9 Surprising Self-Storage Uses You May Not Have Thought Of

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.

So what factors should you consider when choosing a storage unit? There are many reasons why people might need to rent a self-storage unit. Perhaps they are moving and need to store their belongings while they find a new home, or they are going through a renovation and need to keep their furniture and other possessions safe and out of the way. Maybe they are starting a small business and need to store extra stock or office supplies. Regardless, self-storage units provide an affordable, convenient solution for short-term or long-term storage needs. However, when renting a self-storage unit, there are a few things to consider to ensure the process goes smoothly. Top 5 Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Storage Unit to Rent Size and Capacity: What Self-Storage Unit Size Do I Need? When choosing a size unit, you must first consider the storage space you need. The general rule of thumb is to select a size that will accommodate your current needs and allow for future growth. If you are unsure what size unit you need, our experts can help you choose the right one. South Rock Storage offers storage units in various configurations and sizes. We're confident that with these options, we can meet all your self-storage needs: 5'x10' A 5'x10' size is perfect for storing smaller furniture, boxes, and other household items. The unit has a total storage capacity of 50 square feet, so think along the lines of a walk-in closet. 10'x10' A 10'x10' self-storage unit offers 100 square feet and can hold the equivalent of an average-sized bedroom. This is an excellent option if you're looking for a place to store furniture, clothes, boxes, or other smaller items. 10'x15' A 10'x15' unit offers up to 150 square feet of storage. It's comparable to a small apartment and can accommodate furniture, smaller appliances, and other items. 10'x20' A 10'x20' self-storage unit can hold up to 200 square feet of belongings. This unit is the equivalent of a small one-car garage and can hold furniture, larger appliances, boxes, and other items. It can also be a good option for storing certain cars, boats, and other vehicles. 10'x30' A 10'x30' storage unit can hold up to 300 square feet of belongings. It's perfect for larger appliances, boxes, or a vehicle such as a car or even some boats and RVs! This is the equivalent of an oversized one-car garage. Regarding capacity, you should consider a few factors when choosing the right unit size as they will determine how much space you can use. Length Width Height When determining the storage capacity of a self-storage unit, it's important to remember that you can stack everything and make full use of the height. Location: What's the Best Location for Me? When it comes time to choose a self-storage unit, location is an essential factor to consider. Generally, we advise people to look for storage options close to their home or workplace; this way, you have fast and easy access to your items when needed. Think about how often you'll need to access your belongings. If you plan on accessing them frequently, choosing a unit that's located close by is essential. If you aren't accessing them as often, you could consider a facility further away from Wichita. While it may come with a lower price tag, don't forget it will be more hassle, mileage, and gas to access your belongings. Price: How Much Will It Cost? You want to find an affordable unit that fits your budget. A variety of factors can affect the price of a self-storage unit, such as the size of the unit, the location of the facility, and whether our unit is climate controlled or non-climate controlled. Before you decide on a self-storage unit, it is important to compare prices and find the best deal. However, some providers of self-storage units in Wichita, Kansas like South Rock Storage do not provide pricing options on their websites. Be sure to contact them directly and inquire about their pricing information. Moreover, be sure to ask about any discounts or specials we may have (such as for military members). It is also essential to consider your needs when choosing a unit. If you only need storage for a short time, then mention this to our South Rock Storage representative because we may be able to offer a cheaper solution than if you need long-term storage. Security: What Kind of Security Features Are Available? Security should be one of your top considerations when looking for a self-storage unit. You want to ensure that your belongings are safe and secure while in storage. Look into finding a facility with security cameras and a lockable door. Make sure that the facility is well-lit and gated at all times. Climate Controlled: Should I Be Choosing a Storage Unit That's Climate Controlled? Climate control is an important consideration when choosing a self-storage unit. The temperature and humidity in the unit should be consistent and within a safe range for your belongings. Temperature fluctuations can cause damage to some properties. Humidity can lead to mold and mildew growth. Both are unpleasant, and both can be dangerous. If you are storing sensitive items, ask our representative about South Rock Storage's climate-controlled options. Meet South Rock Storage Renting a self-storage unit can be a great way to declutter your home and free up some extra space. However, it's essential to do your research and choose the best storage facility in Wichita, KS, for your needs. Following these tips can make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. South Rock Storage has a variety of unit sizes to choose from, and our facility is secure and well-maintained. We've been in the business since 2006, and our climate-controlled units are perfect for storing furniture, artwork, and other delicate items. We are also an excellent choice for businesses that need to keep inventory or equipment. Contact South Rock Storage facility now to learn how we can safely store what's most important to you.Size and Capacity: What Self-Storage Unit Size Do I Need? When it comes to choosing a size unit, it is important to first consider the amount of storage space you will need. The general rule of thumb is to select a size that will accommodate your current needs and allow for future growth. If you are unsure of what size unit you need, our experts can help you choose the right one. At South Rock Storage we offer a large variety of units in various configurations and sizes. We're confident that with these options we can meet all your self-storage needs: 5'x10' A 5'x10' is the perfect size for storing smaller furniture, boxes, and other household items. The unit has a total storage capacity of 50 square feet, so think along the lines of a walk-in closet. 10'x10' A 10'x10' self-storage unit offers 100 square feet and can hold the equivalent of an average-sized bedroom. This means that if you're looking for a place to store furniture, clothes, boxes, or any other items, this is a great option. 10'x15' A 10'x15' unit offers up to 150 square feet of storage. It's comparable to a small apartment and can accommodate furniture, smaller appliances, and other items. 10'x20' A 10'x20' self-storage unit can hold up to 200 square feet of belongings. This is the equivalent of a small one-car garage. The unit can hold furniture, larger appliances, boxes, and other items. It can be a good option too for the storage of certain cars, boats, and other vehicles. 10'x30' A 10'x30' storage unit can hold up to 300 square feet of belongings. This is the equivalent of a large one-car garage. It's perfect for larger appliances, boxes, or a vehicle such as a car or even some boats and RVs! When it comes to capacity, a few factors should be considered when choosing the right unit size as they will determine how much space you can use. Length Width Height When trying to determine the storage capacity of a self-storage unit, it's important to remember that you also have the ability to stack everything and make full use of the height. Location: What's the Best Location for Me? When it comes time to choose a self-storage unit, location is an important factor to consider. Generally, we advise people to look for storage options close to their home or workplace, this way you have fast and easy access to your items when needed. Think about how often you'll need to access your belongings. If you plan on accessing them frequently, then it's important to choose a unit that's located close by. If you won't be accessing them as often, then you could consider a facility that's further away from Wichita. While it may come with a lower price tag, don't forget it will be more hassle, mileage, and gas to access your belongings. Price: How Much Will It Cost? You want to find a unit that is affordable and fits into your budget. There are a variety of factors that can affect the price of a self-storage unit, such as the size of the unit, the location of the facility, and whether our unit is climate controlled or non-climate controlled. Before you decide on a self-storage unit, it is important to compare prices and find the best deal. Note though that some providers of self-storage units in Wichita, Kansas like South Rock Storage do not provide pricing options on their websites. Be sure to reach out to them directly and inquire about their pricing information. Moreover, be sure to ask about any discounts or specials we may have (such as for military members). It is also important to consider your needs when choosing a unit. If you only need storage for a short period of time then mention this to our South Rock Storage representative because we may be able to offer a cheaper solution than if you need long-term storage. Security: What Kind of Security Features Are Available? When you are looking for a self-storage unit, security should be one of your top considerations. You want to make sure that your belongings are safe and secure while they are in storage. Look into finding a facility with security cameras and a lockable door. Make sure that the facility is well-lit and gated at all times. Climate Controlled: Should I Be Choosing a Storage Unit That's Climate Controlled? Climate control is an important consideration when choosing a self-storage unit. The temperature and humidity in the unit should be consistent and within a safe range for your belongings. Temperature fluctuations can cause damage to some properties. Humidity can lead to mold and mildew growth. Both are unpleasant, and both can be dangerous. If you are storing sensitive items, ask our representative about South Rock Storage's climate-controlled options. Meet South Rock Storage Renting a self-storage unit can be a great way to declutter your home and free up some extra space. However, it's important to do your research and choose the right storage facility in Wichita, KS for your needs. By following these tips, you can make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. South Rock Storage has a variety of unit sizes to choose from, and our facility is secure and well-maintained. We've been in the business since 2006 and our climate-controlled units are perfect for storing furniture, artwork, and other delicate items. We are also a great choice for businesses that need to store inventory or equipment. Contact South Rock Storage facility now to learn how we can safely store what's most important to you.