Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Have U Been to a Storage Unit Auction?

     Thanks to Miss Mustard Seed’s 10 Secrets to Thrifting Success, I found an auction being held at a self storage place last week. (check out auctionzip.com for auctions in your area)

     I had never been to an auction like this before & I was a bit nervous, so I brought MurphyGrace. (okay, looking back, that was not the best plan that I have ever had)

     Let me just tell you right here and now, it was pretty sad. They open the unit, you get to look inside at all of the things that people thought were important enough to store for years, but now can’t pay for and think. “This is a person’s memories, their grandma’s hat, their child’s 1st grade class photo, that old TV that still works….” It was voyeuristic, creepy, and eye opening. 

     Murphy and I did make a friend that helped us learn the ropes. He also made the whole experience brighter by what he did. The first unit that went up for auction, my new friend, Dan, was the highest bidder. As we walked to the next unit up for auction, Dan told me that the unit was actually his X’s and she had fallen on hard times. He drove all the way up from Santa Monica and was happy to help her out and get her things back for her. What a nice guy.

     If you are curious, there were 3 units that sold for $325, $105, & $125. The two lower prices were smaller, 5 X 10 units.

     I don’t think that I will have the stomach to go to one again, but I am glad that I went and learned about the process and it never hurts to make a new friend.

     So, if you ever need your guitar or other stringed instrument repaired in the LA area, call Players Repairs at 323-375-7814 and ask for Dan Singer. One good deed  deserves another right?

13 comments:

Jane said...

I have never been to one of those auctions. It does sound a bit sad. What part of CA do you live? I lived in Simi Valley for 3 years ('98 to '01). We really loved it there but my husband's job moved us to KC.
Have a great day.
Jane

Dawn said...

I've seen those advertised but have never gone. It is a bit different than when people sell their stuff on their own. Definately sad. Dan sounds like a great guy. His x is pretty lucky.
Hugs,
Dawn

Olde Dame Penniwig said...

I find storage units very bizarre to start with, but I never really thought of what happens if you cannot pay! Guess I just assumed they would ask you to move your stuff...didn't know it would be sold for costs...

I've been to some estate sales that gave me the heebee jeebees...

ThriftyAnnabella said...

My husband has a cousin who does this and then sells the stuff at garage sales for a living. She makes pretty good money and we love going to see what she's got new every month.

Pauline Wiles said...

Wow, I had no idea these existed. You're right, it really is sad. Kudos to Dan, though.

Expressions by Heather said...

I've never been to an auction, but the one that was across from one of our homes had a yearly "yard" sale. You could sell your own stuff from your unit if you rented one, or he would sell items that were abandoned. Not quite as creepy feeling.

Heather Rogers said...

That is sad. I dont blame you for the way you felt. I would feel the same way.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and entering in my giveaway.
Heather

Embellished Bayou said...

I have always wondered about these. I'm sorry your experience was less than fun, I imagine it would be weird buying a whole lot of someone else's stuff.

Anonymous said...

It is kind of sad isn't it? Glad you made a new friend though! Thanks for stopping by tonight. btw - what is turkenduck???

pk @ Room Remix

Linda said...

I've never been to a storage unit auction but wondered how it all worked. Do you get to view what's in the units before you bid on them? Knowing me, I'd probably want to find a way to contact the owner to return their stuff! I

Old Time Cindy said...

Gwen,
You took Murphy Grace? :) Makes me smile as I could never take my boys...they are hound dogs. When I go to auctions and/or flea markets, they have to sniff me up and down forever. We must pick up surrounding smells, because they wag their tails and seem to enjoy where I've been. LOL!
Living it up at Lakewood,
Cindy

J Rodney said...

I have never heard of such a thing, but it sure sounds interesting. I can imagine it must be sad to see though.

Alaina said...

I have to say that was really nice what Dan did for his x. Nice to know there are really nice people out there. Still reading.

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