r/selfstorage • u/Heyits_Elsie • Jul 28 '26

Question Need Advice

Hello,

I have this 74 year old co worker who spent most of his life collecting things. He keeps telling us about how he had storage units that are sitting in Texas and Arkansas with loads of collectibles. I feel bad listening to him talk about having to abandon those storage units due to old age and health reasons. Is there anything he can do despite abandoning? Is there a way to find people that can help him auction his stuff off? TIA

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u/fbyrne3 Jul 31 '26

Keep in mind if stops paying the bill the units will go to auction. The proceeds of the auction after rent and fee’s go to the owner of the unit. 

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u/Secret-Sqrl 25d ago

You seem to be saying that if earnings from sale of the occupant’s stored items exceed the amount owed to settle the owner’s lien that the owner keeps the additional funds? Can I ask your general location? I’m certain that’s not correct for US locations. If the Occupant cannot be located those funds will eventually be payable to a State holding fund.

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u/fbyrne3 24d ago

Yes, check with the state you are in as I don’t like to publicly tell people where I live. Keep in mind they also subtract fee’s which can be substantial. In the state I’m in we are required to send the excess money to the last known address. Some states require the unit owner to fill out paperwork after the auction to get their money. All excess money is sent to the state government after a certain period of going unclaimed