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.

But the TV show, on cable channel A&E, has increased the popularity of the sales. Burnett says the Tampa storage company's April auction drew about 40 to 45 people for six units. “The TV show, 'Storage Wars' has brought in more bidders as they seek to snag awesome deals like they do in the show,” Burnett says in a news release.

Although Burnett admits it's better business for customers to pay their storage bills rather than make the company auction their stuff, it has added a sense of excitement. “You know, the hallways aren't that wide, and to have that many people following you around to the units, it's pretty big,” she says.

The storage company, located on Causeway Boulevard, will auction six units 10:30 a.m. June 16.