4 Self-Storage Alternatives - Are They Worth Considering?

When most people think about storage unit auctions, they think about the popular television show Storage Wars. While this show is entertaining, it can also be misleading. Storage unit auctions are not like the scenes in the show. There is no excitement or fighting over items. The reality is that it is a lot like a garage sale. There are many misconceptions about auctions at storage facilities. Below are some things you may not know: What is a Storage Unit Auction Storage unit auctions are a recent trend in the United States, and they're exactly what they sound like: an auction of storage units. The storage units are opened, and the bidders can look at everything that's inside before placing a bid. Individuals or businesses who have failed to pay their rent or abandoned their possessions will often have the contents sold at auction. Most storage auctions are handled by a third-party company. This company does the auction, takes payment for the units, and handles all of the paperwork for you. Why Are Belongings Left Abandoned? There are a few possible reasons why items are often left abandoned. Some are as follows: The tenant never bothered to move their belongings out, even after the rental agreement expired. The tenant may have passed away, and their family never claimed the belongings. The tenant may have simply abandoned the unit and moved on without their possessions. Whatever the reason, it's not uncommon to find abandoned storage units littered with old furniture, boxes, and other random items. What Can You Find in Storage Auctions Storage auctions are a great place to find a variety of items at a low price. The most common type of item you will find at an auction in a storage facility is furniture, but you can also find appliances, tools, and other household items. Note though that not everything you find here is valuable. People often attend these kinds of auctions because they are looking for a good deal on items. However, it is important to remember that not everything in the unit being auctioned will be worth buying. In fact, most of the time there will be very few valuable items in the unit. It is important to really take the time to look at the items before making a bid. Moreover, it's also important to remember that you can't always trust what you see. In fact, you must always remember the inherent risk of bidding at an auction. There are simply many things that you can be unaware of - from hidden damage to missing parts - that you cannot always trust what you see. So before you go bidding on that locker full of "treasures," take a moment to consider the risks involved and whether or not it's really worth taking the chance. Know Your Storage Auction Rules There are no specific rules or guidelines in an auction, and things can quickly get out of control if you do not know what you are doing. Make sure you know what you are doing when you attend an auction. Always seek to clarify the rules of the event and if you have questions or uncertainties, never be afraid to seek help. It is open to the public Auctions are open to the public so that anyone can bid on the units. However, be aware that you may not get the best deal possible if you're not familiar with how the bidding process works. The best way to maximize your chances of getting a good deal is to attend an auction or two and watch how the process works. This will give you a better understanding of when to bid and how much to bid. Keep in mind that most units are auctioned off in bulk, so don't expect to get a lot of high-end items for cheap prices. But if you're looking for some good deals on basic household items, storage auctions are definitely worth checking out. It often takes place on weekends Weekends are when most people have free time to attend. The units are usually auctioned off in the order that they were rented, so the earliest units to be rented are usually auctioned first. The auctions usually last for a few hours, and there is a lot of bidding for the best units. Sometimes people will even start bidding before the auction begins in order to get a good unit. People often get very excited at auctions because there is the potential to find some great treasures. You do not need to be present to win You can still win an auction without being there. Yet, there are a few things that you will need to do in order to participate in an auction without being there. First, you will need to find a reputable auction company. Next, you will need to register for the auction and provide a method of payment. Finally, you will need to make sure that you have read and understood the terms and conditions of the auction. Once you have taken care of these things, you can relax and wait for the results of the auction. You have to be prepared to make a quick decision When you go to an auction, there is a minimum bid that you have to put in if you want to participate in the auction. However, at some auctions, there is no minimum bid, so you can bid as little as you want. This can be helpful if you're looking for a bargain or if you're not sure how much something is worth. It also means that someone could potentially win an auction with a very low bid, so it's important to know what you're bidding on and be prepared to pay what the item is worth. When you go to an auction, the bidding typically starts at 50% of the total. This is referred to as the opening price. Keep in mind that this is just the starting point, and the price can go up from there. In order to get an idea of what the final price might be, you need to take into account how much inventory is being auctioned off. If there are a lot of items for sale, then the price will likely go up. Conversely, if there are not many items being auctioned off, then the price could potentially go down. The bidding increments at an auction are typically $5 or $10. This means that when someone bids, the next bid must be at least $5 higher than the previous bid or $10 higher than the previous bid. This system keeps the bidding going and prevents people from just bidding a dollar amount and walking away with the unit. It also ensures that people are serious about buying the unit. It can be unpredictable Storage auctions can be unpredictable. For example, one person might bid on a unit with the intention of finding valuable items to sell, while another person might bid on the same unit with the intention of finding furniture or other household items they can use in their home. This means that the final price of a storage unit can vary drastically depending on who is bidding and how much they are willing to pay. This is all part of the fun! You've Won Your Storage Unit, Now What? The highest bidder wins the unit and many times is responsible for paying all of the fees, including the auctioneer's commission and any storage charges that have accrued since the unit was last paid for. In addition, bidders are typically required to put down a deposit in order to participate in an auction, which is often refundable if they do not win the property. Finally, it's important to be aware of the closing costs, which can include transfer taxes, title insurance, and other fees. Final Thoughts If you wish to know more about storage auctions, don't hesitate to contact South Rock Storage, a reliable storage facility in Wichita, KS. At South Rock Storage, auctions may be hosted once a month if there are units that have been abandoned.

Self-storage is a great way to store your belongings when you don't have a lot of space. But with so many different types of self-storage, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. We're here to help. This article will discuss the five most common types of self-storage and help you decide which one is right for you based on your specific needs. What Are the Different Types of Self-Storage? 1. Traditional self-storage Traditional self-storage is the most common storage solution available today and the method we specialize in here at South Rock Storage! This method involves renting a storage unit from a company that specializes in self-storage and provides a variety of sizes to meet your needs. The first step in using traditional self-storage is to select the correct size unit for your needs. Units vary in size, so we must first determine what you need to store. For example, a smaller unit would likely suffice if you are looking to store documents and books. At the same time, more oversized items like furniture or machinery may require a much larger unit. Overall, traditional self-storage is an affordable, convenient option for storing all kinds of items safely and securely. 2. Portable self-storage Portable self-storage is a convenient and flexible solution for those who need to store extra belongings. Unlike traditional self-storage, you don't have to rent a space at a storage facility. Instead, the storage company will deliver a container to your home or business. You'll have a certain amount of time to fill it up, and then they'll pick it up and store it for you. Portable self-storage can be a great option if you're moving houses or renovating your home, as you'll have more control over when and where your belongings are stored. And because the container is delivered directly to you, it's easier to load than if you were renting a space at a storage facility. The downside is that accessing your stored items is not as easy as with traditional self-storage. Portable self-storage could be the perfect option if you're looking for a flexible and convenient storage solution. 3. Climate-controlled self-storage Climate-controlled self-storage is a type of storage typically kept at a constant temperature and humidity level to protect your belongings from damage caused by extreme temperatures. This type of storage is a good option for storing sensitive items, such as electronics or furniture. Climate-controlled self-storage units are often located indoors, where they are less likely to be exposed to extreme temperatures. In addition, climate-controlled units often have additional features, such as air filters and dehumidifiers, to further protect your belongings. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions like Wichita, Kansas, or if you want to be extra cautious, climate-controlled self-storage may be the best option. 4. Vehicle self-storage When you need to store a vehicle for an extended period, your best option is a vehicle self-storage facility. These facilities are designed to keep cars, boats, RVs, and other vehicles. They are typically located inside a warehouse or large parking lot, which provides added security and protection for your vehicle. Vehicle self-storage facilities also typically have security cameras and gate access control to further deter crime. In addition, many facilities offer climate-controlled storage units to protect your vehicle from extreme weather conditions. When choosing a vehicle self-storage facility, select one that offers the security and protection features you require. 5. Mini-warehouse storage Mini-warehouse storage is an excellent option for businesses that need more space to store inventory or equipment. Unlike traditional self-storage units, which are typically much smaller, mini-warehouses offer a large amount of space for storing more oversized items and large quantities of supplies. Additionally, these storage facilities often provide additional amenities, such as climate control and security features, which are ideal for businesses with valuable inventory. Ultimately, mini-warehouse storage is a flexible and convenient solution for businesses that need more space while still having the peace of mind that their belongings are adequately protected. Which Type of Self-Storage Is Right for You? Now that you know the different types of self-storage, you may be wondering which one is right for you. Ultimately, the type of self-storage you choose will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you're looking for traditional self-storage, consider the size of your belongings and whether climate control is necessary. Climate-controlled self-storage may be the best option if you have sensitive items or are storing a vehicle. On the other hand, if you need a lot of space to store inventory or equipment, mini-warehouse storage may be the right choice. Whatever type of self-storage you choose, research your options and compare the different facilities carefully. Proper research will help ensure that you find a facility that meets all your needs and provides the best value for your money. Final Thoughts Self-storage is a fantastic solution for those who need extra space to store their belongings. With so many different types of self-storage, there's sure to be an option that's right for you. Consider your specific needs and budget when choosing a self-storage option. And, be sure to research your options and compare different facilities to find the best value for your money. If you're looking for a reliable self-storage facility in Wichita, Kansas, don't go further than South Rock Storage. Our facility offers a variety of storage unit sizes, climate-controlled storage, and 24-hour security. Contact us today to learn more about our self-storage services and to request a tour of our facility.