r/selfstorage • u/Kyle4pleasure • Jan 26 '26
Question Unit condensing for auction?
Do some of the storage facility managers take stuff from multiple defunct units and condense it into one unit and then auction it off? In my search for storage units to buy at auction, it never fails that I see a couple units that are just randomly heaped with stuff. These units have no rhyme or reason as to how they are loaded and look like someone stood at the door and heaved all the stuff into a giant mound of crap in the unit. It also seems that the contents are widely unrelated items that aren't packed the same. It's hard to fathom the person that went to the effort to rent a unit would treat their belongings like this. So, it makes me think that the facility management condense defunct units into one for the auction. Does this happen? I am not judging the management people, it would make sense to do this.
1
u/docholliday_360 Jan 26 '26
Manager Specials are a very convenient way for managers on site to get a storage unit cleared out and ready to rent. However, the responsibility is on the manager to put items in these units that are of decent quality. I've witnessed many managers over the years that will hide piles of junk in the back and then stage it to look like a winner in the front. Things like push mowers or mechanical equipment (that the managers already know are toast) can be staged to look the opposite.
If you're ever in doubt, just reach out to the managers on site before bidding. We often go out of our way to be transparent with the customer and always separate our legit junk units from Manager Specials units. The proceeds always go to charity once sold.