Where to find abandoned storage units for sale
Abandoned storage units are sold through auctions run by the storage facility itself, not through a central marketplace. When a tenant stops paying rent, the facility holds an auction on the property — usually in the parking lot or a common area — to recover what they are owed. You find these auctions by calling storage facilities directly in your area and asking when they schedule sales, or by checking their websites for auction notices.
Most facilities post auction dates 30 to 60 days in advance. Some post notices on the unit doors, in the office, or on their website. A few use online auction platforms like StorageTreasures or Auction.com, which list sales by state and facility. Call ahead: not every facility uses these platforms, and some still announce auctions only by phone or email to past customers.
Local newspaper classifieds and Craigslist sometimes carry auction notices, but the facility's own channels are most reliable. Ask the manager directly: "When is your next auction?" and request to be notified by phone or email when one is scheduled.
Key Takeaways
- Storage facilities hold auctions in person at the property, and you find them by calling the facility directly or checking their website for posted dates.
- You must inspect the unit before bidding — the door is opened only during the preview period, which is usually 15 to 30 minutes before the auction starts.
- Payment is due when ready after you win, typically in cash or cashier's check, and you must remove all contents within 24 to 72 hours.
- Most auctions require you to register and show ID on the day of the sale, and bid increments are usually $5 to $25 depending on the opening price.
- You have no recourse if the unit contains nothing of value — the sale is final, and you own whatever is inside, including any junk or hazardous materials.
How the auction preview and bidding process works
Before the auction begins, the facility opens each unit for a short viewing period — usually 15 to 30 minutes. You can look inside but cannot touch anything or remove items. Bring a flashlight: many units are dark, and you need to see into corners and under stacked boxes. Write down the unit numbers you are interested in and estimate what you think the contents are worth.
Bidding starts at a minimum amount set by the facility, often $50 to $100. Bids increase in increments of $5, $10, or $25 depending on the opening price. The highest bidder wins. Auctions move fast — each unit may sell in under a minute. Have your registration and ID ready, and know your budget before you start bidding.
Payment is due when ready after you win. Most facilities accept cash or cashier's check only — credit cards are rare. If you cannot pay on the spot, you forfeit the unit and may be banned from future auctions. You must also remove all contents within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the facility's rules. After that time, anything left behind becomes the facility's property.
What to inspect during the preview
Look for signs of what is inside: furniture shapes under tarps, boxes labeled with marker, electronics, tools, or collectibles. Check the back corners and under stacks — valuable items are often hidden. Look for water damage, mold, or pest droppings, which can make the entire unit worthless or hazardous to handle.
Estimate the volume of contents. A unit that is three-quarters full is more likely to contain something valuable than one that is nearly empty. Empty units with just a few boxes are often the result of a tenant who abandoned it early and removed the good items already.
Do not assume you know what is in sealed boxes. A box labeled "kitchen" might contain dishes or might be full of old newspapers. Bid based on what you can see and what you are willing to risk losing money on. Many buyers lose money on their first few purchases because they overestimate the value of what they cannot see.
Payment and removal important date
After you win, you pay the facility on the spot. The amount is the winning bid price plus any applicable sales tax or facility fees — ask before the auction starts whether there are additional charges. You receive a receipt and access to the unit, usually for the next 24 to 72 hours.
You must remove everything yourself. The facility does not help, and you are responsible for any damage you cause while removing items. Rent a truck or trailer if you do not have one. Bring boxes, bags, and help — moving a full unit alone takes many hours. Some buyers hire junk removal services to clear units they realize contain mostly trash, which costs $300 to $1,000 depending on the volume.
After the important date, anything left in the unit becomes the facility's property. You cannot return to retrieve forgotten items. Mark your calendar and plan your removal carefully.
Understanding the financial risk
You own whatever is in the unit, including junk. If you bid $200 on a unit and find only old magazines, broken furniture, and water-damaged boxes, you have lost $200. The sale is final — there are no refunds, no returns, and no recourse. This is why preview time is critical: it is your only chance to see what you are buying.
Successful buyers often break even or lose money on several units before finding one with enough resale value to profit. Budget for removal costs, transportation, and storage while you sort and sell items. If you plan to resell contents online or at a flea market, factor in the time and fees for listing, shipping, or booth rental.
Start small. Bid on one or two units at your first auction to understand the process and the actual value of what you find. Many experienced buyers say their first profitable unit came after three to five losing purchases.
How to find auctions near you
Start with a list of storage facilities in your area. Search "storage units near me" or check Google Maps for facilities within 10 miles. Call each one and ask: "When is your next auction?" and "How do I get notified of future auctions?" Some facilities have email lists; others post notices only on their website or in the office.
Check online auction sites that serve your state. StorageTreasures, Auction.com, and Bid4Assets list storage auctions by location. Not all facilities use these platforms, so you still need to call local facilities directly. Set up alerts on these sites for your zip code so you receive notifications when new auctions are posted.
Ask other buyers at auctions when the next one is scheduled. Regular attendees know the schedule and can tell you which facilities hold auctions most frequently. Some facilities auction units monthly; others only a few times a year.
What happens if you cannot attend in person
Most in-person auctions do not allow remote bidding or proxy bids. You must be there to view the unit and place your bid. Some facilities that use online auction platforms do allow online bidding, but you still cannot inspect the unit in person — you bid based on photos only, which is riskier.
If you cannot attend, ask the facility whether they offer a walkthrough video or additional photos. Some managers will take photos or video for you if you call ahead and ask. This is not standard, but it is worth requesting. Otherwise, skip that auction and wait for the next one you can attend in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license or special permission to buy storage units?
No. Anyone with cash and ID can register and bid at a storage unit auction. You do not need a business license, reseller permit, or special training. The facility will ask for your name, address, phone number, and ID to register you on auction day.
What if the unit is locked or the door is damaged?
The facility is responsible for opening the unit during preview time. If the door is damaged or stuck, ask the manager to open it for you before the auction starts. Once you own the unit, any damage to the door or lock is your responsibility to repair or work around.
Can I return items I find if they are stolen or illegal?
No. You own the contents as-is. If you find stolen property, you can report it to police, but you have no claim to a refund from the facility. If you find weapons, drugs, or other illegal items, contact local law enforcement when ready and do not touch them.
How much money should I bring to my first auction?
Bring enough cash or a cashier's check to cover your bid plus any facility fees, usually 10 to 20 percent more than your highest expected bid. If you plan to bid on three units at $200 each, bring at least $700 to cover the bids plus fees. Most facilities do not accept credit cards or personal checks.
What should I do with items I cannot sell?
Donate them to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or a local charity for a tax deduction. Sell them at a flea market or on Facebook Marketplace for whatever price you can get. Rent a dumpster and dispose of trash and damaged items. Many experienced buyers budget 20 to 30 percent of their unit contents for disposal.