You’ve done it! You won the auction, you've got the key, and now you’re standing in front of your new investment. It’s an exciting moment, but the real work—and the real fun—begins now. The key to turning your win into a profit (or just a great success) is a smart strategy for sorting, selling, and, most importantly, hauling away the items you don't need.
Follow this guide to master the process and get the most out of your auction haul.
Step 1: Get Everything Out and Organized
Before you can do anything with the contents of the unit, you need to get it all out. Use a hand truck or dolly to move the larger items. It’s a good idea to lay down a tarp or plastic sheeting outside the unit to keep things organized as you pull them out. This also makes the final cleanout much easier.
- Create Your Work Zone: Set up dedicated areas for different categories. A simple system is best, and we recommend the tried-and-true: Keep, Sell, and Haul.
- The "Reveal": As you empty the unit, you'll be able to get a better look at everything. This is where you might find hidden gems or realize that certain items are not as valuable as you thought.
Step 2: How to Sell Your Treasures
This is the part that turns a good haul into a great one. Even if an item isn’t for you, it might be exactly what someone else is looking for.
- Identify Your Market: For valuable antiques or collectibles, consider selling them to a specialized dealer. For general items, online marketplaces are your best bet.
- Take Great Photos: Good photos make a huge difference. Take pictures in good lighting and from multiple angles.
- Write Clear Descriptions: Be honest about the condition of the item. A simple, detailed description will attract serious buyers.
- Bundle It Up: For less valuable items like books, tools, or toys, consider bundling them into a single lot to sell them quickly.
Step 3: The Final Haul Away
After you’ve sorted, sold, and packed away your treasures, you'll be left with a pile of things you don't want. This is the "Haul" part of the process, and it’s a critical step that you can’t afford to mess up.
- Don't Get Stuck: This leftover pile often contains broken furniture, old appliances, and general debris. It's often too big to fit in your car and too messy to deal with yourself. You'd have to make multiple trips to a disposal site, and there's a good chance you'll have to pay a fee.
- The "Broom-Clean" Rule: Remember that you’re responsible for leaving the storage unit completely empty and "broom-clean." The facility will charge you a fee or keep your deposit if you fail to do so.
Step 4: The Smart Choice - Call HAUL PROS
Don't let the final stage of your auction haul become a frustrating, back-breaking chore. This is where a professional hauling service makes all the difference.
- Save Time: Our team can clear out the entire unit in a fraction of the time it would take you to do it yourself.
- Avoid the Hassle: We do all the heavy lifting, loading, and responsible disposal, so you don't have to worry about a thing.
- Final Touch: Once we're done, your unit will be ready to return to the facility, guaranteed to be clean and empty.
A Successful Haul, From Start to Finish
Winning a storage auction is just the beginning. The real success comes from a smart, organized approach to the cleanup. By sorting with a plan and partnering with HAUL PROS for the final haul away, you can maximize your profits and make your experience a great one, every single time.