The Storage Auction Toolkit: Everything for Your First Clean-Out

Summary: Winning an online storage auction is thrilling, but it is just the beginning of the fun. Now you need to clean out the space. Clean-out can be a big project, especially if you are not prepared with the right gear and tools.

Winning that first online storage auction can be exhilarating. It is a thrill you will only feel once. But as you look through the photos and place what you hope will be a winning bid, you suddenly realize that buying an abandoned storage unit will make you the proud owner of a room full of mystery items. You are only going to have a limited amount of time – usually 24-72 hours – to completely clear out the space.

The key to getting it done is being prepared. If you arrive on-site unprepared, you will be wasting time and money. You might even injure yourself. To succeed in this business, you need to treat clean-out like a task requiring professionalism. Having the right gear on hand is a big part of it. Below is a comprehensive list of everything you should have on hand for your first clean-out.

1. Essential Security Items

The moment you make a payment for a storage unit, its contents are your responsibility. You may have every intention to clean out the space in a single day. But let's face it, plans sometimes change. You might need the full 72 hours to get the job done. Therefore, you need to be able to secure the unit. Make sure you have:

• Heavy-Duty Locks – You're going to want to secure the unit so that its contents do not disappear while you're away. Bring at least two heavy-duty locks, preferably disc locks if possible. Note that some property owners require disc locks because they are more secure.
• Keys (and spares) – Keep all the keys to your disc locks on a single ring or carabiner. Carry them with you whenever you are working. Also keep spares in a separate location, but with you – like in your toolbox.
• Bolt Cutters – You might find that the previous tenant left locked boxes behind. NOTE: NEVER, EVER CUT A LOCK OFF A UNIT. Only the facility staff should be cutting locks.

Never cut locks left in place by property managers.

2. Lighting Equipment

Being able to see exactly what you're doing is important when you are cleaning out a storage unit. Units typically come with a single light or no light at all, so they can be pretty dark at times. Keeping a couple of high-intensity work lights on your truck is a good idea. We recommend:

• High-Lumen Headlamps – A headlamp is one of the best pieces of lighting equipment you could own. It goes wherever you do while keeping your hands free.
• Tactical Flashlight – A strong, tactical flashlight is the ideal tool for illuminating the deepest and darkest corners of the unit before you start actually moving things. You can figure out exactly what you are doing so that you don't injure yourself.
• Battery-Powered Lights – A few free-standing work lights can fully illuminate a storage unit. Battery-powered LED lamps are your best bet. They will work even if there is no electricity in the storage unit.

Lighting is your secret weapon for staying safe. The more you can illuminate a storage unit, the better you and your team will be able to see exactly what you're dealing with.

3. Sorting and Waste Management

The reality of storage auctions is that you never know what you are getting. Whether you bid in person or buy a unit through an online storage auction site, the chances are pretty good that most of what you end up with will either be trash or low-value items. So being able to sort on-site will increase your efficiency and help you avoid hauling trash back to your house. We recommend always carrying:

• Heavy-Duty Trash Bags – Contractor-grade trash bags of at least 3-4 mil thickness and 42-gallon capacity will be your best friend during clean-out. Forget kitchen trash bags. They are not tough enough.
• Tubs or Totes – Having 4-6 plastic tubs or totes on hand will facilitate sorting storage unit contents into categories before hauling things away. On-site sorting helps to streamline what you do once you get home: sell some items while donating or trashing others.
• Boxes and Tape – You are likely to encounter loose items that need to be boxed up before transport. So keep a nice selection of cardboard boxes and packing tape on hand.
• Markers and Labels – Use permanent markers and labels to mark boxes and totes once sorted. Labeling will make your life easier once you get home.

With respect to sorting and waste management, think of it the same way you would packing up and moving your house. The more organized you are on-site, the more efficient you will be when it comes time to unpack the truck.

4. Everything Else

This final category of clean-out gear includes everything else you will need. We have combined these items together because your needs will vary from one storage auction to the next. With that said, keep the following gear categories in mind:

• Hand Tools – It is common for storage unit renters to store large items that won't fit well into your truck or trailer. You will need hand tools to disassemble these sorts of things. Make sure your toolbox has the usual suspects: screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, a hammer, etc.
• PPE – You might want to keep a selection of personal protective equipment (PPE) on hand. Work gloves and safety glasses immediately come to mind. Also consider face masks, hand sanitizer, and a first-aid kit.
• Moving Tools – Consider investing in a hand truck (dolly), furniture dollies, tie-down straps, bungee cords, and moving blankets. These are all things that will help make your job easier.

Winning that first storage auction opens the door to a huge financial opportunity. But it also introduces a whole new world of responsibility. Always remember this: the key to successful clean-outs is being prepared. The better prepared you are, the more profitable your venture will be.

FAQs

How Long Do I Have to Clean Out the Storage Unit I Won at Auction?

Policies vary by property. However, the general rule is 24 to 72 hours.

What Is a Cleaning Deposit?

Some storage facility owners require auction winners to put down a deposit of $50-$200 as a way to ensure that the unit is left clean and in good order. The deposit is returned after you complete the clean-out.

Can I Throw Out Items Using the Facility's Dumpster?

Though there are exceptions to the rule, most storage facility owners do not allow the use of their dumpster. You must haul trash away to a separate location.

Can I Sell Items Directly Out of the Unit?

Generally speaking, no. It never hurts to ask for permission in special circumstances, but don't expect to get it.

Is It Better to Sort On-Site or at Home?

In most cases, sorting on site is better because you are only handling items once. If you pack up and sort at home, you're handling the same items twice. However, be aware facilities don't want you making an entire project out of picking up, speading items around the common areas and disrupting their customers.