usually 10 to 20 percent. The total cost is often similar, but facility auctions happen first and sometimes have lower opening bids.
What if the unit is empty or contains mostly junk?
You own it as-is with no refunds. This is why inspection before bidding matters. Many storage auctions contain used items worth less than you paid. Bid only on units you have seen and are willing to keep or dispose of if resale does not cover your costs.