Storage auctions gain interest

TAMPA — Capitalizing off the popularity of the cable TV show “Storage Wars,” Self Storage Centers of America in Tampa promotes its own storage unit auctions as not-to-miss events for deal seekers.

In a news release, the storage company invites people to come participate in the “thrill of the auction.” The events feature storage units that are delinquent on payments and have gone through a legal procedure to notify owners, including the securing of liens and a notice published in the newspaper.

Units go to the highest bidder. Sometimes the storage units have items of value, such as jewelry or collectibles, and sometimes they hold junk. According to Self Storage Centers of America Manager Sheila Burnett, the units the company auctioned in April sold for about $200 to $475 each.