How do you get started? We thought that was a no-brainer. Go to a few auctions. Don't plan to buy, but carry money. Okay, we did that. Tips for getting started begin with this piece of advice: Avoid this activity in the dead of summer. But if you're like us, and no longer in control of the way your universe is currently spinning, you may find that the hottest part of the day is a good time to research up-coming auctions.
Our first trip out to bid on storage auctions we learned a few things. Such as, if you insist on going out buying in the summer, then you'll want to take along an ice chest full of drinks. Mostly water. Lots of ice. And remember basic things, like ice melts. If you freeze a couple of those bottles of water the night before, you're far more likely to still have an ice-cold drink at the end of the day. (That's something everyone who lives or plays on
the desert probably already knows, but I always regret it if I end up with nothing but bottles of warm water.) If you catch the right schedule on the right day, you could still be out there mid-afternoon when the temperature hits 147 degrees.
the desert probably already knows, but I always regret it if I end up with nothing but bottles of warm water.) If you catch the right schedule on the right day, you could still be out there mid-afternoon when the temperature hits 147 degrees.
And, despite the heat warning, you'll really want to go out and buy yourself about a million candlepower flashlight, the kind you can plug into your dashboard and recharge between sale locations. We got the really inexpensive ones, so we won't mind too much if they are lost or broken. No matter how bright the day, the backs of the units can be dark enough to stop you from seeing what's really in there. If your flashlight doesn't plug in to your dashboard, then be sure to have a package of new batteries.
Bring your own locks. Best to go out ahead of time and buy a couple of locks, and carry them with you! We didn't do this, even though during our first trip out (when we weren't going to buy anything anyway) we saw the other bidders all carrying them. Once you win the bid on a unit you are supposed to put your lock on it and then leave it until the paperwork is done. (You know, the part where you actually pay for it.)
If you have to go into the office to buy a lock, or to your truck to find a lock, then you end up walking 17 miles through a concrete maze and missing out on a chance at the units that come up after yours. If you don't, then you're leaving your newly purchased unit unlocked for however long it takes to auction off the rest of the units and then go in and get all the paperwork done. And you'll still need to lock it before you leave for the next location. If there's any chance at all that you'll have to buy a lock on site, it really is better to just go in and buy it before the auction begins.
Speaking of paying for it, take cash. There are only one or two that will accept checks or plastic. Expect to post a cash deposit of $50 to $100 for the unit. (And for goodness sake get the unit emptied on time and leave it clean!) Expect to burn no less than half a tank of fuel. For me, that's a truck sized half a tank of higher octane gasoline. But I burn more gallons per mile, so it works out about the same.
How much money to carry. There are literally so many variables on this question that only you can decide the answer. The best I can do is put a few observations out there. I have seen units sell for $5.00 and for $10.00, and not sell at all. I saw one unit where a couple of the people made offers on what they would want for emptying it. (The auctioneer declined.) The first unit I ever watched go to auction went for just over $1,400.00. I was appropriately discouraged by that introduction to storage auctions. Wow.
We were initially advised to always carry a couple thousand dollars. Because, we were told, at the end of the day after you already bought something, a bunch of the bidders might drop out and go home and some really fantastic unit might go cheap. If that ever happened, we'd sure want to be carrying the cash to buy it. I believe that was excellent advice. But the amount won't be right for everyone. You can scrape up a small amount of money and bid only on units you really want and think you can afford. Obviously, some people will be able to budget a higher spending limit. And I am aware that certain buyers have been making a living doing this for a number of years and those serious buyers tend to carry a lot more cash than that. (You can tell because you are watching them spend it.)
If you get part way through the morning and have either bought something or observed that the bids are up higher than you had anticipated, there are always banks to be found somewhere along the way between storage facilities. Stop for more cash, even if you don't intend to use it. I have observed that Larry often behaves very conservatively because he doesn't want to spend the available money and then not be able to bid on whatever comes up after that. So we drop out of the bidding too soon and regret it later. Or we find ourselves bidding on the less expensive units, which hasn't worked out so well for us either.
Dress comfortably. Wearing layers is advisable no matter what the weather. It's always good to be able to shed an extra layer of clothing as it gets hotter outside. It's also good to be able to add layers, whether for warmth or for protection from the sun and wind. Wear good shoes that fit well and preferably grip well. Storage auctions are not the place for breaking in new shoes, or for heavy work boots. I'm sure to be found wearing running shoes, laced up tight, with short thick socks. No heels, high or low. I like good arch support, so flats are out. I've seen lots of people wearing sandals, but I don't recommend it. For a number of reasons.
For me, a clean shirt is an absolute must. If I get 5 or 10 minutes between sales to look through what I just bought, then I will be filthy for the rest of the day. (It's truly amazing how fast that happens!) Sunglasses if you have them. A hat with a wide brim if you happen to wear hats. Hair ties if you have long hair. A cell phone. A couple of bananas (especially if you suffer from muscle cramps) or other fruit. Oranges are always high on my list. In colder months an extra pair of dry socks is a really good idea. So is a pair of gloves. Pocket warmers are a blessing if it's really cold out, and they're pretty cheap at places like Walmart and most sporting goods stores. I like sweatshirts with hoods and kangaroo pouches rather than bulky coats or jackets. I'm also fond of leather vests. (Lots of pockets, no sleeves, no collar.) They go great together, too, if it's cold or windy enough.
Unless you're planning on returning with a different vehicle to move your stuff, you'll want to consider a couple of good, strong boxes, a few trash bags, tie-downs or straps, and a small tarp, things like that. Screw drivers, both Phillips and Flatheads. A small ratchet and sockets. Some things have to be taken apart to move more easily. Other things need to be put back together before they can be lifted without breaking. Larry likes duct tape for emergencies. I prefer a coil of rope or cord. Furniture pads or moving blankets are a good idea. A small dolly if you have one.
I think windshield shades are the cat's meow. I suggest them for anyone who owns or drives a vehicle that is ever parked outside. I double suggest them for any time that you will park somewhere for about an hour, drive a little, park again, drive a little, etc. The temperature difference each time you climb back in will make you a true believer and a faithful user, too.
Take along the schedule you pasted together from the legal postings, a small note pad, and a pen. Making notes about things like who the auctioneer was and what some of the units sold for will help you remember them later, when you suddenly figure out that your notes could have been oh-so-helpful if you'd only thought to make them. The auctioneers will always ask you to sign in at the first location you attend. They usually have their schedules and e-mail addresses and things available for you. Take them. Write notes on them. Try not to lose them or toss them tomorrow when you have to clean out your truck.
Good luck!
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