So you wanna bid on storage units...
- Spunky Supply
- Sep 9
- 6 min read
If your only knowledge of storage auctions is Storage Wars...well, you still don't know anything about buying units.
I started posting on TikTok at the beginning of May this year, and it took me a minute to get my footing. Around the same time, I purchased a unit that had been stored at a facility since 2010. I buy in bulk when I can, and storage units are a great way to do that. I took a risk based on some photos I saw, and I was relieved when I learned the owner was 20 years old when she put her things away. She was a baddie for sure-- I even found her fake ID and photos (which I returned to her). I documented that unit on TikTok, and those videos were the first to get traction.
I started getting messages and comments asking how. I'm happy to answer that... but I also want to make sure people understand the full picture.
I bid on units regularly; however, I’ve only won 6 units. That's a good thing. Units are hard work, and it's not for the faint of heart. You need to know your limits, and hopefully this guide can help if you decide to embark on that journey.
One final note before the guide: I'm in California. Most of what I'm saying applies here, but it may vary by city or state. Always research your local laws and regulations regarding lien units before bidding.
The answer to "how?"
Most people think of Storage Wars when they think of auctions, but in-person bidding has become less and less common. Where I'm situated, there's only one auctioneer that still does in-person auctions for a few facilities-- unfortunately, these facilities are 30-40 minutes away. That probably doesn't sound far, but once you read the full guide, you might understand why.
The best way to find in-person auctions is to email storage facilities in your area and ask where you can find their lien units. You might get lucky and find a spot that does in-person auctions; however, be prepared to check your local newspaper website regularly. Most facilities won't widely advertise these type of auctions. Instead they publish a "Notice of Public Auction." These notices are meant to alert the original owner but will also tell you where and how the auction will take place. If you do find an in-person auction, I highly recommend checking them out (and bringing cash) because these units go for much cheaper than online auctions.
Online auctions are the easiest and most competitive way to bid on units. Several websites host them, but which one is most active depends on where you live. Around here, StorageTreasures.com dominates, though I’ve seen units pop up on other sites too. Here is a list of some websites you can check out.
Online auctions work similarly to in-person. You can't go into the units, you can't touch anything... You only have a handful of pictures to go by (and I swear, storage facilities are the only people still using 3 megapixel cameras for their businesses). I say this quite seriously...bidding on storage units IS gambling.
Read these tips so you don't spiral
Tip 1: Know your financial limit.
If you're only bidding on a unit because you want clothing (like me), spend only what you'd pay for the clothing. Set a limit, and DO NOT go over it--ignore the FOMO and adrenaline. Most units are won by seasoned flippers doing this full time, and they’re bidding on everything, not just clothes.
When you win a unit, here's what you can expect to pay:
Final bid + taxes.
A 15% buyer's premium (goes to the auction site)
Cleaning deposit (refundable after unit is cleared)
Supplies (I have my recommendations here)
Hauling fees (truck rental fees or junk removal)
Dump runs
Extended time (you can pay for the unit to the end of the month if you'd like more time to clean it out)
So let's break that down. Assuming you've won a unit at $200 (first of all, congrats, that's incredibly cheap):
Winning bid: $200
Buyer’s premium: $30
Taxes: $18
Cleaning deposit: $100 (refundable)
Supplies + truck + dump runs: $75
Total upfront: $423
Everything adds up, so please keep that in mind when you set your limits.
Tip 2: Know your physical limit.
This is heavy, dirty work. Think about:
How much you can physically move
How much storage space you have
Whether you have help (a second pair of hands is mandatory for me)
The size of your vehicle (if you don’t have a truck/trailer, rent one)
Ah, and I almost forgot, you should consider if you're comfortable with the following things that are often found in units:
Dead rodents
Rodent excrement
Human waste (some units are lived in)
Drugs or paraphernalia
Ashes (human or pet remains)
Pornography and used sex toys
Keep in mind you will have 24-72 hours to clean out a unit. You will need to move fast, and the easiest way is to load everything up and take it somewhere else to sort. This is also why I say 30-40 minutes is far; If I have to make several runs, I'm losing time and gas.
Tip 3: Buy one unit at a time, and let things go. When you win a unit, you’re responsible for everything inside. Photos are deceiving, and you’ll almost always find big stuff you weren’t expecting (I found a beat-up motorcycle once 😵💫).
I try to stay focused on clothing since that's my niche. I can sort through clothing very quickly because I know what I'm looking for and its potential worth.
It's really easy to get sucked into the sorting and get distracted by other finds (antiques, books, video games, furniture). If you want to flip them, of course, set it aside and prep it for listing. But make sure you have the capacity. Ask yourself:
Do I have time to research each item?
Do I have the space to store it while it's listed (Gold jewelry? Easy! Mid-century sectional couch? Probably not.)
My advice: sell them, but let them go cheap. For example, in that 2010 unit, I tripled my money on clothing alone. There was also a big mirror worth maybe $100. I could have listed it, measured it, and met with buyers… or I could sell it for $20 at a yard sale and move on to the next unit. I chose the latter.
I’ve seen beginners grab 2–6 units right away and immediately drown in stuff. Start small.
I won the auction...now what?
After you win, you have until the end of the day to pay. First, you’ll pay the 15% buyer’s premium to the website. The unit isn’t officially yours until you go to the facility and pay the winning bid + taxes.
Why is this important? Auctions often get cancelled when the original owner pays their debt. The original owner can remedy their missed payments at any time, even after an auction ends. All they have to do is beat you to the office. This is common, so if you really want the unit, pay as quickly as possible.
You will have 24-72 hours to clean out a unit. Timing will depend on the facility, but it will always be mentioned on the website. It's important to come with everything you need to help you clear it as fast as you can. Here's what I recommend bringing:
Lock - you will need your own lock to secure the unit. Do not use a traditional padlock. Disc locks are much more secure.
Gloves - Broken glass, rat poop. Trust me.
Contractor bags - there will be trash, and lots of it. They're sturdier than 30-gallon bags, and great for clothes/linens.
A push cart dolly or hydraulic lift cart - a regular dolly is fine too, but the push cart is ideal. Hydraulic for when you get serious.
Broom and dust pan - Again-- broken glass, rat poop. Also units are just generally dusty.
Cleaning wipes - For quick cleanups to inspect items better.
Water - Stay hydrated! Bring a lot.
But I swear it's fun!
Yes, it’s a lot of work. But I still love it!
I bought my first unit in November just to try something new. At the time, I was caregiving for my mom in my hometown, where lights are off by 6 PM. I needed a hobby that got me out of the house and gave me something to do.
That first unit wasn't great; that's common. I made MAYBE a couple of hundred dollars, plus a portable air conditioner (worth it). While a couple of hundred isn't proportionate to the amount of work it is, I still had fun.
If you can afford to not take it seriously, you'll enjoy yourself! Like I said, it IS gambling, and you feel that excitement when you open each box. Your reward might go beyond finding a couple of valuable items. What started for me as "something to do" has become a great way for me to expand my business and community.
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