“GOING ONCE. TWICE. SOLD!” – STORAGE AUCTIONS IN THE UK

Have you ever wondered what happens to the contents of storage units when their owners abandon them or default on rent payments?It’s not a common occurrence but, from time to time, self storage facilities find themselves lumbered with the abandoned belongings of ex-customers, despite persistent efforts to contact their owners.In these situations the contents of the storage units need to be removed so that the storage facility can let the space out to new customers. This process can be very time-consuming and the costs of clearance and disposal only add to the financial losses of the already unpaid rental bills.However, there are ways for storage facilities to limit the amount of financial damage they sustain in these situations. In this article, we’ll take a look at an innovative yet misunderstood solution that has grown in popularity over recent years, one that has crossed the Atlantic on a wave of TV success.

Storage Unit Auctions As A Last Resort

Mostly due to the success of shows such as Storage Wars and Storage Hunters UK, there has been a growing interest in the world of abandoned self storage units in the UK. While these TV shows are no doubt entertaining, they don’t accurately reflect what typically happens to deserted units in the UK.In the first instance, these shows pit a group of potential buyers against each other as they vie for the contents of around five storage units per episode. That’s a lot of abandoned storage units. In reality, most storage facilities may only have to deal with one or two deserted units per year, and many will go years without having to deal with any.It’s not surprising really when you consider that people care a lot about the items them keep in storage units, so naturally they don’t want to lose them. However, in rare circumstances and for various reasons, storage facilities may have no choice but to reclaim the abandoned unit.In the majority of cases though, self storage facilities will make every effort to contact the owner of the storage items. This grace period can be anything between ten days to three months, and will typically involve a letter being sent by recorded delivery to both the customer’s main and alternate address.While it is very rare for storage facilities to resort to getting rid of people’s abandoned belongings, it can sometimes be the only recourse. Which brings us to…

Abandoned Storage Unit Auctions in the UK

After the grace period has ended and the storage facility’s letters, emails and calls have gone unanswered, they can regain access to the unit to assess the contents. Depending on the facilities general policy and the value of the items, the storage facility may simply dispose of the contents or put them up for sale to cover their losses (this is known as ’lien’ in legal terms).Here is where we see another difference with the TV shows. While the show depicts auction-bidders standing outside a locked unit, loudly speculating and bidding on its mysterious contents, the reality in the UK is a little less dramatic.Firstly, storage unit auctions are, for the most part, conducted online, typically on auction sites such as Ebay. Some facilities may even have mailing lists of prospective bidders who they can alert when a storage unit comes up for sale.While the storage facility can choose to keep the contents of the unit a mystery, most will upload pictures of the contents or even list the storage items one-by-one. Not quite the tension that TV producers are looking for!

Personal Data and Privacy Concerns

Before a storage unit (or any items therein) is sold, storage facility staff will inspect the contents to ensure that all confidential information has been removed. This may include documents, photos, IDs, CDs, computers or any other items that could be or hold personal data.These sensitive items will either be forwarded on to the previous customer or, if they are still unresponsive, will be securely destroyed to ensure that data protection laws and GDPR regulations are upheld. The storage facility should also retain a certificate of destruction that can be presented to the previous owner or any government inspectors on request.

Avoid This Situation With A Reliable, Cost-Effective Storage Facility

While storage units are occasionally abandoned and some customers may default on rent payments, the reality is that the vast majority of these situations could be avoided with proper communication and an adaptable storage company.At Flexible Storage, we go the extra mile to build relationships with our customers to ensure that they receive the best possible service. We regularly remind customers to check their contact information is up-to-date, as well as keep our prices as competitive as possible so that our units are affordable for all. We have a multitude of self storage services available to ensure you’re only paying for the storage you need. Contact our friendly team today for a free consultation on your storage needs.

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Using Self Storage in Chelmsford or Aveley During Life Changes

By James Coxon • August 15, 2025

Discover why our storage facilities in Aveley and Chelmsford are great options for when you are going through life changes like moving home.

Indoor Storage vs Container Storage: What’s the Difference?

By James Coxon • August 3, 2025

When it comes to finding extra space for your belongings, storage units are a reliable and flexible solution, whether you're moving house, renovating, running a business, or simply need to clear a bit of room at home. There are a few different types of storage to choose from, depending on your needs. But one of the first choices you'll come across is whether to go for indoor storage or container storage. You might have seen both options online and wondered what the difference actually is. Do you really need climate control? Is one more secure than the other? And which one offers better value? Let’s take a closer look at how the two compare and why container storage often comes out on top. What is Indoor Storage? Indoor storage units are based inside a large warehouse or purpose-built facility. You usually access them through a main reception or loading bay, then navigate your way through internal corridors (sometimes using lifts or trolleys) to get to your unit. These kinds of facilities are sometimes climate-controlled and can be a good option for anyone storing delicate or temperature-sensitive items, like vintage furniture, valuable artwork, or sensitive electronics that need extra care. They tend to offer a wide range of unit sizes, and security is usually high, with PIN codes, alarms and staff on-site. The trade-off? You’ll often pay more for the added features, and access isn’t always as quick or easy as you might like — especially if you’re trying to move larger items in a hurry or during busy hours. What is Container Storage? Container storage takes a simpler, more practical approach. The units are steel containers set in a secure, outdoor storage location, the same kind you might see on construction sites or at docks, but ours have only ever been used for personal or business storage. The biggest benefit? You can drive straight up to the door of your unit. No trolleys. No tight corridors. No lifts. Whether you’re loading a sofa or unloading stock for your business, the ease of access is a game-changer. Container storage units are also fully weatherproof and incredibly secure. At Flexible Storage, we use CCTV-monitored sites with PIN-coded gates, and all units are lockable with heavy-duty padlocks. Many of our customers also appreciate the extended opening hours or 24/7 access we provide, especially for tradespeople, business owners, or anyone with a busy schedule. How Do You Choose? It all depends on what you’re storing and how you plan to use your space. If you're storing particularly delicate or valuable items, like antiques or anything sensitive to temperature or humidity , some people may consider indoor units. That said, don’t discount container storage; many customers safely store a wide range of items with no issues. It really comes down to what feels right for you. But for most everyday storage needs like furniture, tools, excess stock, seasonal equipment, or items in between moves, container storage is more than up to the task. It’s easier to access, more cost-effective, and gives you plenty of space without the added frills (or fees) of an indoor facility. Why We Offer Container Storage Only We’ve focused entirely on container storage because we believe it gives our customers the best balance of value, convenience, and security. We’ve helped homeowners during renovations, supported students moving between terms, and provided local businesses with extra stock space — all through reliable, easy-to-access container units. You don’t need a fancy building or high-tech climate control to keep your items safe. You just need something that’s clean, dry, secure, and easy to get to. That’s exactly what we offer. If you’re not sure how much space you’ll need, check out our Unit Size Guide or speak to a member of the team; we’re always happy to help. You can also pop by one of our sites in Aveley , Grays , or Chelmsford to take a look at the units in person. When comparing indoor storage and container storage, it’s easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles. But sometimes the most straightforward option is also the most effective, but of course, not all container sites are the same. Flexible storage goes the extra mile. We operate clean, tarmacked or concrete yards. They all have monitored CCTV & lights. They all have PIN-coded gate access. If you want secure, no-fuss storage with the freedom to come and go when it suits you, container storage could be exactly what you need. Get in touch with us today to book a unit or ask us any questions; we’ll help you find the right solution, at the right size, for the right price.