Blog

Is that a letter from your storage facility in your hand? Are you starting to worry that your belongings might be at risk? Don't panic. We know how stressful it can be to fall behind on payments, but there's a good chance you still have time to avoid losing your items to a public auction.

A storage unit auction is a last resort for a facility—and a worst-case scenario for you. The good news is that with a quick plan and a little professional help, you can take control of the situation and save your possessions.

This guide will walk you through exactly what to do to stop the auction process and clear your unit, putting you back in control.

Step 1: Know Your Deadline and Your Options

First things first: you need to understand the specifics of your situation.

• Call the facility immediately. Speak with a manager and ask about the exact date and time of the scheduled auction. Also, ask for a precise total of the amount you owe, including any late fees. This conversation is crucial for determining your options.
• Understand the rules. Every state has specific lien laws that govern this process. Your rental agreement also outlines the rules. You need to know the final payment deadline to stop the auction. Even if you don't have the full amount, some facilities may offer a short payment extension or a payment plan if you show you're taking action.

Step 2: The "Keep, Sell, and Haul" Method

Now, it's time to deal with the contents of your unit. With a deadline looming, you need to work quickly and efficiently. We recommend a simple three-step process to sort your belongings:

• Keep: These are the items you absolutely need and want to hold on to. This includes irreplaceable sentimental items, important documents, or furniture you plan to use in your home. These are the things you’ll pack up and move out immediately.
• Sell: Some items might be worth selling to help you pay off the debt. This could include valuable electronics, furniture, or collectibles. Be realistic about what can sell quickly on a site like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
• Haul: Be honest with yourself about the rest. Most of the items left over are likely "junk"—things you no longer need, are broken, or have no resale value. This could be old boxes, broken furniture, worn-out clothing, and general clutter. This is where the real work begins.

Step 3: Call in the HAUL PROS

Attempting to haul away all of the unwanted items yourself is often more stressful and time-consuming than you think. You’d have to rent a truck, find time to do all the heavy lifting, and figure out where to properly dispose of everything.

This is where we come in. Hiring HAUL PROS is the fastest and easiest way to clear out your unit and stop the auction. We specialize in handling the "Haul" part of your plan.

Here’s how we make the process stress-free:

• Speed: We work fast. We can typically schedule a pickup within 24-48 hours. Our team will arrive at your storage unit ready to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
• Efficiency: Our crew will load up all the unwanted items you’ve designated for removal, saving you from back-breaking work and multiple trips to the dump.
• Responsible Disposal: We don't just take your stuff to a landfill. We'll sort through everything and ensure that any salvageable items are recycled or donated.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The longer you wait, the closer you get to losing your items forever. Take control of the situation today by creating your "Keep, Sell, and Haul" plan.
Let HAUL PROS take the stress out of the hardest part of the job. We're here to help you avoid a storage unit auction and get your life back on track.