How Storage Auctions and Late Payments Work

• Rent is due on the 1st of the month. Most facilities grant a 5-day grace period.
• On Day 6, a late fee ($10 to $20 or 20% of monthly rent) is assessed, and your digital gate access code is overlocked (preventing facility entry).

• If rent remains unpaid for 30 consecutive days, management sends a formal Notice of Default via certified mail or verified email.

• State law requires facilities to advertise upcoming auctions in local newspapers or certified online auction portals (such as StorageTreasures) for 1 to 2 consecutive weeks.

You retain the right to cure your account up until the moment auction bidding closes:

• Pay total past-due balance: You must pay all back rent, cumulative late fees, legal notification costs, and auction setup fees.
• Payment forms: Facilities require cash, cashier's check, or credit card payment for defaulted accounts.
• Cut overlock: Once the balance settles, management removes the overlock, restoring access to your belongings.

• Disassemble sectional sofas: Separate sectional pieces and stand sofa sections vertically on padded moving blankets.
• Protect electronics: Wrap flat-screen televisions in anti-static foam wrap and store vertically inside double-walled TV boxes.
• Secure tables: Remove coffee table legs, tape hardware underneath in labeled bags, and wrap glass table tops in heavy bubble wrap.

• Encase mattresses: Place mattresses and box springs inside heavy-duty 6-mil plastic mattress bags to block dust and moisture.
• Use wardrobe boxes: Hang suits, dresses, and formal coats inside wardrobe boxes to prevent wrinkling and save packing time.
• Fill dresser drawers: Pack lightweight clothing, pillows, and extra sheets directly inside dresser drawers to utilize empty space.

• Pack plates vertically: Store ceramic plates vertically on their edges like vinyl records, layered with bubble wrap. Stacking plates flat increases breakage risk.
• Use cell dividers: Store wine glasses, stemware, and coffee mugs in specialized glassware boxes equipped with cardboard cell dividers.

• Stacking heavy boxes on top of light boxes: Always place heavy book boxes on the floor as a solid base and stack lighter clothing boxes on top.
• Storing uncleaned appliances: Leaving food crumbs or moisture inside fridges and microwaves attracts pests and creates foul odors.
• Using newspaper for wrapping: Newspaper ink transfers permanently onto china, porcelain, and light-colored furniture finishes. Use unprinted newsprint packing paper instead.
• Ignoring ceiling height: Failing to stack items vertically up to 7 feet wastes over 50% of rented cubic space.
• Failing to inspect the unit before loading: Check walls, ceiling seams, and floor corners for water stains or pest activity before unloading your truck.

Before unloading your moving truck into a newly rented unit, perform this 5-minute visual inspection:

• Inspect door seals: Ensure rubber weather stripping along the bottom roll-up door is pliable and intact without gaps.
• Check ceiling corners: Look for dark water stains, damp insulation, or daylight cracks along metal roof seams.
• Examine floor condition: Confirm concrete is clean, dry, and free of chemical oil stains or standing dust.
• Test latch smooth action: Slide door latch back and forth 3 times to verify your disc lock fits smoothly.
• Verify light fixture function: Confirm hallway lighting or interior unit lights operate properly.
• Check pest bait stations: Verify pest control traps near your unit entrance are active and clean.
• Photograph unit condition: Take 3 timestamped photos of the empty unit before loading your property.